Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce. This easy dessert transforms juicy nectarines and a few pantry staples into an irresistibly warm, gooey treat that’s both homey and sophisticated. Tender, caramelized fruit mingles with aromatic cinnamon, golden honey, and vanilla, all crowned with a cool scoop of ice cream. It’s a recipe I turn to whenever I want to impress guests (or just treat myself) without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of ingredients, each element in Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce plays its own special role in building flavor and creating that perfect finish. Don’t skip or skimp—the magic is in the details!

• Nectarines: Their natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, giving each bite a juicy, slightly tangy pop.
• Honey: Use the best honey you have for luxurious sweetness and gorgeous caramelization.
• Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and a comforting aroma—this spice is essential for depth.
• Vanilla: A splash infuses the sauce with a soft, floral note that beautifully complements the fruit.
• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy, cold ice cream melts seductively over the hot nectarines, making every mouthful sing. Feel free to use your favorite style or a non-dairy alternative!

How to Make Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Honey Sauce

Start by whisking together the honey, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl. Give it a good stir so the cinnamon is evenly distributed and the honey becomes pourable. This simple sauce is the shining star of Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce, infusing each nectarine half with a rich, fragrant sweetness.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray—this will prevent the nectarines from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. You want a dish big enough to fit all the halves snuggly, but not so tight that the juices can’t bubble around them.

Step 3: Arrange and Sauce the Nectarines

Place your nectarine halves in the dish with the cut side facing up, nestling them together like little boats waiting for their sweet cargo. Pour the luscious sauce over each half, letting some of it drift into the centers. Don’t forget—you can save a spoonful or two for a final drizzle once they’re out of the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the nectarines are soft, tender, and the sauce is gently bubbling around the edges. The kitchen will fill with the scent of honey and spice: impossible to resist!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

To serve, carefully tuck each warm nectarine half into a bowl, cap it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and spoon over every last drop of that spiced, golden sauce. The contrast of hot fruit and cold ice cream will have everyone running to the table.

How to Serve Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts—like pistachios, almonds, or pecans—adds crunch, while a few fresh mint leaves offer a vibrant pop of color. Even a dusting of extra cinnamon on top can take your Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce from simple to show-stopping.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine, or a cup of fragrant herbal tea. For brunch, serve alongside thick Greek yogurt and a platter of crunchy granola for an indulgent but wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the nectarines in shallow glasses with alternating scoops of ice cream and juicy fruit for a parfait effect. Or, plate them on a platter family-style and let everyone dig in—the sight of bubbling nectarines and rivers of sauce is always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to get creative with bowl sizes, serving plates, or even martini glasses for extra fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce (lucky you!), cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as tasty—if not more—the next day.

Freezing

While nectarines can be a bit delicate after baking, you can freeze the baked fruit and sauce in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Ice cream, of course, should be added fresh at serving time.

Reheating

Gently reheat the nectarines and sauce in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, or warm in the oven at 300 degrees until heated through. Add a fresh scoop of ice cream and you’ve got instant dessert magic once again.

FAQs

Can I use peaches or plums instead of nectarines?

Absolutely! Peaches and plums both work wonderfully in this recipe. Simply follow the same steps and adjust the baking time slightly if needed depending on fruit size and ripeness.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, just swap the honey for your favorite vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave, and use a plant-based vanilla ice cream. The results are every bit as delicious!

Can I prepare Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce in advance?

You can bake the nectarines a day ahead and reheat them before serving. Hold off on adding the ice cream until the last moment so you get the perfect contrast of hot and cold.

What kind of honey works best?

Go for a light, floral honey if you want subtle sweetness, or a darker wildflower or buckwheat honey for a richer, more robust flavor. Both are delicious; use what you have on hand.

How do I know when the nectarines are done baking?

You’ll know they’re ready when a knife slides easily into the flesh and you see the sauce bubbling around the edges. The fruit should be soft but still hold its shape—perfect for scooping up with ice cream.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce is the dessert I keep coming back to—simple, stunning, and truly soul-satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, try it once and I promise it will become a favorite in your home too. Happy baking!

Print