Around the Campfire
Cinnamon griddled peaches are the kind of campsite dessert that feels special without requiring a baking setup. They work after dinner, but they also make sense beside pancakes or French toast.
This recipe teaches gentle heat. Fruit sugars brown quickly, so the goal is warm and caramelized, not scorched.
Why This Recipe Works
The Blackstone gives peach halves or slices enough contact to soften and brown. Butter, sugar, and cinnamon finish the fruit into a simple camp dessert.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Low to medium-low
- Best for: Summer desserts, pancake toppings, low-effort sweets
- Teaches: Gentle fruit cooking
Shopping List
- Peaches
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Optional whipped cream or ice cream
Home Prep
Pack cinnamon and sugar together in a small container. Keep peaches protected from crushing.
Cooler Packing
Peaches can ride outside the cooler if the weather allows. Keep butter cold.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
Heat Zones
Use low to medium-low heat so the natural sugars caramelize without scorching.
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle on low to medium-low.
- Place the peach halves cut-side down on the griddle.
- Cook for 4–6 minutes, until the peaches are warmed through and the cut sides are lightly browned.
- Dot each peach with a little butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Let cook for 2–3 minutes more, turning gently once to coat and melt the mixture.
- Serve warm.
Doneness
Peaches should be warm, softened, and lightly caramelized.
Common Mistakes
- Cooking too hot.
- Using overripe peaches that collapse.
- Adding sugar too early.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over pancakes, with whipped cream, or beside campfire coffee.
Variations
- Use nectarines.
- Add granola.
- Finish with maple syrup.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: As written.
- Dairy-free: Use oil or dairy-free butter.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter.
Scaling
Cook in batches and keep warm on a cooler zone.
Weather Notes
Wind is manageable, but keep the heat gentle.
Leftovers
Use leftovers on pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can sprinkle cinnamon sugar after the hot work is done.
Dragonfly Tip
Let the peaches brown before adding sugar. You get better flavor and less sticking.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one batch with brown sugar and one with maple syrup. Pick the dessert winner.