Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches: Is there anything that screams summer quite like a perfectly ripe, juicy peach? Now, imagine that peach, warmed through, its natural sweetness intensified, and coated in a fragrant blanket of cinnamon and sugar. That’s precisely what we’re making today, and trust me, you’re in for a treat!

Baked peaches, in their simplest form, have been enjoyed for generations, a testament to the enduring appeal of transforming humble fruit into a comforting dessert. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of fruit, warmth, and spice has resonated across cultures. Think of it as a rustic cousin to the more elaborate peach cobblers and crisps, offering a delightful simplicity that allows the natural flavors to shine.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the peaches bake is simply divine, a promise of the deliciousness to come. But beyond the ease and the aroma, it’s the taste and texture that truly win hearts. The warm, soft peaches, the slight caramelization from the sugar, and the gentle spice of the cinnamon create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, cinnamon sugar baked peaches are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as a simple dessert, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even serve them alongside grilled pork or chicken for a sweet and savory twist. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these baked peaches are sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Peaches and Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial to ensure the peaches bake evenly and the cinnamon sugar topping caramelizes beautifully. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start.
2. Prepare the peaches: Gently wash the peaches and pat them dry. Cut each peach in half and remove the pit. If the peaches are very large, you can cut them into quarters instead of halves. This will help them cook more evenly.
3. Melt the butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a small saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
4. Combine the sugars and spices: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor that complements the peaches perfectly. Make sure there are no lumps in the brown sugar.
5. Add flour and oats (optional): Stir in the all-purpose flour and rolled oats (if using) to the sugar and spice mixture. The flour helps to thicken the topping slightly as it bakes, and the oats add a nice chewy texture.
6. Incorporate the melted butter: Pour the melted butter into the sugar and spice mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. If it seems too dry, you can add a tiny bit more melted butter, a teaspoon at a time.

Assembling and Baking the Peaches

1. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the peaches from sticking to the dish. Choose a dish that is just large enough to hold the peach halves in a single layer.
2. Arrange the peaches: Place the peach halves, cut-side up, in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can prevent them from baking evenly.
3. Top the peaches with the cinnamon sugar mixture: Spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cut sides of the peach halves. Gently press the mixture onto the peaches so that it adheres well. You want a generous coating of the cinnamon sugar mixture on each peach half.
4. Sprinkle with nuts (optional): If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar topping. The nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
5. Bake the peaches: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of the peaches, so keep an eye on them. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into a peach half; it should be easily pierced.
6. Check for doneness: The peaches are done when they are soft and easily pierced with a fork, and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Cooling and Serving

1. Let the peaches cool slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peaches cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to thicken slightly and prevent you from burning your mouth.
2. Serve warm: Serve the baked peaches warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm peaches and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
3. Optional toppings: You can also drizzle the peaches with a little honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint can also add a refreshing touch.
4. Storage: Leftover baked peaches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

• Choose ripe but firm peaches: The best peaches for baking are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe peaches will become too mushy during baking.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the topping.
• Add a touch of spice: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as ginger or cardamom, to add a unique flavor to the topping.
• Use different nuts: You can substitute other nuts, such as almonds or macadamia nuts, for the pecans or walnuts.
• Make it vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use vegan butter and ensure that any toppings you use are also vegan-friendly.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: Make sure the peach halves are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding can prevent them from baking evenly.
• Serve with a sauce: For an extra decadent treat, serve the baked peaches with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of mascarpone cheese.

Variations

• Grilled Peaches: For a smoky twist, grill the peach halves instead of baking them. Simply brush the cut sides with melted butter and grill over medium heat for a few minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened. Then, top with the cinnamon sugar mixture and grill for another minute or two, until the topping is melted and bubbly.
• Peach Crisp: Transform this recipe into a peach crisp by adding a streusel topping made with flour, oats, butter, and sugar. Simply crumble the streusel topping over the peaches before baking.
• Peach Cobbler: For a heartier dessert, make a peach cobbler by topping the peaches with a biscuit dough. Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
• Peach Crumble: Similar to a crisp, a crumble topping is less refined and often uses larger pieces of butter and flour for a more rustic texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast: Serve baked peaches as a warm and comforting breakfast, topped with yogurt and granola.
• Dessert: Enjoy baked peaches as a simple yet elegant dessert, served with ice cream or whipped cream.
• Side Dish: Serve baked peaches as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork. The sweetness of the peaches complements the savory flavors of the meat.
• Snack: Enjoy a baked peach as a healthy and satisfying snack.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and that it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. Remember to adjust the ingredients and spices to your liking and have fun experimenting with different variations. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a plate, a burst of summer sunshine even on the cloudiest day. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly simple, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. The combination of the juicy, tender peaches, the fragrant cinnamon, and the sweet, caramelized sugar is simply irresistible. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for a casual weeknight treat or a special occasion.

But the best part? It’s so versatile! While these baked peaches are divine on their own, they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a truly decadent experience, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess against the warm, spiced peaches is a match made in heaven. Alternatively, you could crumble some graham crackers or shortbread cookies over the top for added texture and a delightful buttery crunch.

For a slightly healthier option, consider serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. The yogurt adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the peaches, while the nuts provide a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats. You could even drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the peaches before baking for a boozy twist. Or, for a more complex flavor profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. You could also try using different types of peaches, such as white peaches or donut peaches, to see how the flavor changes.

Another fantastic variation is to add a crumble topping. Simply combine flour, butter, sugar, and oats in a bowl, then crumble the mixture over the peaches before baking. This will create a delicious, crispy topping that complements the soft, juicy peaches perfectly.

These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s the perfect way to showcase the natural sweetness of peaches and create a memorable dessert that everyone will love.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please share your thoughts and any variations you’ve made in the comments below. Did you serve them with ice cream or yogurt? Did you add a crumble topping or a splash of bourbon? I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy baking!

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