Baked Cinnamon Sugar Peach Slices
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Peach Slices are one of the easiest and most comforting desserts you can make during peach season. Fresh, juicy peaches are coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, then baked until tender and caramelized around the edges. As they roast, the natural sugars in the peaches intensify, creating a rich, syrupy sauce that pairs beautifully with warm spices. The result is a dessert that’s sweet, fragrant, and bursting with fresh fruit flavor without requiring complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert, a healthier alternative to pies and cobblers, or a beautiful dish for summer gatherings, these baked peaches are a wonderful choice. They’re delicious on their own, but even better topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, yogurt, granola, or chopped nuts. Their versatility also makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
This simple recipe comes together in just minutes and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and caramelized peaches. Once you try these tender, golden peach slices, they’ll become one of your favorite seasonal desserts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
4 medium to large ripe peaches, pitted and cut into thick slices
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
A pinch of salt
Optional Accent Spices
A pinch of ground nutmeg
Recommended Toppings
Vanilla bean ice cream
Fresh whipped cream
Fresh mint leaves
Caramel sauce (optional)
Toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Wash the peaches thoroughly. Slice each peach in half, remove the pit, and cut each half into thick wedges. Keeping the slices slightly thick helps them hold their shape while baking.
Place the peach slices in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the melted butter over the peaches and toss gently until every slice is lightly coated.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg if using.
Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice to the peach mixture, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the fruit.
Gently toss everything together until the peaches are evenly coated without breaking the slices.
Arrange the peaches in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the peaches roast instead of steam.
Pour any remaining butter and cinnamon mixture from the bowl over the peaches.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and gently turn the peach slices with a spatula or spoon.
Return to the oven and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the peaches are fork tender and the juices have thickened into a glossy syrup.
For extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil during the final 1 to 2 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and allow the peaches to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, or toasted nuts for extra texture.
Tips
Choose peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm. Overripe peaches can become overly soft during baking.
Yellow peaches hold their shape better than very soft white peaches, although both varieties work well.
Leave the skins on if you enjoy their texture. The skins soften beautifully during baking and add color.
Slice the peaches into evenly sized wedges so they cook at the same rate.
Use real butter rather than margarine for the richest flavor.
Freshly ground cinnamon provides the warmest, most aromatic flavor.
Brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes while white sugar creates a lighter sweetness. Using both gives the perfect balance.
Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leaving a little space between slices encourages caramelization.
If your peaches are especially juicy, spoon some of the syrup over the fruit halfway through baking to keep everything evenly coated.
For extra richness, drizzle a little honey over the peaches during the final five minutes of baking.
Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
These peaches are also delicious chilled straight from the refrigerator the next day.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Variations
Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds before baking for a crunchy topping.
Sprinkle rolled oats mixed with butter and brown sugar over the peaches to create a quick peach crumble.
Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a different warm flavor profile.
Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the peaches instead of some of the sugar for natural sweetness.
Add fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to create a mixed fruit dessert.
Mix in sliced nectarines or apricots for additional summer fruit flavor.
For an adults-only dessert, stir a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum into the butter mixture before baking.
Top with mascarpone cheese or sweetened Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a creamy alternative.
Bake the peaches over slices of brioche or pound cake so the juices soak into the bread.
Add shredded coconut during the final few minutes of baking for a tropical twist.
Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
For a healthier version, reduce the sugar slightly and let the natural sweetness of the peaches shine.
Q&A
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes. Fresh peaches produce the best texture and flavor, but canned peaches can be used if they are well drained. Reduce the baking time slightly.
Should I peel the peaches first?
No. The skins soften beautifully during baking, but you may peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything several hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
How do I know when the peaches are done?
The peaches should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the juices should become thick and syrupy.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes. Olive oil or melted coconut oil can be substituted, although butter provides the richest flavor.
Can I freeze baked peaches?
Yes. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What toppings pair best with baked peaches?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, mascarpone, Greek yogurt, granola, caramel sauce, toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, or crushed amaretti cookies all pair wonderfully.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange the peaches in a single layer and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 14 minutes, depending on their size and ripeness.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings without optional toppings)
Calories: 165
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 35 mg
Potassium: 230 mg
Vitamin A: 8% DV
Vitamin C: 12% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 2% DV
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Conclusion
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Peach Slices are proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dessert. Sweet, juicy peaches become wonderfully tender as they roast, while butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar transform into a rich caramel-like glaze that coats every bite. This versatile recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert, or enjoy them with yogurt and granola for a delicious breakfast treat. They’re easy to customize with nuts, berries, spices, or caramel, making them a recipe you’ll return to throughout peach season. Whether you’re celebrating fresh summer produce or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, these baked peach slices are guaranteed to satisfy with every warm, cinnamon-spiced bite.