Nigella Baked Peaches

There are recipes you make because they impress. And then there are recipes like this — ones you make because they just feel right. Nigella’s baked peaches fall into the second camp. No fuss, no mixers, no stress. Just ripe fruit, brown sugar, a bit of butter, and the kind of aroma that makes your house smell like a storybook.

Honestly? I love this dish most at the end of a long summer day, when you don’t want anything heavy but you do want something sweet and warm. The peaches collapse just slightly in the oven, the sugar turns to syrup, and when you drop a spoonful of ice cream on top? Heaven. And it took you… what? Five minutes of work?

It’s almost unfair how easy this is.

Ingredients List

• 3 ripe peaches – the better the peach, the better the whole dish
• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted – adds richness and a little salty depth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar – sweetens and helps the edges caramelize
• ¼ tsp cinnamon – brings that soft, warm hum in the background
• Vanilla ice cream – don’t skip it
• Crushed pistachios (optional) – totally extra, but totally worth it

If your peaches are small, throw in a fourth. No one has ever said, “Oh no, too many peaches.”

How to Make It

1. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
   The cold cream melts into the hot syrup and honestly, it’s a moment.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   I usually do this before I start slicing, but if you forget, it’s fine — they don’t mind waiting a few minutes.
3. Cut your peaches in half and remove the pits.
   Slice around the middle, twist gently, and pop the stone out. (If it’s being stubborn, I just dig it out with a spoon. Not graceful, but it works.)
4. Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a little bowl.
   It should smell like autumn and look like spiced liquid gold.
5. Place the peaches cut side up in a small baking dish.
   Not too big — you want them to snuggle in close.
6. Brush the cut sides generously with the butter mixture.
   Let it drip into the hollows. That’s the good stuff.
7. Flip the peaches over and brush the skins too.
   Use all the butter mix. They deserve it.
8. Bake for 12 minutes.
   Your kitchen will already start smelling dreamy.
9. Flip the peaches cut side up again. Spoon some buttery syrup from the pan over them.
   Don’t skip this part — it’s the secret to that caramelised finish.
10. Back in they go for another 15–18 minutes.
    You’re looking for tender, glossy, golden peaches. The edges might wrinkle a little. That’s perfect.

Common Mistakes

Why are my peaches bland?
Probably underripe. You want peaches that smell peachy and give a little when you press them.

Why are they mushy?
Overripe peaches turn to puree in the oven. Use ones that are ripe but still firm.

Can I use white peaches?
Yes! Slightly less acidic, just as sweet. Gorgeous.

What if I forget to flip them halfway?
They’ll still taste great. The syrup might pool a little more, but that’s hardly a crime.

Storage & Reheating Tips

In the fridge: Store leftovers (if you somehow have any) in a sealed container for 3–5 days.
In the freezer: Yep, they freeze fine. Let them cool first.
To reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 mins, covered in foil.
• Microwave: 30-second blasts. Spoon-friendly and still dreamy.
• Air fryer: 2–3 mins at 350°F. Gets them a bit toasty again.

What to Serve With Baked Peaches

• Vanilla ice cream – classic for a reason
• Greek yogurt + honey – brunch vibes
• Shortbread or biscotti crumbs – for a little crunch
• A sneaky drizzle of bourbon – not for breakfast, but you didn’t hear it from me

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will firm peaches soften in the oven?
Yes — the heat breaks them down gently and brings out their natural sweetness.

Can I prep this ahead?
Totally. Slice and brush them earlier in the day, then just bake when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?
White sugar works, but toss in a drizzle of honey or maple to deepen the flavour.

Can I use other fruit?
Definitely. Try nectarines, plums, even halved figs. Just keep an eye on bake times.

Try More Nigella Recipes:

• Nigella Genoise Sponge
• Nigella Italian Apple Pie
• Nigella Chocolate Biscuits

Nutrition Facts

• Calories 165
• Total Fat 5.8g
• Saturated Fat 1.2g
• Trans Fat 0g
• Cholesterol 4.6mg
• Sodium 13.9mg
• Total Carbohydrate 25.6g
• Dietary Fiber 5.1g
• Sugars 20.3g
• Protein 5.9g