Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches—a dessert that captures all the warmth of summer and coziness of a homey kitchen in every juicy, tender bite. This showstopper is as blissfully simple as it is stunning, combining ripened peaches, fragrant spices, melty butter, and a hint of vanilla to create that gooey, golden magic you’ll crave again and again. Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are perfect for both an effortless weeknight treat and for impressing guests at a dinner party. Once you taste how the sugar melts into the fruit, you’ll never look at peaches—or easy desserts—the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With recipes like this, it’s all about celebrating the flavors of each ingredient. Every component in Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches brings its own charm, from the vibrant fruit to the luscious buttery finish—no extras, just pure goodness.

• Ripe peaches: Their natural sweetness and juiciness are the backbone; make sure they give just a little when pressed for the best flavor.
• Granulated sugar: The essential sweetener that caramelizes beautifully atop the fruit.
• Ground cinnamon: Whisks in that unmistakable warmth and depth you expect from classic baked treats.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the sugars meld into a saucy topping.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash infuses everything with fragrant complexity.
• Brown sugar: That touch of molasses flavor makes the topping extra gooey.
• Lemon juice: A bright pop of acidity to balance all that sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch—it sharpens the flavors so every bite sings.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you time to prepare the peaches while the oven comes to temperature, setting the stage for that glorious bubbling bake. Choose a baking dish that allows the peach halves to sit snug, cut side up—this helps them bake evenly and lets all the syrupy goodness pool right where you want it.

Step 2: Slice and Pit the Peaches

Take your ripe peaches, slice them in half, and gently twist to separate. Remove the pits with care—if you like a little rustic charm, leave the skins on for extra color and nutrients, but peeling them is an easy option too if you prefer a softer presentation.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, blend together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until thoroughly mixed. This blend is the soul of Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches, delivering that craveable sweet-spicy crust. Stir them well so every bite gets just the right touch of cinnamon magic.

Step 4: Arrange and Flavor the Peaches

Nestle the peach halves cut side up in the baking dish. Drizzle each with melted butter and a dash of vanilla extract—these little steps infuse the fruit with buttery, aromatic flavor. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across all the peaches so every crevice gets its fair share.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Salt

Using a spoon or your fingers, add a few drops of lemon juice to each peach half. That little hit of acid works wonders, making the sweetness pop. Finish with a gentle dusting of salt—just a pinch—over the tops to create the perfect harmony of flavors.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender and Syrupy

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The peaches should soften, and the sugar and butter will melt into a bubbling syrup. For a final flourish, uncover during the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly caramelized top. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes; this helps the syrup thicken a touch and makes them easier to serve.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Garnishes

Dress up your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for melty contrast, or whipped cream for a cloud-like finish. Toasted nuts, such as sliced almonds or chopped pecans, lend a delightful crunch and earthy flavor. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of honey adds a pretty touch and even more dimension.

Side Dishes

Pair these peaches with simple vanilla or coconut yogurt for a breakfast twist, or serve them alongside shortbread cookies or angel food cake for a dessert that’s both familiar and just a little unexpected. Their syrup is also perfect for spooning over pancakes or waffles as a decadent brunch addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, place each half in individual ramekins and top with your favorite extras. Try stacking two peach halves with ice cream for a playful take on a peach sandwich, or layer them into parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a stunning brunch-worthy treat. Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches shine in everything from family-style servings to artful plated desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (highly doubtful!), store cooled Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavor only deepens as the syrup soaks in.

Freezing

These peaches freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled peach halves in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months and make an easy, quick dessert pick-me-up when you need a taste of summer.

Reheating

To rewarm, simply microwave individual peach halves for 30-45 seconds, or gently reheat a larger batch in a covered baking dish at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes. This restores their warmth without overcooking and brings back that glorious syrupy texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches give the best texture and flavor for Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches, but you can absolutely use well-drained canned or thawed frozen halves in a pinch. Just be sure they’re not packed in syrup, and blot off any extra moisture for best results.

What’s the best way to peel peaches?

If you prefer your baked peaches sans skin, simply score a small X in the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then slip off the skins once cool. It’s fast, easy, and makes for a truly tender bite.

Are there any nut-free garnish options?

Absolutely! Go for toasted coconut, crushed graham crackers, or just a dash of extra cinnamon and sugar for a beautiful, nut-free finishing touch.

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and gently reheat before serving. Sometimes the flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s dessert even more irresistible.

Will this recipe work with other stone fruits?

While peaches are the star, this method also works beautifully with nectarines, plums, or apricots. Just adjust the bake time if the fruit is smaller or less ripe to get that perfect tenderness.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches a place at your table. One batch is all it takes to see why this simple, luscious treat is cherished by everyone who tries it—whether you savor it straight from the dish or as part of a grand dessert. Happy baking and happy sharing!

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