Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Published: June 28, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only a few minutes of prep and cook time, this dessert is perfect for busy days.
Deliciously Sweet: The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in the peaches, enhancing their flavor.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a casual dessert or elevate it for special occasions.
Healthy Indulgence: Made with fresh fruit, this treat can be enjoyed guilt-free.
Customizable Toppings: Add honey and sea salt or mix in your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Tongs
Brush

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Provides the perfect heat for caramelizing fruits while adding that desirable smoky flavor.
Tongs: Essential for safely flipping and removing the peaches without damaging them.
Brush: Helps evenly coat the fruit with oil, ensuring perfect grilling results.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious dessert, gather the following ingredients:

For the Grilled Fruit

2 ripe peaches
2 ripe nectarines
canola oil

For Serving

8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
Honey and sea salt for finishing

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to create nice grill marks on the peaches.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches and Nectarines

Cut the peaches and nectarines in half.
Brush each half lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking on the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Fruit

Place the peach and nectarine halves on the grill.
Grill for about 3-4 minutes, rotating them 90 degrees halfway through to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Watch as they caramelize and soften—this enhances their sweetness!

Step 4: Serve Your Dessert

Carefully remove the grilled fruit from the grill using tongs.
Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each peach half.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Enjoy your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream as a refreshing summer dessert that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some creative serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dessert presentation and flavor.

Drizzle with Honey

A generous drizzle of honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the caramelized peaches beautifully.

Add Fresh Mint

Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only adds color but also provides a refreshing herbal note that balances the dish.

Sprinkle with Nuts

Chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the soft peaches and creamy ice cream.

Serve in Grilled Halves

Presenting the grilled peaches in their halves keeps it rustic and appealing while making it easy for guests to enjoy.

Pair with Berries

Adding a few fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, creates a vibrant contrast and enhances the dessert’s fruity notes.

Offer a Choice of Ice Cream

While vanilla is classic, consider offering other flavors like coconut or almond for variety and to cater to different palates.

How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

To achieve the best results when grilling peaches, follow these handy tips. They will help you create perfectly caramelized fruits every time.

Choose ripe peaches – Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. This ensures they will be sweet and juicy after grilling.
Preheat the grill – Make sure your grill is hot before adding the fruit. A medium-high heat helps create those beautiful grill marks quickly.
Brush lightly with oil – Using just enough canola oil prevents sticking and promotes even caramelization without overpowering the peach flavor.
Rotate for even cooking – Remember to turn the peach halves 90 degrees halfway through grilling. This technique creates attractive crosshatch marks and enhances caramelization.
Monitor closely – Keep an eye on your peaches while they grill. They can go from perfectly charred to burnt quickly if left unattended.
Serve immediately – Grilled peaches are best enjoyed warm, so serve them right off the grill for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

While Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream are a star attraction, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments that balance flavors and textures.

Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad featuring arugula, spinach, and vinaigrette adds freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm dessert.
Grilled Chicken Skewers – Flavorful chicken skewers provide protein and smokiness that pairs well with sweet grilled peaches.
Quinoa Salad – A hearty quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers a nutritious side that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy tones that harmonize well with fruity desserts like grilled peaches.
Cheese Board – A selection of creamy cheeses can offer a rich counterpoint to the sweetness of grilled fruit, making for an elegant presentation.
Chocolate Fondue – For chocolate lovers, serving a small pot of warm chocolate fondue allows guests to dip fruit or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
Coconut Rice Pudding – The creaminess of coconut rice pudding complements grilled peaches nicely while adding another layer of flavor.
Berry Compote – A tart berry compote can brighten up your plate while providing an additional fruity element alongside the grilled peaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling peaches for dessert can be simple, but there are a few mistakes you should avoid to ensure your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream turn out perfectly.

Boldly brush the wrong amount of oil: Too much oil can lead to greasy fruit. Use just enough to lightly coat the peach and nectarine halves.
Boldly neglect preheating the grill: If the grill isn’t hot enough, your peaches won’t caramelize properly. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Boldly overcook the fruit: Cooking for too long can make the peaches mushy. Aim for 3-4 minutes total cooking time to achieve that perfect balance of softness and structure.
Boldly skip seasoning: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances sweetness. Don’t forget to add a pinch before serving!
Boldly ignore ripeness: Using unripe peaches will result in a less flavorful dish. Make sure your fruit is ripe for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Place grilled peaches in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake peaches for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds; check and heat more if needed.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best peaches for grilling?

For grilling, choose ripe, firm peaches like Freestone or Clingstone varieties. They hold their shape well on the grill.

Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?

Absolutely! Nectarines are a great alternative and offer a slightly different flavor while complementing vanilla ice cream beautifully.

How do I know when my peaches are ripe?

Ripe peaches have a sweet aroma and give slightly when gently squeezed. Look for vibrant color without green spots.

Can I make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream ahead of time?

You can grill them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving for the best experience.

What can I substitute for vanilla ice cream?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using coconut or almond milk ice cream as delicious vegan options!

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is not only an easy dessert but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of warm, caramelized fruit with cold ice cream creates a delightful experience. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding toppings like nuts or different syrups!

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