These easy caramelized skillet peaches are a sweet treat you’ll love! Just slice fresh peaches and cook them in a pan with brown sugar and butter until they become sticky and golden.
They smell amazing while cooking! I like to serve them warm over vanilla ice cream — it makes a simple dessert feel fancy. Trust me, your taste buds will be very happy! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even nectarines as an alternative.
Unsalted Butter: This helps control the salt level in your dish. You can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will slightly change.
Brown Sugar: It gives a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use white sugar or even maple syrup for a different twist. Adjust the quantity to taste if you’re using a liquid sweetener.
Cinnamon (optional): While it’s a tasty addition, you can skip it or use other spices like nutmeg or allspice if you like. A dash of lemon zest can also brighten the flavor!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Peaches?
Caramelizing peaches is all about patience and timing. Start by melting the butter and sugar until bubbly. This caramelizes the sugar, creating that sweet sauce.
- Be sure to place peaches in a single layer in the pan to avoid steaming.
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to form a nice golden crust on one side before flipping.
- After flipping, allow them to cook just as long for even caramelization.
If you spoon the caramel sauce over them at the end, it ensures they’re coated perfectly for serving. Enjoy your creation with ice cream or yogurt for a great dessert! 🍑
Easy Caramelized Skillet Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and cooking time. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by washing the peaches thoroughly. Next, slice them into wedges and make sure to remove the pits. Keep the wedges uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, making sure it doesn’t brown.
3. Add the Brown Sugar:
Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Cook the Peaches:
Carefully place the peach slices in the skillet, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side without stirring. This will help them caramelize and develop a lovely golden color.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Once the first side is caramelized, gently turn the peach slices over. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it too is beautifully caramelized.
6. Add Flavorings:
Now, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Make sure to coat the peaches well with this delicious mixture.
7. Glaze the Peaches:
Let the peaches cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, spooning the caramel sauce over them while they finish. This will help glaze them perfectly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the warm caramelized peaches. They are delightful on their own, or you can top them with fresh mint leaves or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Enjoy your delicious, easy caramelized skillet peaches! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Caramelized Skillet Peaches
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw them first! Drain any excess liquid before cooking to prevent too much moisture in the skillet. You might need to reduce the cooking time since they tend to cook faster than fresh peaches.
How Do I Store Leftover Caramelized Peaches?
Store any leftover cooked peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to maintain their delicious caramelized flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar instead, but consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to mimic the rich flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The taste will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious, especially when paired with ice cream or yogurt alternatives!
