Baked Peaches
Whether you're working with a batch of just-picked peaches from the farmers' market or a few ripening on your kitchen counter, baking them transforms their flavor into something even more irresistible—soft, caramelized, and cozy.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Oven Mitts
- Spoon or tongs
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds
- Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray so the peaches don’t stick.
- Pro Tip: Greasing the dish also helps caramelized juices clean up easier afterward.
Step 2: Prepare the peaches
- Wash your peaches and gently pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Slice each peach in half and remove the pit. If they’re clingstone peaches and the pit resists, carefully cut around it with a paring knife and scoop it out with a spoon.
- Place the peach halves cut-side up in the greased baking dish.
- Pro Tip: Slightly overripe peaches are perfect here—they soften beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Mix the sweet topping
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
Step 4: Add topping to peaches
- Use a spoon or pastry brush to evenly coat the tops and centers of the peach halves with the buttery mixture.
- Make sure to spoon a little right into the center “well” of each peach where the pit was—this is where the flavor pools!
- Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the topping. The mixture caramelizes in the oven and becomes golden and syrupy.
Step 5: Bake the peaches
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the peaches are tender and bubbling slightly.
- If you like a little extra caramelization on top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
- Pro Tip: The peaches are done when a fork slides in easily and the tops look golden and glossy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
- Let the peaches cool for 5 minutes before serving—they’ll be hot and syrupy.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle chopped nuts if you like extra crunch!
Notes
Nutritional Value Per Serving:
- Calories: 120–140 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g