Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe

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Looking for a dessert that’s impressive yet effortless? Tired of complicated recipes with long ingredient lists that still leave you unsatisfied? Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches transform simple, fresh fruit into a decadent treat that tastes like peach pie filling without all the work. Each bite delivers warm, caramelized peaches with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust that melts in your mouth, creating the perfect balance of fruity and spiced flavors.

As a pastry chef who specialized in fruit-forward desserts for fifteen years, I’ve refined this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches recipe to highlight the natural sweetness of peak-season peaches while creating that irresistible caramelized exterior. The secret lies in selecting the perfect peaches and knowing exactly when to pull them from the oven.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the best peaches, preparing them properly, and baking them to tender perfection. You’ll also discover delicious variations, serving suggestions, and helpful tips to ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches turn out perfectly every time, whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight treat or an elegant dinner party finale.

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe Works

  • Uses just 6 simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
  • Takes only 5 minutes of prep time before the oven does the rest
  • Perfect for both casual family desserts and elegant entertaining
  • Highlights seasonal fresh fruit without masking its natural flavors
  • Works with perfectly ripe, slightly underripe, or even frozen peaches
  • Creates a healthier dessert option that still feels indulgent and satisfying

Choosing the Right Peaches

Best Peach Varieties

For Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches that truly shine, freestone varieties like Elberta, Red Haven, or Cresthaven work beautifully. Their firm texture holds up well to baking while their balanced sweet-tart flavor intensifies with heat. Yellow peaches generally offer more robust flavor for baking, though white peaches can work if you prefer their more delicate, floral sweetness. Clingstone varieties are perfectly acceptable but require a bit more effort when slicing around the pit.

Shopping and Ripeness Tips

Look for peaches with vibrant color and a fragrant aroma at the stem end. For baking, select fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t overly soft. Slight firmness is ideal as they’ll soften during baking. Avoid peaches with green undertones (indicating they were picked too early) or any with wrinkled skin, bruising, or soft spots. If using farmers market peaches, ask for “firm-ripe” specimens specifically for baking.

Fruit Substitutions

If peaches aren’t available or in season, nectarines make a perfect 1:1 substitute with no recipe adjustments needed. Apricots work wonderfully but require less baking time (about 15 minutes total). For a complete change, pears or apples create a fantastic fall version – just increase baking time by 5-10 minutes and add a touch more butter. In winter months, frozen peach halves work surprisingly well – thaw partially, pat dry, and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Ingredients & Prep

Basic Components

  • 4 ripe but firm peaches
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Peach Preparation Essentials

Proper peach prep ensures perfect results. Wash peaches thoroughly and dry completely before halving – excess moisture prevents proper caramelization. When halving, cut through the natural indentation running from stem to bottom, then twist gently to separate. Remove pits with a small spoon or melon baller, creating a slightly larger cavity that will hold more of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If peach skin is particularly tough or bitter, you can remove it, but the skin typically softens beautifully during baking and adds color and nutrients.

Flavor Enhancers & Variations

While the basic cinnamon-sugar mixture creates magic on its own, consider these enhancements:

  • Add 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg for complexity
  • Include 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for a subtle warmth
  • Mix in 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for brightness
  • Substitute maple sugar for brown sugar for a deeper caramel note
  • Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the butter mixture for an adult version

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Pre-Baking Preparation

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and dry peaches thoroughly.
  3. Cut peaches in half along their natural seam, and gently twist to separate.
  4. Remove pits and create a slight hollow in the center of each half using a spoon.
  5. Place peach halves cut-side up in a baking dish that fits them snugly but without crowding.
  6. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and vanilla extract.

Seasoning Application

  1. In another small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  2. Brush the cut surface of each peach half with the butter-vanilla mixture, making sure to coat the entire surface.
  3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over each peach half, concentrating slightly more in the center hollows.
  4. Pour any remaining butter around the peaches in the baking dish.

Baking Method

  1. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the peaches are tender when pierced with a fork and the sugar mixture has caramelized.
  2. For extra caramelization, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  3. The peaches are done when the tops are bubbling, the sugar has formed a slight crust, and the fruit yields easily to a fork but still holds its shape.

Resting & Serving

  1. Allow the peaches to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven – this allows the caramelized juices to slightly thicken and the flavors to settle.
  2. Spoon any pan juices over the peaches before serving.
  3. Serve warm, either on their own or with your favorite accompaniments (see Serving Suggestions below).
  4. For the best flavor experience, enjoy while still warm but not hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Avoiding Common Mistakes

The most common issue with baked peaches is excess liquid that prevents caramelization. Always thoroughly dry peaches after washing, and if using particularly juicy specimens, consider sprinkling a thin layer of flour in the bottom of the baking dish to absorb excess moisture. Another common mistake is overbaking, which causes peaches to collapse and lose their appealing texture. Check for doneness early by gently piercing with a fork – they should yield but still maintain their shape.

Tool Recommendations

A ceramic or glass baking dish provides even heat distribution and showcases the beautiful colors of this dessert. Choose one that holds your peach halves snugly but not crowded; too much empty space can cause juices to spread too thin and potentially burn. A pastry brush is ideal for applying the butter mixture evenly without disturbing your cinnamon-sugar coating. For testing doneness, use a cake tester or thin-tined fork rather than a knife, which can tear the delicate fruit.

Storage & Reheating Guidelines

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave on 50% power for 1 minute. Frozen baked peaches can be kept for up to 1 month – thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes to restore some of the original texture.

Flavor Variations

Seasonal Inspirations

  • Summer Berry Stuffed: Before baking, fill peach cavities with fresh blueberries or raspberries for bursts of color and complementary flavor.
  • Fall Harvest: Add 1/4 teaspoon of allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup before serving.
  • Winter Comfort: Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped crystallized ginger and serve with a splash of warmed brandy or bourbon.

Dietary Adaptations

  • Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based butter or coconut oil for the butter with excellent results.
  • Paleo-Friendly: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated and brown sugar, and ghee instead of butter.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar by half and add 1/4 teaspoon of pure stevia extract, or use a monk fruit sweetener blend designed for baking.

Topping Variations

  • Streusel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle with a mixture of 2 tablespoons each of flour, oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cold butter cut into small pieces.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add 3 tablespoons of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Cookie Crumble: Mix 1/4 cup of crushed gingersnaps or graham crackers with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are versatile enough to be served in multiple ways. For a simple but impressive dessert, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the caramelized juices. For brunch, pair with Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of granola for a sweet but balanced offering.

These baked peaches also make an excellent topping for overnight oats, pancakes, or waffles. For an elegant dinner party, serve atop a small round of pound cake with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a mint sprig. A dessert wine pairing like Sauternes, ice wine, or a late-harvest Riesling complements the caramelized fruit beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches with frozen peaches?

Yes! Thaw frozen peach halves about halfway, pat dry with paper towels, and proceed with the recipe. Add about 5 minutes to the baking time, and consider adding 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch to the cinnamon-sugar mixture to help thicken the extra juices that frozen peaches typically release.

How do I know when the peaches are perfectly done?

Perfectly baked peaches should be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The sugar mixture should be bubbling and have formed a slight crust on top. If you’re uncertain, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake, as they will continue to soften slightly during the resting period.

Can I prepare Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches in advance?

For the best texture and flavor, prepare the peaches up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Already baked peaches can be gently reheated at 300°F for 10 minutes, though they won’t have quite the same texture as freshly baked ones.

Are Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches healthy?

While not a low-calorie dessert, Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are healthier than many alternatives. They’re centered around fresh fruit, contain significantly less sugar than typical desserts, and have no processed ingredients. For an even healthier version, reduce the sugar by half and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches transform humble fruit into a dessert that balances simplicity with sophistication. With minimal effort and ingredients, you’ll create a treat that highlights the natural beauty of fresh peaches while elevating them with warm spices and caramelized sweetness.

Heat up your oven and try this recipe tonight! Join over 8,000 home cooks who’ve made these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches their go-to dessert for both weeknight treats and special occasions. The combination of easy preparation and impressive results makes this recipe one you’ll return to whenever peaches are in season.