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Skillet Caramelized Peaches

ByLindsey Jenkins
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Caramelized peaches are the perfect summer dessert. They have a soft, jammy texture and taste somewhere between peach pie filling and a peach cobbler without the topping.

Looking for more easy summer desserts? Try my mango pineapple popsicles, strawberry apple crumble, or frozen yogurt granola bars with fruit.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – This summer dessert comes together quickly and couldn’t be easier to make. It’s a great last-minute dessert!
  • Simple ingredients – All you need are ripe peaches and a couple of pantry staples.
  • No oven needed – This late summer dessert doesn’t require turning on the oven, which is ideal during hot summer days.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy caramelized peaches:

  • Fresh peaches – they should be ripe yet firm.
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Dairy free or unsalted butter

How to Make Caramelized Peaches: Step by Step

Here are some quick visual instructions. The full instructions and ingredient list will be in the printable recipe card below!

  1. Mix and dip. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until combined. Dip the peach halves cut side down in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Set aside.
  2. Cook the peaches. Melt butter in a large skillet (12-inch is ideal) over medium heat. Cook the peaches, cut side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Moving them around once so they get even caramelization.
  3. Serve. Serve warm peaches with a scoop of dairy free vanilla ice cream or dairy free whipped cream.

Helpful Tips

  • Avoid moving the peaches too much. Leaving them alone will allow them to caramelize quicker.
  • Ripe, juicy peaches will yield the best flavor. If your peaches aren’t ripe enough, let them sit on the counter for a couple of days to ripen. They should smell sweet and have a light give when you gently press on their skin.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the best caramelization.

Quick Tip: Don’t use high heat. It’ll burn the sugar and ruin the dessert.

Storage

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Alternatively, you can enjoy them cold over yogurt or oatmeal.

Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.

How can you make this caramelized peaches recipe using what you already have? Here are some ideas…

  • No brown sugar? – use coconut sugar, white sugar or organic cane sugar.
  • No vegan butter? – use refined coconut oil or unsalted butter if not dairy free.
  • Add-ins – a splash of bourbon or amaretto for a grown-up version.
  • Not peach season where you live? – use thawed frozen peaches or canned peaches in water or fruit juice (not syrup).
  • Use other stone fruit – such as nectarines or plums. If using plums, you’ll need to increase the quantity since they are smaller in size.

Serving Ideas

Serve the warm peaches over dairy free french toast, pancakes, with a scoop of dairy free whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of dairy free miso caramel sauce.

They’re also delicious served over yogurt with cinnamon vanilla granola.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my peaches caramelize?

Make sure you generously coat the cut side in the sugar mixture. It’s also important to use a large enough skillet so each cut peach has direct contact with the surface.

Also, sometimes there are hot spots in your pan where some areas are hotter than others, so the peaches should be moved to a different spot once they’ve been cooking for a few minutes, for more even caramelization.

Can I make caramelized peaches without sugar?

Even if your peaches are sweet on their own, the sugar is important for proper caramelization and a balanced taste.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

I hope you love these Caramelized Peaches! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment & a star rating below. Thank you!

Skillet Caramelized Peaches

A shallow bow with caramelized peaches.
Caramelized peaches are the perfect summer dessert. They have a soft, jammy texture and taste somewhere between peach pie filling and a peach cobbler without the topping.
Author: Lindsey Jenkins
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
 

Instructions

  • Mix and dip. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until combined. Dip the peach halves cut side down in the cinnamon sugar mixture and generously coat. Set aside.
  • Cook the peaches. Melt butter in a large skillet (12-inch is ideal) over medium heat. Cook the peaches, cut side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Moving them around once so they get even caramelization.
  • Serve. Serve warm peaches with a scoop of dairy free vanilla ice cream or dairy free whipped cream.

Notes

See the blog post for helpful tips, storage, serving ideas, and recipe FAQs.

Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

No brown sugar? – use coconut sugar, white sugar or organic cane sugar.
No vegan butter? – use refined coconut oil or unsalted butter if not dairy free.
Add-ins – a splash of bourbon or amaretto for a grown-up version.
Not peach season where you live? – use thawed frozen peaches or canned peaches in water or fruit juice (not syrup).
Use other stone fruit – such as nectarines or plums. If using plums, you’ll need to increase the quantity since they are smaller in size.

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