Baked Peaches

Ingredients

• 3ripe peaches
• 45 mlvegan butter, melted
• 5 mlvanilla extract
• 38 gcoconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2.5 mlcinnamon

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the peaches

   Heat the oven to 175°C. Halve the peaches, remove the stones and arrange them cut-side up in a baking dish.

2. 2

   Mix the toppings

   In a small bowl, stir together the melted vegan butter and vanilla. In a separate small bowl, combine the coconut sugar and cinnamon.

3. 3

   Top the peaches

   Pour the butter mixture evenly over the peaches, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them.

4. 4

   Bake until tender

   Bake for 15–20 minutes, until a fork easily pierces the inside of a peach. If you like, finish under a high grill for 2 minutes to caramelise the tops.

5. 5

   Serve warm

   Serve the peaches warm, topped with vegan ice cream and chopped walnuts.

What are baked peaches?

Baked peaches are a straightforward fruit dessert, popular in American-style summer cooking when ripe peaches are in season. The oven softens the fruit and brings out its sweet, juicy character.

This version pairs the peaches with vanilla, cinnamon and a little sugar, then finishes them with vegan ice cream and walnuts. The contrast of warm fruit and cool topping makes it feel special without much preparation.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 105 calories, 1g protein, 13g carbs, 6g fat.

The peaches provide most of the carbohydrates, while the vegan butter contributes most of the fat; this recipe contains little protein. Serve a peach half with a protein-rich accompaniment such as unsweetened soy yoghurt, or add a small handful of walnuts for extra substance.

Choosing the peaches

Ripeness: Choose peaches that yield slightly when pressed but are not mushy. Very firm fruit may need longer in the oven, while overripe peaches can lose their shape.

Making the topping

Butter and vanilla: Mixing these together first helps distribute the flavour over the cut surfaces.

Cinnamon sugar: Combine the sugar and cinnamon separately so the spice is spread evenly over the peaches rather than clumping in one spot.

Getting the texture right

Tenderness: The peaches are ready when a fork slips easily into the flesh. Check the halves at the 15-minute mark, then continue baking if they still feel firm.

Caramelised tops: The optional 2-minute grill adds colour to the sugary surface. Watch closely during this short step, as the tops can darken quickly.

Timing and serving

Oven time: Allow 15–20 minutes for baking, with the optional grill adding 2 minutes. The exact time depends on how ripe and large the peaches are.

Serving: Add vegan ice cream and chopped walnuts just before eating. The warm peaches soften the ice cream, while the walnuts bring a crunchy contrast.

What to serve alongside

For a simple dessert, serve each peach half with vegan ice cream and walnuts as directed. You can also offer the peaches with yoghurt or a spoonful of plant-based cream if you want a less indulgent accompaniment.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use peaches that are ripe but still hold their shape when halved.
• Arrange the halves cut-side up so the butter and cinnamon sugar stay on the fruit.
• Check for tenderness at 15 minutes before deciding whether to bake longer.
• Keep a close eye on the peaches if using the optional grill.
• Add the vegan ice cream and walnuts just before serving.

Variations

• Use brown sugar: Swap it for the coconut sugar for a familiar caramel-like sweetness.
• Add nutmeg: Mix a small pinch with the cinnamon for a warmer spice flavour.
• Try nectarines: Use ripe nectarine halves in place of the peaches.
• Serve with yoghurt: Add a spoonful of plant-based yoghurt instead of vegan ice cream.
• Add citrus: Finish with a little finely grated lemon zest for a fresh note.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using very firm peaches: They may stay hard; choose fruit that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
• Using mushy fruit: The halves can collapse during baking; start with peaches that still feel plump and firm.
• Uneven topping: Sugar or butter can pool on some halves; spoon and sprinkle each one as evenly as possible.
• Skipping the fork test: Baking times vary with ripeness; check that the flesh is easily pierced before serving.
• Leaving them under the grill unattended: The tops can darken fast; watch closely during the optional 2 minutes.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover baked peaches in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm, and add ice cream and walnuts only when serving.

Frequently asked questions