If you have a sweet tooth but want something light and refreshing, this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute game changer for your dessert lineup. Juicy peaches kissed by gentle grill marks develop a caramelized sweetness that pairs flawlessly with the cool, creamy vanilla ice cream melting right on top. It’s quick, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor—a true celebration of summer’s finest fruit that anyone can whip up in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on just a handful of simple, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing texture, taste, and color to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft for the sweetest, juiciest outcome.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A light brush helps with caramelization and prevents sticking, adding subtle richness.
- Brown sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a melting, sweet crust that perfectly complements the grilled fruit.
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cool element that contrasts the warm peaches and brings everything together.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium. A hot grill is crucial—it gives those gorgeous sear marks on the peaches and ensures they cook evenly without sticking. If you try to grill on a grill that’s not hot enough, you’ll miss out on that caramelized flavor we’re chasing.
Step 2: Oil the Peaches
Lightly brush the peach halves, cut side down, with olive oil or give them a quick spritz with oil spray. This simple step prevents the peaches from becoming grill sticky and helps the sugars in the fruit caramelize beautifully, bringing out those sublime notes of smoky sweetness.
Step 3: Grill Until Tender and Marked
Place the peaches flesh side down on the grill. Let them sit for 3 to 4 minutes without moving, so those classic grill marks can develop. Flip the peaches over and grill the skin side for about 3 more minutes. The goal is tender peaches that hold their shape but yield easily to a fork.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Once off the grill, arrange the peach halves cut side up on a serving plate. Immediately sprinkle each with brown sugar—that little bit of heat helps it melt slightly, creating a golden, sweet crust. Finally, crown each peach with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect contrast of temperature and texture.
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dessert, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans for crunch, or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing aroma. A drizzle of honey or a splash of balsamic glaze can also add an exciting twist to this classic.
Side Dishes
This dessert works beautifully with a light glass of dessert wine or a chilled cup of herbal tea. For brunch, serve alongside buttery biscuits or flaky croissants to make it a light yet indulgent treat that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special presentation, serve the grilled peaches nestled in a bowl of granola or even sliced over pancakes or waffles. You can also skewer the peach halves before grilling to create fun fruit kebabs perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely stick around), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain the peaches’ freshness and texture.
Freezing
While grilled peaches can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them without ice cream. Lay the cooled peaches flat in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy the peaches again, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the fruit mushy. Add ice cream right before serving to recreate that dreamy contrast.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
Fresh peaches are highly recommended for this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe because of their texture and natural sweetness. Canned peaches tend to be softer and might not hold up well on the grill.
What type of peaches should I choose?
Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should have a sweet aroma and slight give when pressed gently, which ensures they won’t fall apart during grilling.
Can I substitute the olive oil with something else?
Yes! You can use melted butter or a neutral oil like grapeseed oil if you prefer. Just make sure to use something that helps the peaches caramelize without overpowering their natural flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The grilled peaches themselves are vegan-friendly. For the ice cream topping, opt for a plant-based vanilla ice cream made from coconut, almond, or oat milk to keep it vegan.
How long can the grilled peaches sit before serving?
For best taste and texture, serve the peaches immediately after grilling. If you must wait, keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) for up to 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully simple yet indulgent about this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe that always brings a smile to the table. Whether you’re sharing it at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet moment at home, it’s an effortless way to celebrate the season’s best fruit. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become your go-to dessert all summer long.
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Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is a simple yet delicious dessert perfect for summer. Juicy ripe peaches are lightly brushed with olive oil, grilled to perfection to bring out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor, then topped with brown sugar and creamy vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or oil spray
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Topping
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Make sure the grill is hot before placing the peaches to prevent sticking and to achieve nice caramelization.
- Prepare Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil or spritz them with oil spray. This step helps the peaches caramelize nicely and keeps them from sticking to the grill grates.
- Grill Peaches: Place the peach halves, cut side down, on the preheated grill or grill pan. Grill for 3-4 minutes until you see defined grill marks. Then flip the peaches and continue grilling for another 3 minutes until tender and warm throughout.
- Serve: Remove the grilled peaches carefully from the grill and arrange them cut side up on a serving plate. Sprinkle a generous pinch of brown sugar onto each peach half so it melts slightly from the heat. Top each half with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches for best grilling results; too soft and they may fall apart.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on stovetop works just as well.
- Brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Serve immediately after grilling for the best texture and temperature contrast between warm peaches and cold ice cream.
- This dessert pairs well with a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor dimension.
