Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner
Sweet, juicy peach halves bathed in cinnamon sugar and butter, then baked to caramelized perfection with a hint of nutty crunch.
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Nothing beats a warm, tender peach that’s been lovingly bathed in melted butter and kissed by a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are like summer in dessert form—each half turns golden and juicy, its natural sweetness enhanced by a cozy blend of brown sugar and warming spices. From the moment these peaches slide into the oven to the second they emerge with caramelized edges and bubbling sweet juices, you’ll know you’re onto something magical. And the best part? It’s a breeze to prepare, making it a perfect treat for both busy weeknights and lazy weekend gatherings.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe. My kitchen filled with the gentle sizzle of butter hitting the hot baking dish, then the sweet scent of caramelizing sugar and cinnamon swirling through the air. I had four plump, perfectly ripened peaches on hand, and one taste nearly sent me over the moon—the fruit was tender but still held its shape, the sugar crust offered a delightful crunch, and a hint of vanilla brightened every bite. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, a cooking time of 40 minutes, and only a 5-minute rest before devouring, it’s a beginner-friendly dessert that feels anything but simple. Whether you’re hosting friends on a sunny afternoon or craving a warm fruit dessert after dinner, these peaches deliver cozy comfort in every mouthful.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON SUGAR BAKED PEACHES

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, working together to create a luscious dessert that’s bursting with sweetness, spice, and a hint of crunch.

  • Peaches

Fresh, ripe peaches bring natural sweetness and juicy moisture. When baked, they become tender yet still hold their shape, releasing luscious peach juices that mingle with the sugar syrup.

  • Unsalted butter

Melted butter coats each peach half, adding creamy richness and helping the sugars caramelize into a golden crust.

  • Granulated sugar

Provides a straightforward sweetness and contributes to the crisp, crackly topping.

  • Brown sugar

Packed with molasses, it offers a deeper, caramel-like flavor that complements the peaches’ natural sugars.

  • Ground cinnamon

Infuses each bite with warm, spicy notes that highlight the peaches’ fruity essence.

  • Ground nutmeg

An optional spice that adds an extra layer of aromatic complexity, perfect if you love subtly nutty undertones.

  • Vanilla extract

Rounds out the flavors with its sweet, floral fragrance, helping all the ingredients sing in harmony.

  • Salt

Just a pinch balances the sweetness, intensifying both fruit and sugar flavors.

  • Chopped pecans or almonds

Optional for texture, these nuts bring a lovely crunch and earthy nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the tender fruit.

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON SUGAR BAKED PEACHES

These simple steps turn fresh fruit into a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that feels indulgent without a fuss.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even heat and perfect caramelization of the sugar topping.

2. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Arrange them in a baking dish, cut side up, so each half can soak up the buttery sugar.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the peach halves, ensuring each one is lightly coated in rich, golden butter.

5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the peaches, making sure each half is fully covered for maximum sweetness and spice in every bite.

6. Drizzle vanilla extract over the peaches to add a delicate floral note that enhances the overall flavor.

7. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the peaches. These nuts will toast slightly in the oven, adding a crunchy texture.

8. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and tender when pierced with a fork—this ensures they’re perfectly cooked without drying out.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow the tops to become golden and caramelized, giving lively color and extra crispiness.

10. Let the peaches cool slightly before serving so the juices can thicken and you avoid any scalding syrup surprises!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON SUGAR BAKED PEACHES

Once your peaches come out of the oven looking irresistible, it’s time to decide how to serve them. Whether you want to keep things simple or elevate to a show-stopping finale, these ideas will help you plate like a pro.

  • Vanilla ice cream pairing

Serve each warm peach half alongside a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold merges into a creamy, dreamy experience.

  • Whipped cream and fresh mint

Dollop on softly whipped cream and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a light, elegant presentation that adds herbal brightness.

  • Greek yogurt and honey drizzle

For a tangy twist, top the peaches with a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt, then finish with a gentle swirl of honey for balanced sweetness.

  • Breakfast delight

Place baked peaches on top of pancakes or waffles and drizzle with any remaining cinnamon-sugar syrup—a decadent morning treat that tastes like dessert for breakfast.

HOW TO STORE CINNAMON SUGAR BAKED PEACHES

If you have any leftovers (and trust me, it’s hard not to finish them all!), proper storage ensures they stay delicious for later enjoyment.

Keeping these peaches tasty is all about seal and chill. Store them in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the sugars from drying out. In the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to indulge again, gently reheat in a warm oven or microwave until the fruit is heated through and the topping is slightly re-caramelized.

  • Refrigerator storage

Transfer cooled peaches into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days, ensuring the fruit retains its juicy texture and the sugar syrup remains luscious.

  • Freezer method

Lay the peach halves on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Then, move them into a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air. They can last up to two months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

  • Room-temperature short-term

If you plan to eat them within a few hours, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Keep on the countertop away from direct sunlight to preserve the texture.

  • Reheating tips

Warm in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or use 30-second bursts in the microwave. This helps revive the golden, caramelized topping without making the peaches mushy.

CONCLUSION

These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches capture the essence of summer’s bounty in a dessert that’s as simple as it is sensational. From the first forkful of tender, spice-kissed fruit to the last drop of sweet, buttery syrup, this easy beginner-level recipe proves that you don’t need fancy techniques to create something truly memorable. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight treat, a weekend brunch highlight, or a light finale to a backyard barbecue, these caramelized peaches will have everyone asking for seconds.

Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder for safekeeping, or save it to your favorite digital notebook for whenever fresh peaches make an appearance. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to troubleshoot any questions or offer helpful tips—jump in if you need more guidance! And if you decide to try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment with your results, share any twists you made, or ask for advice if you run into any hiccups. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr
Calories: 360

Description

Each peach half turns tender and golden, its sweet juices mingling with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a dash of vanilla. Top with nuts or ice cream for a cozy summer dessert.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Place them in a baking dish, cut side up.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
  4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the peach halves.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the peaches, making sure each half is coated.
  6. Drizzle vanilla extract over the peaches for added flavor.
  7. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the peaches for a bit of crunch.
  8. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the tops to become golden and caramelized.
  10. Let the peaches cool slightly before serving.

Note

  • You can serve these baked peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • For a healthier option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or Greek yogurt.
  • If you prefer your peaches to be less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar to taste.
  • This recipe works well with nectarines too, so feel free to try that variation!
Keywords: cinnamon sugar baked peaches, baked peaches recipe, easy summer dessert, fruit dessert, caramelized peaches, sweet peach treat
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Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does it take to prepare and bake the cinnamon sugar baked peaches?

From start to finish, plan for about 35–45 minutes. Preparation—including halving and pitting peaches, melting butter, and mixing sugars—takes roughly 10 minutes, and baking time is 25–30 minutes plus an additional 5–10 minutes uncovered for caramelization.

How do I know when the peaches are perfectly baked?

The peaches are done when they are soft and tender under a fork or knife, and the sugar topping has turned golden and bubbly. If they still feel firm after 25 minutes, continue baking for a few more minutes before removing the foil.

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

You can use frozen peach halves, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first to avoid excess liquid. Pat them dry with paper towels, then proceed with the recipe as written to prevent a soggy dessert.

What are some suitable substitutions for butter and sugar for a healthier version?

Replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or use Greek yogurt drizzled on top after baking. To cut down on sweetness, you can reduce the granulated and brown sugar by half or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, adjusting to taste.

How should I store and reheat any leftovers?

Store leftover baked peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds until warmed through.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes. Use melted coconut oil instead of butter and swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if desired. Confirm that your brown sugar is vegan, and skip any dairy toppings or use coconut whipped cream or vegan ice cream when serving.

Are there any recommended serving suggestions or toppings?

These baked peaches pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or almonds on top, drizzle with honey or caramel sauce, or add a handful of fresh berries for extra color and flavor.

Isabella Roberts

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hey my name is Isabella, I’m so glad you’re here. As a culinary enthusiast and mother, I love sharing quick, healthy, and family-friendly recipes. My cookbook and blog blend tradition with innovation, inspiring delicious moments in the kitchen. Join me on this flavorful journey!

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