Cinnamon Sugar Baked Dessert

This dessert is a celebration of summer's sweet bounty that transforms ordinary peaches into something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients. The warm cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen while these peaches bake to tender, caramelized perfection, making an impressive dessert that requires almost no effort.

I discovered this recipe during a summer when our local orchard had an abundance of peaches. My family was getting tired of plain peach cobbler, and this simpler version became our go-to dessert that perfectly showcases the natural sweetness of ripe peaches.

Ingredients

• Ripe peaches: Choose freestone varieties for easier preparation and look for fruit that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn't mushy
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the caramelization process
• Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes that complement the fruit better than white sugar
• Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with peaches
• Ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and warmth to the spice profile
• Honey: Enhances the natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its aromatic qualities
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Turn your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish that will comfortably fit all your peach halves without crowding. The light coating of oil prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Prepare The Peaches:

Wash peaches thoroughly then slice them in half along their natural seam. Gently twist the halves in opposite directions to separate and remove the pit. Place them in your prepared dish with the cut side facing up to create a natural bowl for the sweet filling.

Create The Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. Pour in the melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract if using. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand with all dry ingredients fully incorporated. This mixture will melt into the peaches as they bake creating a beautiful caramelized glaze.

Apply The Topping:

Spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly among the peach halves, filling the cavity where the pit was and allowing some to spill over the top. Let them sit for about 5 minutes before baking, which allows the flavors to begin soaking into the fruit.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You will know they are done when the peaches are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork and the topping has melted into a bubbling golden caramel. For extra caramelization, switch to the broiler for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serve Warm:

These peaches are best enjoyed warm from the oven when the contrast between the warm fruit and cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature play. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to prevent mouth burns from the hot caramel.

The brown sugar in this recipe is truly the secret ingredient. I once tried making these with just white sugar and the depth of flavor was completely missing. There is something magical about how the molasses notes in brown sugar interact with the butter and cinnamon to create a sauce that tastes much more complex than its simple ingredients would suggest.

Making It Healthier

This dessert is already on the lighter side compared to most, but you can make it even healthier with a few simple adjustments. Replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined option with more nutrients. You can reduce the butter by half and still achieve good results, or substitute with coconut oil for a dairy free version. The honey can be reduced or eliminated if your peaches are particularly sweet. Consider serving with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for added protein and fewer calories.

Seasonal Variations

While this recipe shines with summer peaches, you can enjoy a version of it year round. In fall, use the same technique with apples or pears, adding a bit more cinnamon and perhaps some cloves. Winter citrus like halved grapefruits benefit from this treatment too, though they need less cooking time. In spring, try strawberries or rhubarb chunks, adjusting the sweetness accordingly. The fundamental technique of fruit plus butter, sweetener, and warm spices works beautifully across seasonal produce.

Elegant Presentation Ideas

Transform this humble dessert into something restaurant worthy with thoughtful presentation. Serve in individual ramekins with a mint leaf garnish for color contrast. Drizzle with a simple sauce made from reduced fruit juice or a complementary liqueur. Create height by stacking two halves with a layer of mascarpone cheese between them. For dinner parties, place each serving on a small pool of vanilla custard and add a delicate tuile cookie for textural contrast. These simple touches elevate the visual appeal without adding significant effort.

Storage And Reheating

These baked peaches keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making this a perfect make ahead dessert. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds. Cold leftovers can also be chopped and stirred into morning oatmeal or yogurt for a decadent breakfast treat. The sweet syrup that collects in the container makes an excellent topping for pancakes or waffles.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

While fresh peaches yield the best flavor and texture, canned peaches can work if you drain them well. Keep in mind the syrup may make them sweeter and softer.

→ What type of peaches work best for baking?

Use ripe, freestone peaches for easy pitting and slicing. Avoid overripe peaches as they may become too mushy during baking.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version with similar results.

→ What toppings pair well with baked peaches?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, granola, or chopped nuts add great flavor and texture. You can also drizzle with extra honey for sweetness.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.