Baked Peaches

Baked Peaches are a simple, sweet, and warm dessert that brings out the natural flavors of ripe peaches. When baked, the peaches soften and caramelize, becoming a perfect mix of juicy and tender with a slightly caramelized top. They’re often enhanced with a sprinkle of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, making them an ideal treat for any time of the year, but especially delicious during peach season.

I first tried baked peaches during a summer dinner gathering, and I was amazed by how easy it was to turn simple peaches into something so comforting. The beauty of baked peaches is how versatile they are—you can add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even drizzle with honey for extra sweetness. The combination of warm peaches and cold ice cream is unbeatable, and it feels indulgent while being light and fresh. You can also toss a few chopped nuts on top for added crunch or sprinkle some oats for a crumble-like texture. It’s a perfect dessert that doesn’t require too much effort but feels like a real treat!

Perfect for:

• Summer gatherings
• Dessert buffets
• A cozy evening treat
• Family meals
• Fruit lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Baked Peaches will become your go-to dessert:

• Sweet and Tangy: The peaches provide a natural sweetness with a touch of tartness, making each bite a burst of flavor.
• Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients, this dessert comes together quickly and requires minimal preparation.
• Perfectly Roasted Peaches: Baking the peaches softens them, concentrating their flavor and making them melt in your mouth.
• Crispy Topping: The golden, crisp topping adds texture and contrasts perfectly with the tender fruit.
• Customizable Flavor: Add nuts, oats, or other spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.
• Healthy Yet Indulgent: Naturally sweet, these peaches make a healthier dessert option without sacrificing flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it great for entertaining.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve with ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the peaches and the fun, crispy topping makes this a hit with kids.
• Gluten-Free Option: Skip the topping or substitute gluten-free oats for a satisfying alternative.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

For the Baked Peaches:

• 6 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Ripe Peaches: The base of this dessert, providing natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the peaches, elevating their flavor.
• Rolled Oats: Gives the topping its crispy, hearty texture.
• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy crust on the topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peaches:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prep the Peaches: Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
3. Season Peaches: Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract evenly over the peaches.

Make the Topping:

4. Mix Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Top the Peaches: Spoon the oat mixture over each peach half, pressing it down lightly to form a topping.

Bake the Peaches:

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

Serve:

7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the baked peaches warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Baked Peaches:

• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent treat.
• As a Breakfast Dish: Top with yogurt and granola for a sweet, hearty breakfast.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast.
• As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats for a sweet and savory side dish at dinner.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked peaches for extra richness.
• For a Family Gathering: Serve in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch.
• As a Picnic Dessert: Pack in mason jars for an easy, transportable dessert.
• With Chopped Nuts: Add crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• With a Sprinkle of Cheese: Try adding a sprinkle of blue cheese or goat cheese on top before baking for a savory twist.
• For Special Occasions: Serve on a decorative plate with fresh mint for a more elegant presentation.

Additional Tips

• Use Ripe Peaches: Choose peaches that are ripe but firm, ensuring they hold their shape when baked.
• Add a Dash of Cinnamon: For extra warmth and flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the peaches before baking.
• Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sweetness level by adding honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar depending on your preference.
• Stuff with Nuts: For added crunch and richness, stuff the peaches with crushed almonds, walnuts, or pecans before baking.
• Top with Crumble: Create a simple crumble topping using oats, butter, and flour for a delightful texture contrast.
• Incorporate Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and aroma of the peaches.
• Use a Drizzle of Butter: A little melted butter on top of the peaches helps to caramelize the sugar and create a rich, golden finish.
• Try with a Splash of Liqueur: Add a splash of amaretto or bourbon for a grown-up twist and extra depth of flavor.
• Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes the dish indulgent and perfect for dessert.
• Experiment with Spices: Try different spice combinations like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to give the peaches a unique flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

• Peach Cobbler: Top the peaches with biscuit dough for a more substantial topping.
• Peach Crumble: Add more oats and butter to create a traditional crumble topping.
• Cinnamon Honey Peaches: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a lighter, floral sweetness.
• Grilled Peaches: Grill the peach halves for a smoky twist before adding the topping and baking.
• Peach and Berry Mix: Add fresh berries to the baking dish for a mixed fruit variation.
• Peach Almond Crumble: Incorporate almond flour or ground almonds into the topping for a nutty flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free dessert.
• Tropical Twist: Add a touch of coconut flakes to the topping for a tropical flavor.
• Spiced Peaches: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the topping for extra warmth.

Special Equipment

• Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch square dish or a round 8-inch dish works best for this recipe.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For preparing the topping.
• Sharp Knife: To cut the peaches into halves and remove the pits.
• Spoon or Scoop: For adding the topping onto the peaches.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
   Yes, frozen peaches work well. Thaw and drain them before using.
2. How long do baked peaches last in the fridge?
   The baked peaches can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze the baked peaches?
   Yes, you can freeze the peaches after baking. Thaw and reheat them before serving.
4. Can I make the topping without oats?
   Yes, you can replace the oats with crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs.
5. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the peaches and topping, then refrigerate them. Bake when ready to serve.
6. How can I make the topping crunchier?
   Add a little extra butter or bake for a few more minutes for a crispier topping.
7. Can I add alcohol to the recipe?
   Yes, a splash of brandy or bourbon can be added to the peaches before baking for added depth of flavor.
8. How do I prevent the topping from burning?
   Check halfway through the baking time and cover with foil if the topping is getting too dark.
9. Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
   Yes, you can substitute nectarines, apricots, or plums for a different flavor.
10. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
    Yes, it’s a kid-friendly dessert that’s easy to make and delicious.

Conclusion

Baked Peaches are a simple yet delicious dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. The peaches are halved and baked until soft and tender, allowing the juices to caramelize and intensify. To enhance the flavor, you can add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, which creates a warm, comforting filling as the peaches bake.

For extra indulgence, top the peaches with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of honey before serving. You can also sprinkle some granola or crushed nuts for added texture and crunch. This dessert is perfect for summer when peaches are in season but can easily be made year-round with canned or frozen peaches. Baked peaches are a light yet satisfying dessert that’s easy to prepare and can be made in individual servings or as a family-style dish.

I can’t wait to see how your Baked Peaches turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your sweet, caramelized creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!