Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

If you’re looking for a sweet and simple dessert that celebrates summer’s freshest fruit, you’ve come to the right place! Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are not only an absolute treat for the senses but also super easy to whip up. This recipe is one of my favorites because it brings out the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and adds a cozy warmth with cinnamon and brown sugar. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these baked peaches are sure to impress everyone at your table.

This delightful dish is perfect for serving warm right out of the oven. Imagine the aroma filling your home as they bake! And if you’re feeling indulgent, pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of yogurt takes this dessert to a whole new level. Trust me; you’ll want to make these again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious dessert baking in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves warm peaches, especially when they’re sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm with ice cream or yogurt, or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re delightful!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Seasonal Delight: Perfect for using up those juicy summer peaches!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients will be a breeze! You’ll find that they are simple and wholesome, making this recipe both delicious and guilt-free.

Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
– A pinch of salt

Variations

One of the best things about Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch.
• Try different fruits: Substitute ripe nectarines or even apricots for a twist on flavor.
• Sweeten it differently: Instead of granulated sugar, use honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Spice it up: Mix in some nutmeg or even a hint of ginger alongside the cinnamon for extra warmth.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your peaches bake evenly and develop that lovely syrupy goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Cut the peaches in half and carefully remove the pits. You can decide whether to leave the skins on or peel them based on your taste preference. The skins add texture and nutrition, but peeling gives a softer bite.

Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the peach halves cut side up in a baking dish. This arrangement allows all those delicious juices to pool around each peach as they bake—yum!

Step 4: Mix Your Sugars & Spices

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mixing these ingredients well helps ensure that every bite is evenly flavored with that delightful cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Step 5: Drizzle & Sprinkle

Drizzle melted butter and vanilla extract over the arranged peach halves. Then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over each peach. This layering creates that beautiful caramelization as they bake.

Step 6: Brighten Up with Lemon Juice

Adding a few drops of lemon juice enhances the flavors beautifully. It balances out the sweetness while giving your baked peaches a refreshing twist!

Step 7: Add Salt

Just a pinch of salt goes over the peaches now. It’s amazing how salt can elevate sweetness—don’t skip this step!

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Cover your baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until those juicy peaches are tender and fragrant.

Step 9: Get Crispy (Optional)

If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil during the last five minutes of baking. This step will give you that golden finish everyone loves!

Step 10: Cool & Serve

After removing from the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm but still heavenly at room temperature!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Making the perfect Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches is all about paying attention to a few key details that can elevate your dessert experience!

• Choose ripe peaches: Using perfectly ripe peaches ensures a sweet and juicy outcome. They should yield slightly when you press them, indicating they are ready for baking.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is the star of this recipe, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for an extra layer of flavor. These spices can add warmth and complexity to the dish.

• Use fresh lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also enhances the sweetness of the peaches. It creates a beautiful balance that makes each bite delightful.

• Let them cool before serving: Allowing your baked peaches to cool slightly after removing them from the oven helps set the syrupy sauce. This way, it won’t run all over your plate when you serve them.

• Serve warm: For the best experience, serve your baked peaches warm right out of the oven. This way, they are at their most fragrant and delicious, especially when paired with cold ice cream or yogurt.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Presenting your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches beautifully can truly enhance the enjoyment of this delightful dessert. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts on top adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender peaches.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, a dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a rich and creamy contrast to the warm peaches.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm peach syrup, creating an irresistible combination.
• Greek yogurt: For a healthier twist, serve with unsweetened Greek yogurt. Its tanginess balances out the sweetness perfectly.
• Granola: A side of crunchy granola brings in additional texture and nutty flavors that enhance your dessert experience.
• Shortbread cookies: Pairing with buttery shortbread cookies creates a delightful crunch alongside your soft baked peaches.

Enjoy crafting this sweet treat! Whether you’re serving it for an occasion or a cozy night in, these baked peaches are sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can enjoy these delightful treats throughout the week or serve them at gatherings, making them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the baked peaches to cool completely before storing.
• Place the peaches in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the baked peaches cool completely.
• Wrap each peach half individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen or refrigerated peaches on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or until they reach your desired temperature.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches:

Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with nectarines, apricots, or even plums. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed!

How do I make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches healthier?

You can reduce the sugar by using less granulated sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Enjoying them with yogurt instead of ice cream can also lower calories while adding protein!

What should I serve with Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches?

These baked peaches are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with vanilla yogurt, whipped coconut cream, or a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge for a couple of days before serving. Just reheat as described above before enjoying!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches! They are not just easy to prepare; they truly capture the essence of summer fruit desserts. Whether enjoyed warm on their own or topped with something creamy, they’re sure to become a favorite. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with sweet aromas and wonderful memories!