Introduction of Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches
There’s a quiet kind of magic in the way a ripe peach transforms under heat. The sugars deepen, the flesh softens, and the aroma fills your kitchen with the scent of summer. As a professional chef, I’ve cooked peaches in more ways than I can count, but this recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches continues to impress with its simplicity and flavor.
Table of Contents
This dessert hits all the right notes. It’s warm and cozy yet light and refreshing. The peaches are halved and roasted with just the right touch of salted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until golden and tender. You don’t need a mixer or fancy technique to pull it off, just a few good ingredients and about fifteen minutes of prep. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a weeknight treat, or looking for a lighter alternative to pie, this recipe delivers every time.
What sets this apart from others is its versatility. Prefer to grill them? I’ve got you covered. Want to try the air fryer for a quick spin on tradition? That works too. This guide walks you through all three methods so you can choose based on your mood or your equipment.
If you’ve never baked fruit before or you’re simply craving something sweet and seasonal, this cinnamon sugar baked peaches are about to become your go-to dessert. Let’s get started.
Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches 3 Irresistible Ways
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Small Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
For the Peaches
- 3 large ripe peaches halved and pitted
- 1 to 2 tablespoons salted butter cut into small cubes
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional for Serving
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Slice peaches in half and remove the pits. Place the halves cut-side up in the dish.
- Add a small piece of butter into the center of each peach half.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the peaches.
- Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until peaches are soft and golden.
- Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
Air Fryer Version: Cook peaches at 350°F for about 8 minutes.
Low Calorie Option: Swap ice cream for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
More Favorites from My Kitchen:
Strawberry Peach Crisp Secrets for a Perfect Crunch
The #1 Secret to Irresistible Brown Butter Brookies (In 7 Steps)
Or go to my Pinterest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches”
This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches recipe is simple, satisfying, and endlessly flexible. Whether you’re new to baking fruit or already a fan of summer desserts, here’s why this dish deserves a spot on your table:
- Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup
- Uses just a handful of ingredients you likely already have
- Warm, spiced, and naturally sweet without being heavy
- Perfect as a weeknight dessert, brunch side, or elegant dinner finale
- Delicious with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or whipped cream
- Can be made in the oven, on the grill, or in the air fryer
What really makes this version special is how it balances ease and elegance. The brown sugar and cinnamon melt into the butter to create a caramel-like sauce that pools inside each peach half. Roasting brings out the fruit’s natural juices while softening the flesh just enough to make it spoon-tender.
It’s a nostalgic kind of comfort food, one that feels homemade and heartfelt without requiring hours in the kitchen. Guests love it. Kids love it. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll love it too.
Ingredients Needed of Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches
You only need a few fresh ingredients to create these warm and flavorful cinnamon sugar baked peaches. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Peaches
- 3 large ripe peaches – Freestone varieties work best for easy pitting and cleaner halves
- 1 to 2 tablespoons salted butter – Cut into small pieces to melt into the peach centers
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and caramel-like richness
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with peaches
Optional for Serving
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream – A cool, creamy contrast to the warm fruit
- Caramel sauce – Drizzle on top for an extra indulgent finish
Tip: If your peaches are very ripe, you can reduce the sugar slightly and still get great flavor.
This ingredient list is short, approachable, and flexible. Now let’s walk through how to turn these simple components into a stunning dessert.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches
This dessert is quick to prepare and hard to get wrong. Follow these easy steps for tender, golden peaches with a sweet spiced finish.
1. Preheat and Prepare the Peaches
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Slice each peach in half and remove the pits. Place the peach halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, spaced evenly.
Tip: If the pits are stubborn, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop them out gently without tearing the fruit.
2. Add Butter to the Center
Place a small piece of salted butter (about ¾ teaspoon) into the center of each peach where the pit was. This will melt into the fruit and help form a rich, buttery glaze as it bakes.
3. Mix and Sprinkle the Topping
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Spoon the mixture over each peach half, allowing it to settle into the center and over the top.
Mini tip: Use your fingers to lightly press the sugar mixture onto the surface so it sticks well while baking.
4. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. The peaches should be soft to the touch and the topping golden and slightly bubbly.
Visual cue: The edges of the peaches will begin to wrinkle slightly and juices will start to caramelize.
5. Serve Warm
Remove the pan from the oven and let the peaches cool slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Optional: Add chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavor.
You now have a delicious, elegant dessert that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. Don’t forget to check out the grilled and air fryer versions in the notes section.
Serving and Storage Tips of Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches
How to Serve
- Serve warm straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the classic pairing. The cold cream melts into the warm peaches, creating a rich and satisfying sauce.
- For a lighter option, top with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a breakfast-style twist.
- Make it elegant by serving in individual ramekins with toasted nuts and a mint leaf for garnish.
- Add a savory twist by pairing the peaches with grilled pork chops or roasted chicken for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
How to Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container once completely cooled. They will keep for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm individual peach halves in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
- Avoid freezing fully baked peaches, as they tend to become too soft once thawed. If you want to prep in advance, slice and pit the peaches and refrigerate them raw until ready to bake.
These serving ideas and storage tips help you enjoy every last bite without compromising texture or flavor.
Helpful Notes for Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches
- Choose ripe but firm peaches for best results. Overripe peaches can become too mushy when baked, while underripe ones may stay hard. A ripe peach will give slightly when gently squeezed and have a fragrant aroma near the stem.
- Freestone peaches are easier to work with because the pit separates cleanly from the flesh. Clingstone peaches can still be used but may require a bit more effort when halving.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. If your peaches are very sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly. For tart peaches, add a tiny pinch of granulated sugar for balance.
- Try grilling or air frying. To grill, wrap the peaches in foil and place them over medium heat for 8 to 12 minutes until tender. For air fryer peaches, cook at 350°F for about 8 minutes.
- Add texture with toppings. A sprinkle of chopped pecans, walnuts, or granola can turn this dessert into a satisfying crumble-style treat.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative in place of regular butter. It still melts beautifully and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Turn it into a crisp. Add a quick oat and flour crumble topping over the sugar mixture for extra crunch and a more rustic presentation.
These little adjustments can help you tailor the recipe to your taste, dietary needs, or available kitchen tools.
Conclusion of Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches
If you’re craving a simple, warm, and satisfying dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh fruit, these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are exactly what you need. With just a few ingredients and under 20 minutes of oven time, you’ll create something that feels cozy and indulgent, yet fresh and light enough to enjoy all summer long.
What makes this recipe stand out is its flexibility. You can bake, grill, or air fry the peaches based on your preferences and what’s available in your kitchen. Each method creates tender fruit with a caramelized topping that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Whether you pair them with vanilla ice cream for a classic finish or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, the result is always delicious.
These peaches are perfect for summer entertaining, quick weeknight desserts, or even a light brunch addition. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make them shine, just a few fresh peaches and a little cinnamon sugar magic.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment and give it a star rating below. Your feedback helps others and makes this cooking community even better.
And don’t forget to share your baked peaches on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to see your creations.
Question for you: Did you stick with the oven version, or try the grill or air fryer method? Let us know in the comments. Your tips could inspire someone else!
Frequently Asked Questions of Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches
Will peaches soften in the oven?
Yes, peaches soften beautifully in the oven. Baking helps break down their fibers, making them tender while intensifying their natural sweetness. Ripe peaches will become soft and juicy after about 10 to 13 minutes of baking.
Does cinnamon taste good with peaches?
Absolutely. Cinnamon enhances the warm, fruity notes of peaches and adds a comforting depth of flavor. It pairs especially well with the caramelized sugars created during baking.
Can you bake peaches that are not ripe?
You can, but the results may vary. Underripe peaches take longer to soften and might not become as juicy or flavorful. If using firm peaches, consider baking them a bit longer and adding a touch more sugar to boost sweetness.
How do you can peaches without sugar?
To can peaches without sugar, use a water or fruit juice solution instead of syrup. Boil peeled, sliced peaches in water or white grape juice, then seal in sterilized jars using proper canning procedures. This preserves them naturally without added sweeteners.
Are peaches good when hard?
Hard peaches can be used in baking or grilling, but they won’t be as flavorful or juicy as ripe ones. If time allows, let them ripen at room temperature until they yield slightly to gentle pressure before using.