Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that feels a bit like summer in every bite, look no further than Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches. These tender, aromatic peaches are kissed with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, baked until bubbling and juicy, and finished with just the right touch of vanilla and lemon. Fresh peaches transform into a warm, syrupy treat that’s impossibly easy yet impressively delicious, perfect for both weeknight cravings and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how a short list of straightforward ingredients comes together to deliver big, comforting flavors in this dish. Every component has its moment, blending into a dreamy, golden dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

• Peaches: Opt for ripe but firm peaches for the best, juiciest result; skins on or off is up to you.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the signature sweetness and helps create that gorgeous syrup while baking.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy, aromatic warmth that soaks right into the peaches.
• Unsalted Butter, melted: Gives richness and allows the sugar topping to caramelize beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Lends a hint of floral, mellow complexity, perfectly complementing the spiced peach flavor.
• Brown Sugar, packed: Brings a touch of molasses depth and extra gooeyness to the topping.
• Lemon Juice: Offers a fresh, zesty pop to brighten all the sweet notes.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances out the sugars and helps highlight every flavor in the dish.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the peaches become tender and syrupy without turning mushy, giving the cinnamon sugar mixture plenty of time to melt and mingle with the fruit.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Slice each peach in half and gently twist to remove the pits. You can leave the skins on for a rustic look or peel them for an ultra-soft finish; both ways are delicious in Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches.

Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish

Set the peach halves, cut side up, into your chosen baking dish. Giving each half a little space helps the heat circulate and the flavors to concentrate as everything bakes.

Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mixing these together first ensures an even distribution of spice and sweetness over every peach.

Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract evenly over the peach halves, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. This rich base is what creates that delicious, caramelized syrup.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Generously sprinkle your prepared cinnamon sugar mix over each peach half. Watch as it clings and promises ooey-gooey deliciousness when baked.

Step 7: Brighten and Balance

Dot each peach with a few drops of fresh lemon juice for a tangy lift, and don’t forget that little pinch of salt—the secret to making all the flavors pop in Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the peaches to soften and their natural juices to blend into the syrupy topping.

Step 9: Uncover for Crispiness (Optional)

For an irresistible, golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. This step helps caramelize the sugars and intensifies the flavor further.

Step 10: Cool Slightly

Remove the dish from the oven and let the Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn your tongue on those molten juices—they’re worth the (short) wait!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches

Garnishes

For an elegant finishing touch, add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts. A drizzle of maple syrup or even a few fresh mint leaves can take your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches to new heights of deliciousness without much extra effort.

Side Dishes

Set off the sweetness and warmth with sides like buttery shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti. For something more savory, pair these peaches alongside a mild cheese plate—goat cheese or creamy ricotta plays beautifully with their juicy, spiced profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: Stuff the baked peaches into individual ramekins for an upscale dinner party, layer them in parfait glasses with cream and granola for brunch, or even chop them up and serve over pancakes. However you present Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches, expect smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled peaches and syrup to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and luscious for up to three days—perfect for snacking, breakfast, or dessert all over again.

Freezing

For longer storage, Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, tuck them into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. They’re a lovely taste of summer sunshine even in the coldest months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the peaches and their syrup in a microwave-safe dish and warm in short bursts until heated through. Alternatively, gently rewarm in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until bubbly and soft. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen up the syrup.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches for this recipe?

Absolutely, though fresh peaches deliver the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain them well before baking. For frozen peaches, let them thaw and pat dry to prevent excess liquid in the dish.

Do I have to peel the peaches?

Nope, the skins soften considerably during baking, and leaving them on adds rustic charm and extra nutrients. However, if you prefer a softer bite, peeling is quick and easy—just don’t skip this recipe if you’re short on time!

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches in advance?

You can! Bake them up to a day ahead and gently reheat before serving. In fact, the flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?

Definitely! Swap in plant-based butter or coconut oil for the unsalted butter—your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches will still be full of flavor and just as scrumptious.

What if my peaches aren’t very sweet?

If your fruit is less sweet, simply increase the sugar a bit, or serve with an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Baking really concentrates the flavor, so even less-than-perfect peaches become dessert magic!

Final Thoughts

Bursting with flavor, stunningly simple, and wonderfully adaptable, Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are the kind of dessert you’ll love to make again and again. Whether you’re indulging on a quiet evening or sharing with friends, these peaches capture those just-picked, sun-drenched moments in every bite—so go on, bake a batch and treat yourself!

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