Print

Baked Vanilla Cardamom Nectarines Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 10 reviews

Baked Vanilla Cardamom Nectarines is a simple and delightful dessert featuring juicy nectarine halves baked with a fragrant blend of butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Finished with a drizzle of vanilla-infused orange juice syrup and optionally served with vanilla ice cream and crunchy honey almond granola, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, aromatic flavors and textures.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 nectarines, slightly firm but not over-ripe
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, granulated sugar or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, or pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

For Serving (Optional)

  • 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 1 cup honey almond granola
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the nectarines.
  2. Prepare Nectarines: Cut the nectarines in half like an avocado by starting at the stem and circling around. Remove the pits and any remaining stem, then set the halves aside.
  3. Mix Spices and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Prepare Vanilla Orange Juice: In a separate bowl, combine orange juice with vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract and stir until incorporated.
  5. Arrange and Season Nectarines: Pour the vanilla orange juice mixture into a baking dish or nonstick pan. Place the nectarine halves cut-side up in the dish. Evenly sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the spiced sugar mixture over each nectarine half, then dot each with pieces of unsalted butter.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  7. Brush Syrup and Cool: After baking, brush the buttery brown sugar syrup that has collected in the nectarine centers over the fruit. Allow the nectarines to cool slightly.
  8. Serve: Divide two nectarine halves per serving bowl. Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup of honey almond granola, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary on top. Optionally drizzle some of the syrup from the baking dish over the dessert for extra flavor.
  9. Tip for Syrup: If the syrup is stuck to the bottom of the pan, add a splash of orange juice while it is still warm and gently scrape it with a spatula to loosen it.

Notes

  • Nutritional information provided is for baked nectarines only and does not include the optional ice cream or granola.
  • For a sweeter dessert, use honey or granulated sugar instead of brown sugar.
  • You can substitute vanilla bean paste with pure vanilla extract if preferred.
  • Adding a little fresh rosemary on top adds a lovely herbal note that balances the sweetness.
  • If the syrup sticks to the pan, warm orange juice helps loosen it for easy serving.
  • Use slightly firm but ripe nectarines for the best texture after baking.
  • Nutritional disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and may vary based on ingredient brands and quantities used.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/baked-vanilla-cardamom-nectarines-recipe/