If summer had a flavor, it would be baked peaches. Warm, juicy, and naturally sweet, this easy dessert is what simple cooking dreams are made of. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, planning a light dessert, or craving a fruity treat, baked peaches are quick to prep and perfect to please. In this article, I’ll show you how to make the best baked peaches, including tips on baking times, whether to peel them, and how to get them perfectly soft every time. Let’s dive in, with only a handful of ingredients and one oven, dessert’s about to get delicious.
Table of Contents
Why We Love Baked Peaches
A Sweet Memory in Every Bite
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and someone who has learned that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. And when it comes to easy, flavorful desserts, baked peaches are always at the top of my list.
The first time I made this dish, I was simply trying to use up some slightly overripe peaches before they spoiled. My husband took one bite and said, “You need to write this down.” That was the start of many summer nights ending with warm peaches, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and happy, quiet chewing at our kitchen table.
This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a little slice of sunshine that reminds me why I started Dailycious Recipes. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes, you’ve got a dessert that tastes like it took hours. That’s the magic of baked peaches.
Whether I’m baking them after dinner or serving them alongside something like Peach Jam on toast the next morning, they never disappoint. They’re also incredibly flexible; you can dress them up with nuts and spices or keep them beautifully simple.
What Makes This Baked Peaches Recipe Work
The key to truly delicious baked peaches lies in balancing sweetness and warmth. A touch of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a quick bake at 350 degrees transforms fresh fruit into something that feels indulgent yet refreshingly light.
You don’t need to peel them unless you want to; the skins soften and add texture. And if you’ve got extras, they’re just as good cold or warmed up the next day, just like these Peach Cobbler Cookies that celebrate peach season in another tasty form.
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Baked Peaches
Juicy, spiced baked peaches with brown sugar and cinnamon, the perfect quick dessert for any season.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 ripe peaches
4 tsp brown sugar or honey
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, cut into small cubes
Optional: chopped pecans, oats, vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice peaches in half and remove pits. No need to peel.
3. Place peach halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
4. Add 1 tsp brown sugar (or drizzle honey) to each center.
5. Top each with a small cube of butter and sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Add optional toppings like nuts or oats.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until soft and bubbly.
8. Serve warm with ice cream, yogurt, or plain.
Notes
Use firm ripe peaches for best texture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
Great over pancakes or stirred into oatmeal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 peach halves
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
How to Bake Peaches Like a Pro
Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Peaches
The best part about this baked peaches recipe? You only need a few simple pantry staples and fresh peaches. Here’s what I always grab when this dish is on the menu:
- Ripe but firm peaches: freestone varieties work best
- Brown sugar or honey: for that warm caramelized touch
- Cinnamon: to add cozy spice
- Butter: just a small amount makes them rich
- Optional: chopped pecans, oats, or a splash of vanilla
I often keep this recipe as minimal as possible , especially when serving it with something decadent like ice cream or yogurt. But if you want to make it feel more like a peach crisp without all the fuss, sprinkle some oats on top before baking.
If you’re looking to turn this into a summer-ready treat, serve your baked peaches with a slice of Ice Cream Bread. The warm fruit and cool, cake-like bread make a dreamy pairing.
Step-by-Step: Baking Peaches to Perfect Tenderness
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Slice the peaches in half and remove the pits. No need to peel them; the skins soften beautifully and help hold everything together.
Place the peach halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Add about half a teaspoon of brown sugar (or a drizzle of honey) into the center of each peach. Top with a small cube of butter and a light sprinkle of cinnamon. If using nuts or oats, now’s the time to add them.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and bubbling. They should pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. For an added touch, finish with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Looking for another fruity dessert idea? You’ll love the nostalgic flavors in this Strawberries Pound Cake.
Serving Ideas and Creative Variations
Ways to Serve Baked Peaches Everyone Will Love
Baked peaches are versatile? and that’s what makes them a regular in our kitchen. On their own, they’re warm, sweet, and softly spiced. But with a few pairings, they become downright unforgettable.
One of my favorite ways to serve them? Warm out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the caramelized centers. It’s simple, stunning, and tastes like something from a cozy bistro. When I’m feeling playful, I pair them with a slice of Ice Cream Bread for a summer dessert duo that’s hard to beat.
For brunch, I’ll spoon them over thick Greek yogurt or layer them into a parfait with granola. And if there’s leftover peach syrup in the pan? Don’t toss it. Drizzle it over pancakes, oatmeal, or even toast.
Topping Twists and Flavor Boosts
You don’t have to stick with just cinnamon and sugar. Here are a few flavor ideas we’ve tested (and devoured) at our table:
- Swap cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, spiced twist.
- Add crushed graham crackers or granola before baking for a crumble-like texture.
- Stir a splash of bourbon or amaretto into the sugar before spooning it over the peaches.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and top with toasted pecans for a Southern-style dessert.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness and balance.
Looking for something a little more refreshing? Serve your baked peaches chilled the next day with a dollop of whipped cream or on top of your favorite Rhubarb Ice Cream.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
How to Store Leftover Baked Peaches
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, baked peaches store beautifully. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The flavor deepens as they sit, so they’re just as good (if not better) the next day. We love reheating them for breakfast or dessert. In fact, I’ve even mashed chilled leftovers and swirled them into yogurt or cottage cheese muffins like these Cottage Cheese Muffins.
Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
To reheat, place the peaches in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals until warm. You can also pop them back in the oven at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes. If they seem a bit dry, add a teaspoon of water or juice before reheating.
Planning ahead? Baked peaches can be made 1–2 days in advance. Just cover the dish with foil and store in the fridge. Reheat just before serving, and add your toppings fresh.
For a next-level idea: bake extra peaches and chop them into smaller bites to layer into your favorite breakfast casserole; they’d pair especially well with something like this Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole.
You can also freeze baked peaches for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before serving. The texture will be a bit softer, but they still taste amazing stirred into oatmeal or spooned over pound cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! If using canned peaches, drain them well before baking. For frozen peaches, thaw and pat them dry. Keep in mind that fresh peaches offer the best texture and flavor.
Why are my baked peaches mushy?
Overripe peaches or baking too long can make them mushy. Choose firm but ripe peaches and bake for 25–30 minutes max. Check for doneness with a fork; they should be tender, not falling apart.
What kind of peaches are best for baking?
Freestone peaches are ideal because the pits come out easily. Yellow peaches have a balanced sweet-tart flavor that holds up well during baking.
Can I make baked peaches without sugar?
Absolutely. Peaches are naturally sweet. Skip the sugar or use a drizzle of maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit. You can also enhance flavor with cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest.
Final Note
Baked peaches are one of those rare desserts that are both incredibly easy and endlessly satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can turn fresh fruit into something warm, golden, and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them straight from the oven with ice cream or adding them to breakfast muffins, these peaches bring a taste of summer to every table.
This recipe is the kind that sticks; not just to your plate, but to your memories. It’s fast, flexible, and deeply flavorful. And honestly? It’s hard to stop at just one half. But that’s the point. Try it once, and baked peaches just might become your go-to sweet fix.
Hungry for more? Be sure to join me on Facebook and Pinterest to keep the inspiration going.
