Summer Baked Peaches with Cinnamon and Honey Recipe

There’s something magical about the scent of warm peaches mingling with cinnamon and honey on a hot summer evening. The tender fruit, caramelized to perfection, turns irresistibly sweet and slightly sticky as it bakes, creating a dessert that's as comforting as it is simple.

this Recipe

I first made these Summer Baked Peaches with Cinnamon and Honey on a whim during a backyard barbecue. With a few ripe peaches sitting on the counter and a craving for something warm and cozy, this dessert came together effortlessly—and stole the show.

What I love most is how fuss-free it is. Just a handful of ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep lead to a decadent treat that feels far more indulgent than it actually is. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you're craving something sweet without turning on a mixer.

Let’s dive into why you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Baked Peaches with Cinnamon and Honey

Get ready for your new go-to summer dessert. These baked peaches are the definition of easy elegance, bursting with flavor and warmth in every bite.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. All you need are ripe peaches, a few pantry staples, and an oven. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.

They’re also wonderfully budget-friendly. Peaches are often inexpensive during peak summer season, and the rest of the ingredients—honey, cinnamon, butter—are staples you likely already have on hand.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free or vegan with a simple substitution. It’s a great option when cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, and no one will feel like they’re missing out.

Lastly, these peaches are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert, or spoon them over yogurt or oatmeal the next morning for a breakfast treat.

Now let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that make these peaches so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Summer Baked Peaches lies in their simplicity. With only a few key ingredients, the natural flavor of the fruit shines through while still feeling indulgent.

Peaches are, of course, the star of the show. Look for ripe but still slightly firm peaches—they should give just a little when gently squeezed. Overly soft peaches may become too mushy after baking, while underripe ones won’t release enough juice or sweetness.

Honey adds a rich, floral sweetness that complements the peaches beautifully. You can use any variety, but wildflower or clover honey tend to work best for their mellow flavor. If you're vegan or avoiding honey, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute.

Cinnamon brings a warm, spiced note that turns these peaches into something special. A light dusting is all you need, but feel free to adjust based on your preferences. Nutmeg or cardamom can also be added for a twist.

Butter helps create that luscious, caramelized finish as the peaches bake. It melts into the fruit and mixes with the honey to form a simple sauce. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. A small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, a knife for halving and pitting the peaches, and a spoon to drizzle the toppings are all you need.

How To Make This Summer Baked Peaches with Cinnamon and Honey

Making these baked peaches is as easy as summer desserts get. Here’s how to bring this seasonal favorite to life.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, wash and dry your peaches. Carefully slice them in half and remove the pits. If the pits are stubborn, use a small spoon or paring knife to gently scoop them out.

Arrange the peach halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Try to nestle them close together so they stay upright and bake evenly. If your peaches are very large, you may need to use two smaller dishes or bake in batches.

Drizzle each peach half with honey, making sure some of it pools in the center where the pit was. Then sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon over the top. Finally, place a small pat of butter in the center of each peach half. The butter will melt as it bakes, blending with the honey and cinnamon to create a gorgeous glaze.

Bake the peaches uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they're tender and starting to brown around the edges. You should see some bubbling juices in the bottom of the dish and the tops of the peaches turning slightly golden.

Once out of the oven, let the peaches rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short cooling time allows the juices to thicken slightly, turning into a syrupy sauce that coats each bite.

The whole process takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. The result? A warm, fragrant dessert that tastes like summer in a bowl.

Storage Options

These baked peaches are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers keep surprisingly well. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To maintain their flavor and texture, let the peaches cool completely before storing. Keep them in a single layer to avoid squishing them, and pour any leftover juices from the pan over the top to keep them moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked peaches. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months this way. Just be aware that the texture will be softer once thawed.

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Serve with fresh toppings like yogurt or whipped cream to revive their freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of this recipe is how adaptable it is. With just a few tweaks, you can create entirely new flavor profiles that are just as delightful.

Try swapping the honey for maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness. Agave nectar or brown sugar also work beautifully if you're out of honey.

Experiment with different spices. Instead of cinnamon, try using cardamom, ginger, or even a pumpkin spice blend for a seasonal twist. A dash of vanilla extract in the honey drizzle is another great upgrade.

Add texture by sprinkling chopped nuts—like pecans, walnuts, or almonds—over the top before baking. They’ll toast in the oven and add a lovely crunch.

Want a more decadent dessert? Stuff the peach centers with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese before baking. The cheese melts slightly and turns these into an irresistible peaches-and-cream-style treat.

You can even make this on the grill! Wrap each prepared peach half in foil and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. It’s a fantastic camping or backyard barbecue dessert.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Once you master the basic technique, these peaches are a blank canvas for all kinds of delicious ideas!

Print