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 amplified by a fragrant coating of cinnamon and sugar. That, my friends, is pure bliss, and it’s exactly what you’ll get with this incredibly easy and delicious recipe.

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 variations exist across cultures, the core concept remains the same: gently cooking peaches to unlock their full potential. The addition of cinnamon and sugar elevates this classic to a whole new level of flavor complexity.

What makes cinnamon sugar baked peaches so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the soft, yielding flesh of the peach against the slightly caramelized, subtly crunchy topping. The warm, comforting spices perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the fruit, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts. It’s also surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it the perfect dessert for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

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

Preparing the Peaches:

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to go when we’ve prepped the peaches.
2. Next, gently wash and dry your peaches. It’s important to use ripe but firm peaches. If they’re too soft, they’ll become mushy during baking.
3. Now, halve each peach and remove the pit. A spoon or a small knife can help with this. Make sure you remove all traces of the pit.
4. Arrange the peach halves in a baking dish, cut-side up. I like to use a 9×13 inch baking dish, but anything similar will work. Make sure the peaches have a little space between them.
5. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the peach halves. This will help them caramelize beautifully in the oven and add a rich flavor.

Making the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar mixture.
2. In a separate bowl, prepare the crumble topping. Combine the light brown sugar, flour, and rolled oats. The brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor and helps create a slightly chewy texture. The flour helps bind the crumble together, and the oats add a nice textural element.
3. Add the remaining melted butter to the brown sugar mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix; you want to keep some texture.
4. If you’re using nuts, stir them into the crumble topping now. Pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the peaches and spices perfectly.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cut sides of the peach halves. Make sure each peach gets a good coating of the cinnamon sugar.
2. Next, generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the cinnamon sugar layer. You want to cover each peach half with a good amount of crumble.
3. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on the ripeness of your peaches and your oven. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness after 30 minutes.
4. To check if the peaches are done, insert a fork or knife into one of the peach halves. It should be easily pierced with little resistance. The topping should also be nicely browned and slightly crisp.
5. Once the peaches are baked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This allows the juices to thicken a bit and prevents you from burning your mouth.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve the baked peaches warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold ice cream or whipped cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced peaches.
2. You can also drizzle a little caramel sauce or maple syrup over the peaches for an extra touch of sweetness.
3. For a more elegant presentation, garnish the peaches with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
4. These baked peaches are also delicious served with a side of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter dessert option.
5. 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 and Variations:

1. Peach Variety: While I recommend using ripe but firm peaches, you can experiment with different varieties. Freestone peaches are generally easier to pit than clingstone peaches.
2. Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more.
3. Sweetener Options: You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a healthier alternative.
4. Flour Substitutions: If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or almond flour in the crumble topping.
5. Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, simply omit the nuts from the crumble topping. You can also add some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a little extra crunch.
6. Adding a Glaze: For an extra glossy finish, you can brush the baked peaches with a simple glaze made from apricot jam or honey after they come out of the oven.
7. Boozy Peaches: For an adult twist, you can add a tablespoon or two of bourbon or rum to the melted butter before drizzling it over the peaches.
8. Make Ahead: You can prepare the peaches and the crumble topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the peaches and bake as directed.
9. Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the peach halves instead of baking them. Grill them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly charred. Then, top them with the cinnamon sugar and crumble topping and grill for another minute or two, until the topping is melted and golden brown.
10. Adding Other Fruits: You can also add other fruits to the baking dish along with the peaches, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. This will add extra flavor and color to the dessert.

Troubleshooting:

1. Peaches are too soft: If your peaches are too soft, they may become mushy during baking. To prevent this, choose peaches that are ripe but firm. You can also reduce the baking time slightly.
2. Topping is not browning: If the topping is not browning, you can broil the peaches for a minute or two at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Topping is too dry: If the topping is too dry, you can add a little more melted butter to the mixture.
4. Peaches are not sweet enough: If your peaches are not sweet enough, you can add a little more sugar to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
5. Baking dish is overflowing: If your baking dish is overflowing, you can use a larger baking dish or divide the peaches into two smaller baking dishes.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are truly a must-try recipe, and I’m confident they’ll become a new favorite in your household, just as they have in mine. The combination of the warm, tender peaches, the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar coating, and the incredibly simple preparation makes this dessert (or breakfast, or snack – no judgment here!) an absolute winner. It’s the kind of treat that feels both comforting and a little bit special, perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful brunch with friends.

But why is this recipe so essential? Beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s the sheer versatility and ease that truly sets it apart. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve perfect results. The instructions are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the entire process is surprisingly quick. In a world where time is precious, having a go-to recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort is invaluable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase the natural sweetness of peaches, especially when they’re in season and bursting with flavor.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! For a truly decadent experience, serve these warm baked peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm peaches and the cold creaminess is simply divine. You could also crumble some graham crackers or shortbread cookies over the top for added texture and flavor.

Looking for a healthier option? Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative to ice cream or whipped cream, providing a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, adds a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different spices? A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a hint of ginger can add a unique twist to the classic cinnamon sugar flavor. You could also try using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, more caramel-like flavor.

Another fun variation is to add a splash of bourbon or rum to the peaches before baking. The alcohol will evaporate during baking, leaving behind a subtle, boozy aroma and flavor that’s perfect for a special occasion. Just be sure to use a high-quality spirit for the best results.

These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are also fantastic served as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even oatmeal. Imagine starting your day with a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal topped with these sweet and spicy peaches – it’s the perfect way to fuel your body and your soul.

I truly believe that this recipe is a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try it for yourself. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches.

Once you’ve had a chance to try this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy baking!