Caramelized Pan‑Fried Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar are one of my favorite quick summer desserts. Juicy ripe peaches get cooked in a buttery, spiced sugar mixture until golden and tender. In just about 15 minutes, I can turn simple fruit into a cozy, caramel-coated treat that’s perfect with ice cream, yogurt, or even pancakes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 fresh ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
A pinch of salt
Directions
I start by washing and halving the peaches, then removing the pits.
I heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in it.
Next, I stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger (if I’m using it), and a pinch of salt until everything’s dissolved.
I place the peach halves cut-side down in the skillet and cook them for about 5–7 minutes, until they’re golden and caramelized on the bottom.
While they cook, I brush the tops of the peaches with the cinnamon-butter sauce.
Then I gently flip the peaches and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes.
I remove them from the heat and serve them hot, drizzling any leftover sauce from the pan over the top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 peach halves (about 4 servings).
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: ~60 kcal per half peach
Variations
I sometimes use nectarines or plums instead of peaches.
For a vegan version, I swap in coconut oil or vegan butter.
A splash of vanilla extract added to the sauce gives extra depth.
A little nutmeg or cardamom can bring a slightly different spice profile.
To make it more indulgent, I sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top after cooking.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the peaches in a skillet over low heat or microwave them briefly until heated through. I always save any sauce to drizzle back on when reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the peaches are ripe enough?
I look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet fragrance. If they’re too firm, they won’t caramelize as well, and if they’re too soft, they might fall apart in the pan.
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Yes, I can use canned (drained) or frozen (thawed and patted dry) peaches, though fresh ones give the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I prefer to serve these peaches fresh and warm, but I can cook them ahead and reheat gently in a pan or microwave just before serving.
What toppings go well with these caramelized peaches?
I like adding vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even a sprinkle of granola or crushed biscuits for crunch.
Do I need to peel the peaches?
I usually leave the skin on — it softens as they cook and adds a nice texture — but I can peel them if I prefer a smoother bite.
Conclusion
Caramelized Pan‑Fried Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar are a simple way for me to turn fresh fruit into a warm, cozy treat. Whether I serve them for dessert, brunch, or a sweet snack, they never last long. With only a few ingredients and just one pan, this recipe brings out the best of summer fruit in the most delicious way.
📖 Recipe:
Caramelized Pan‑Fried Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 peach halves)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Caramelized pan-fried peaches with cinnamon sugar are a quick and cozy summer dessert made with fresh peaches cooked in a buttery, spiced sugar sauce. Perfect for serving with ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.
Ingredients
4 fresh ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Wash the peaches, cut them in half, and remove the pits.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger (if using), and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and combined.
- Place the peach halves cut-side down in the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Brush the tops of the peaches with the cinnamon-butter sauce while cooking.
- Flip the peaches gently and cook the other side for 2–3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve warm, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.
Notes
Use ripe but firm peaches for best results.
Try nectarines or plums as substitutes.
For a vegan option, use coconut oil or vegan butter.
Add vanilla extract or other spices like nutmeg for variation.
Top with nuts, yogurt, or ice cream for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peach half
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
