Hi! I’m popping in today to share a recent favorite way to enjoy peaches– cooked in a skillet with just a splash of water and some cinnamon. The fresh peach slices get caramelized and end up even juicier than before. Then, you can serve the warm cinnamon skillet peaches with a little bit of fresh whipped cream or coconut cream, or use them as a topping for vanilla ice cream.
The “technique” is so simple that I don’t know if I can even call this a recipe. But, it is a healthier way to satisfy that after-dinner sweet tooth when you’re in the mood for something fruity and healthy. I do something similar with apples in the fall and winter.
When it comes to desserts, I’m usually much more of a chocolate girl. I’ve never once called a chocolate mousse or cake or soufflé too rich, and the darker the chocolate, the better. But I think it’s a lot harder to make delicious, truly healthy chocolate desserts, so if I am trying to make a healthy option, I’ll make something with fruit instead. Still good, and maybe less likely to make your teeth hurt, although I think there’s a time and place for truly decadent desserts, too.
These skillet peaches taste a lot like peach cobbler or peach pie filling and are perfectly sweet even with no added sweeteners. There’s no crumbly topping involved, but if you wanted, you could substitute peaches in this healthy mixed berry crisp recipe and I bet it’d be delicious.
I was afraid I might be a little too late in the summer to post this peach recipe, but I read a New York Times article a few days ago (“When is Peach Season? It’s a Bit Fuzzy“– I had to include the cute title) in which one food writer recommended waiting to eat peaches until after the 4th of July. Starting then, she says, you have about 6 weeks of good peach-eating ahead of you.
That means we have at least 3 more weeks of delicious peach-eating in front of us, until mid-August or so. Thank goodness, because I’ve only eaten a few so far this summer, and I have a lot of catching up to do. How sad would it to have missed peach season all together? So, don’t let peach season pass you by– make your favorite cobbler or skillet peaches, or enjoy some fresh, whole peaches before it’s too late!
*Update 9/21/17 I’ve started buying my cinnamon in bulk because you can get an entire POUND of high-quality organic cinnamon for under $10!
If you try out the recipe, feel free to let me know in a comment or take a picture and tag me @livbane on Instagram. Hope you enjoy!
Easy Caramelized Skillet Peaches
Ingredients
- 6 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- For serving: fresh whipped cream, coconut cream, or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Heat medium skillet to medium low heat and add peaches, water, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes or until peaches have begun to soften. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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So tell me…
Have you had any extra delicious peaches this summer?
What’s your favorite summer fruit? What do you like to bake with it?
This looks so good Liv! I definitely need to start taking advantage of the fresh peaches available this summer. Topped with some coconutmilk ice cream, I would loooove this 🙂
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Summer Vegetable Coconut Flour Pizza
Oooh I bet that’d be delicious!!
I love stovetop fruit–a simple dish like this is best when you have really fresh and delicious fruit! We don’t grow a lot of peaches here in Minnesota, but I love a Georgia or Colorado peach when they’re on sale at the grocery. 🙂
My favorite summer fruit is strawberries! Strawberry rhubarb crisp is my favorite thing to make with them.
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Zucchini Walnut Muffins {Gluten-free, dairy-free, & refined sugar-free}
I don’t think I could ever get tired of eating fresh fruit, but there IS something fun about doing things a little differently and cooking it on the stovetop, too!
The squirrels ate all our peaches from our tree. They pick them off just before the peaches are ripe, and leave us with pits everywhere. The farmers in Arkansas have an abundance of peaches, and we enjoy them on cereal every morning. This preparation looks like it would go well with ice cream, and we may have to try it.
What a bummer about the squirrels! And peaches on cereal is a delicious combo 🙂
we LOVE each season, and these skillet peaches would be SO delicious on top of some pancakes this morning
Heather Kinnaird recently posted…mascarpone and blackberry stuffed french toast
Ooh yes! I didn’t even think about using these for pancakes/waffles/French toast toppings but you’re so right!
Yes, we are still eating peaches around here! this post made me want to go to the booth near our house and get more Colorado peaches. 🙂 My dad loves peaches, and I’m sure he would love this.
Emily recently posted…WIAW: What Allergies Have Taught Me
Fresh peaches from a stand beside the road always taste so great!
Sounds great Liv! Peach season is the besttt. Going to be so sad when it’s over!
Alyssa recently posted…Day in the life Video: 7/25/16
I know…I love fall fruits like apples and pears but I’m going to miss peaches and all of the berries!
Love how simple this is! When you have good, fresh produce, all you really need is a simple preparation to really make it pop 🙂
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Anatomy of a Running Evaluation + the OhioHealth Runner’s Clinic
So true, Ellen!
I wish it was summer right now. You have got me craving peaches! I love the beautiful colour they are. But my all time favour summer fruit would have to be strawberries. Especially if you pick them straight off the plant and eat them!
Hope you’re getting to enjoy lots of those yummy colder weather fruits! 🙂
Liv! I’m been LOVING peaches this time of year!! This recipe is perfect! So summery and delicious!
xoxo Cailee!
Cailee recently posted…Hello Healthy Blueberries!
YUM! the perfect summer snack. Peaches are my favorite!
Sarah @ BucketListTummy recently posted…What Makes Running Memorable?
Just looking at this gave me a sweet tooth! I am definitely going to try these!
xo, Milan
MilanDarling.com
This is such a delicious idea – and the perfect way to use up not so perfect peaches! We often buy really cheap organic peaches from the market that are a little bruised but no one would ever know
Kristy from Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Italian Style Baked Lentil Bites (Vegan & Grain Free)
You’re right, this would be a great way to cover up those little bruises!
Do you think this would freeze well after cooking it? Would love to be able to take advantage of the peach season now but also enjoy them later. Looks delicious. Thank you for the recipe.
Hi Maria! I’m not sure since I haven’t tried it, but I think I’d freeze the fresh peaches raw and later, I’d heat the frozen ones up in the skillet with a little bit of cinnamon. You could leave out the water then since the frozen ones will release some water 🙂
I love how easy this is! i bet coconut cream goes so well with these! i have been wanting to make grilled peaches but these seem even easier!
kerri mcgrail recently posted…WIAW: Eating Half a Watermelon + Burrito Bowls & Veggies
They’re so easy! Give ’em a try some day when you don’t feel like grilling 🙂
Oh my gosh this is amazing, healthy and looks so delicious ! What a perfect summer evening treat. 🙂
Louann Kristy recently posted…How do you connect | A Social Media Newbie
Thanks, Louann!
You know whats very sad? I haven’t had a peach all summer. But luckily you reminded me and I just went to my kitchen to eat one while reading this hehe. I will have to try this ASAP I LOVE caramelized anything.
Somehow, I tend to forget about them, too! Maybe since they’re not in season for very long? But they’re SO good!
Great idea! I did this but added some frozen blueberries and some sugars. Then starch to thicken tossed a pre-made pie crust on and turned out to be a good pie!
Sounds delicious, Angela! Thanks for sharing your version!
For the squirrels and other critters, you can use moth balls. When used before the peaches start to change colors, you can mask the scent of the peaches enough that the critters won’t be interested in your tree. We put three moth balls in nylon socks and tie about ten into the tree. You have to keep refreshing them until the peaches are ripe or it won’t be enough to keep them away. It works! We’ve done it for a few years and haven’t had any further issues with squirrels.
I’m going to make this recipe tonight for dessert and put it over fresh vanilla bean ice cream.
Thanks for the tip, Cynthia! And that fresh vanilla bean ice cream sounds amazing- hope you enjoyed these peaches!
Woooo!
Looking very delicious ! ???????????? This making me hungry so much! I can’t wait any more to try out to making caramelized skillet peaches !
Thank you many many Liv!
Mira Edorra recently posted…Mattress twin, Mattress queen – Shopper Guide
Hope you love the recipe, Mira!