Baked Peaches Topped With Salted Nuts: A Sweet and Savory Summer Treat.
Nature at her finest. Better than ice cream, but also better with ice cream.
I grew up with a peach tree in our back yard and for about 2 months in the summer I could just go outside and pick a perfectly ripe peach.
Sadly it is a little more difficult with peaches at the grocery store. They pick them before they have ripened, so sometimes you get ‘lucky’ sometimes you don’t.
Farmers Markets are your best bet if you don’t have access to a tree.
So, what are salted nuts? Where I grew up we just called them nuts. They came in bags, and cans, and they all had salt. Maybe it is a southern thing? Let me know if you are from the south.
Are you looking for a simple, delicious, and healthy dessert that showcases the best of summer fruits?
Do you want to impress your guests with a stunning dish that takes only minutes to prepare and bake?
If so, you will love these baked peaches topped with salted nuts!
Baked peaches are halved, pitted, and brushed with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
They are then baked in the oven until soft, juicy, and caramelized.
The finishing touch is a sprinkle of salted nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, or pecans, that add a crunchy and savory contrast to the sweet and tender peaches.
The History of Baked Peaches
Peaches are one of the oldest and most beloved fruits in the world. They originated in China, where they were cultivated for thousands of years and revered as a symbol of longevity and immortality.
They were later introduced to Persia, Greece, Rome, and other parts of Europe and Asia by traders and travelers.
Peaches were brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and soon became a popular crop in the southern states, especially Georgia, which is known as the “Peach State”.
Baking peaches is a simple and traditional way to enjoy this fruit, especially when they are ripe and abundant in the summer months.
Cooking peaches with butter, sugar, and spices is a common method in many cuisines, such as American, French, and Italian.
Nuts also complement the flavor of peaches, especially when they are salted to balance the sweetness.
Why Baked Peaches Work
- First of all, Peaches are a wonderful fruit for baking, as they become soft and tender, and release their natural sugars.
- Nuts add a nice contrast of texture and flavor to the peaches. You can use any nuts you like, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios.
- Honey is a natural sweetener that enhances the flavor of the peaches and the nuts. It also helps to create a sticky and caramelized sauce that coats the fruit and the nuts.
- The butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon add a buttery, caramelized, and spiced coating to the peaches, that enhances their sweetness and flavor.
- The salted nuts add a crunchy, nutty, and savory topping to the peaches, that creates a delicious contrast and balance.
- The recipe is easy to make, with only four ingredients and a few simple steps. You can also prepare them in advance and reheat them when ready to serve.
- And lastly, Cinnamon adds a warm and spicy touch to the dessert, and it pairs well with the peaches and the honey.
Baked Peaches Tips and Tricks:
To make the best baked peaches topped with salted nuts, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Choose ripe, fresh, and firm peaches that have a sweet aroma and give slightly when pressed. Avoid overripe, bruised, or mushy peaches, as they may fall apart or become too watery when baked.
- Leave the skin on the peaches, as it helps to hold their shape and adds some color and texture to the dessert. The skin will also soften and become edible when baked.
- Use salted butter and salted nuts for this recipe, as they add a nice salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the peaches and the sugar. If you only have unsalted butter or nuts, you can add a pinch of salt to the butter mixture and the nuts.
- Bake the peaches in a baking dish that is large enough to fit them in a single layer, without crowding them. This will ensure even baking and prevent the peaches from steaming or sticking to each other.
- Cook the peaches cut-side up for the first 10 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 15 to 18 minutes, until they are soft and caramelized. This will help the peaches to absorb the butter mixture and the juices, and create a nice crust on both sides.
- Serve the baked peaches hot or warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, yogurt, or crème fraîche, if desired. You can also drizzle some of the juices from the baking dish over the peaches and the ice cream for extra flavor
- Add some other spices to the dessert, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. You can also add some dried fruits, such as cranberries, cherries, or apricots, to the nut mixture for a chewy and tangy addition.
To make Baked Peaches with Nuts:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- In another small bowl, toss together 1/2 cup of chopped mixed nuts, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Cut 4 large peaches in half and remove the pits. Place them cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the honey mixture evenly over the peach halves, making sure to fill the cavities.
- Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the peach halves, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and the nuts are golden.
- Serve hot, warm, or cold, with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!
The combination of warm, tender peaches, vanilla ice cream and crunchy nuts is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
It. Is. Addictive. You have been warned.
Baked Caramelized Peaches with Salted Nuts
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 4 ripe peaches halved and pitted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 25 g unsalted butter
- 25 g salted mixed nuts roughly chopped (pistachio and cashews are great, but what ever you have.
- Ice cream to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- In another small bowl, toss together 1/2 cup of chopped mixed nuts, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Cut 4 large peaches in half and remove the pits. Place them cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the honey mixture evenly over the peach halves, making sure to fill the cavities.
- Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the peach halves, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and the nuts are golden.
- Serve hot with ice cream
Nutrition
Baked Peaches with Nuts Pairs well with:
