Baked Peaches Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent yet effortlessly simple, Baked Peaches are exactly what you need. This recipe transforms fresh, ripe peaches into a warm, tender treat infused with sweet, fragrant spices and a hint of boozy warmth. Cozy and elegant in equal measure, these Baked Peaches will quickly become your go-to for those moments when you want something fresh, fruity, and bursting with flavor, without complicated fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Baked Peaches recipe lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding sweetness, depth, or that perfect golden hue we all love in a baked dessert.

• 3 fresh, very ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to ensure they bake into luscious tenderness.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the peaches caramelize beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey: For a natural, mellow sweetness with a hint of floral notes.
• 1 tablespoon brandy (bourbon or rum optional): This touch of alcohol adds warm complexity and enhances the fruit’s natural flavors.
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or light brown sugar: Gives a hint of caramel-like depth without overpowering the peaches.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings a silky warmth that complements the cinnamon and peaches perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with cozy spice warmth.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the overall flavor.
• Vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream: Perfect for serving, adding creaminess and contrast to the baked fruit.

How to Make Baked Peaches

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Peaches

Starting off, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Place your peaches cut-side up in the dish, spacing them so they’re nestled but not crowded. This setup allows even cooking and maximum caramelization of the peach surfaces.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Glaze

Next, grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, maple syrup, brandy (if using), coconut sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything blends into a lovely aromatic glaze. Spoon this mixture generously over the peach halves, making sure some pools in the center and drizzles enticingly over the edges—this is where the magic happens.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender and Heavenly

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know your Baked Peaches are done when they’re fork-tender and gorgeously softened but not mushy. The sugars will have caramelized around the edges, giving a slight crisp sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the juicy peach flesh.

How to Serve Baked Peaches

Garnishes

Serving Baked Peaches is your chance to get creative. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm peaches is classic for a reason—simple and perfect. If you prefer a tangier option, a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a lovely brightness and creaminess. Heavy cream, lightly poured over, provides a decadent touch that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

While Baked Peaches can shine solo, pairing them with a crisp biscotti or lightly toasted nuts adds delightful textural contrast. Consider serving alongside a light, buttery shortbread cookie for an extra indulgent experience. For brunch-style fun, they pair wonderfully with pancakes or waffles, gaining even more flavor depth from the warmth of the fruit topping.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve Baked Peaches straight from the baking dish in rustic bowls to showcase their glowing, caramelized surfaces. For a fancier presentation, halve or quarter peaches more finely, layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and granola for a stunning dessert trifecta. You can even spoon the peaches over a chilled panna cotta for a sophisticated twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Baked Peaches left after the first round, no problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The peaches will soak up more of the flavorful glaze as they rest, often tasting even better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing Baked Peaches is a great way to preserve the joy for later. Allow them to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheating your Baked Peaches is simple and just as delicious. Warm them in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid overheating, or the peaches might become too soft. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just be mindful to maintain that perfect tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before baking to prevent sogginess.

What can I substitute for brandy?

If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can simply leave it out or use a splash of orange juice or apple cider to retain the fruity warmth and moisture.

Is it necessary to use olive oil?

Olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps with caramelization, but you can substitute melted butter or a neutral oil like grapeseed if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How ripe should the peaches be?

Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm—not overly soft—to ensure they hold their shape but become tender after baking.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply use maple syrup or agave instead of honey and serve the baked peaches with vegan ice cream or coconut cream for a plant-based delight.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Baked Peaches: they capture the essence of summer’s best fruit with warm spices and a luscious glaze that feels like a cozy hug. Whether you’re entertaining friends or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on a quiet evening, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly rewarding. I’m excited for you to try it and discover how effortlessly these humble ingredients turn into an unforgettable dessert!

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