Grilled peaches are a sweet treat that will make your taste buds dance! The juicy fruit gets a warm, caramelized touch on the grill and pairs perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Honestly, who can resist that sweet and gooey goodness? I love serving this dessert at summer cookouts—everyone goes back for seconds! You just heat, scoop, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Choose ripe peaches that yield slightly to pressure. If fresh peaches aren’t available, canned peaches can work, but grilled fresh ones taste best! Try nectarines as an alternative for a slightly different flavor.
Brown Sugar: It’s great for adding sweetness and helps caramelization. If you prefer a lower sugar option, maple syrup or coconut sugar can also enhance the flavor without using brown sugar.
Cinnamon: This adds a warm spice element. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or try nutmeg for a different twist!
Butter or Olive Oil: Both help the peaches grill nicely. I usually go for olive oil for a lighter touch, but butter adds a rich flavor. Use whichever you prefer!
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches is all about the right temperature and timing. This way, you get those gorgeous grill marks and a soft, juicy fruit. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a preheated grill at medium-high heat (375-400°F). This gives a nice sear.
- Brush the peach halves to prevent sticking. Place them cut side down first for perfect grilling.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes until you see grill marks. Check if they’re slightly softened before flipping.
- After flipping, grill for another 2-3 minutes to warm through—be mindful they can get mushy quickly!
Enjoy your deliciously grilled peaches topped with ice cream for a delightful treat!
Easy Grilled Peaches With Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for added caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- Honey or caramel sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 8-10 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 20 minutes to create this sweet treat, making it perfect for a quick and tasty dessert after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 375 to 400°F (190 to 200°C). This temperature will help caramelize the peaches and create those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
While the grill heats up, take your ripe peaches and cut them in half, removing the pits. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together if you’re using them. This mixture will add a sweet, spiced flavor to your peaches!
3. Brush and Season:
Lightly brush the cut sides of the peach halves with melted butter or olive oil. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture generously over the tops of the peaches if you desire that extra caramelization.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Once your grill is hot, place the peach halves cut side down directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see beautiful grill marks and they start to soften. Carefully flip the peaches over and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes on the skin side to warm through.
5. Serve with Ice Cream:
After grilling, remove the peaches and place them cut side up on a serving plate. Top each peach half with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Feel free to drizzle honey or caramel sauce over the ice cream and peaches for an extra sweet finish!
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled peaches immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy the combination of warm, juicy fruit with cold, creamy ice cream. It’s a simple and satisfying dessert that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits for Grilling?
Absolutely! While peaches are wonderful, you can also grill nectarines, apricots, or even plums. Just make sure they’re ripe but firm, so they hold up on the grill.
How Do I Know When Peaches Are Ripe Enough to Grill?
Look for peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t overly soft. A sweet fruity aroma is also a good sign they’re ripe and ready to be grilled!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can enjoy them cold, or reheat them briefly in the microwave before serving with more ice cream!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by using a dairy-free ice cream and swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative or using olive oil. It’s just as delicious!