If you have a craving for something sweet, juicy, and perfectly summery, this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. The juicy peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill, releasing their natural sugars to create a smoky-sweet delight that pairs perfectly with the creamy coolness of vanilla ice cream. This recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for those warm days when you want dessert that feels indulgent but comes together in no time at all. Trust me, once you try this combination, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for entertaining or a simple treat to enjoy on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to making this dessert sing. Each one plays a key role in balancing sweet, smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors, making your grilled peaches absolutely irresistible.
- 4 ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin) or oil spray: This helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautifully caramelized grill surface on the peaches.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: A sprinkle of this adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that melts enticingly over the warm peaches.
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, luscious vanilla ice cream is the perfect cooling contrast to the warm, grilled peaches.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by heating your grill or grill pan to medium heat. It’s important that the grill is hot when you place the peaches down, so you get those gorgeous caramelized grill marks and avoid any sticking that could damage the delicate peach flesh. A hot grill ensures a quick sear that locks in all the juicy flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
While the grill heats, halve and pit your ripe peaches. Brush the cut sides generously with olive oil or lightly spritz them with oil spray to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization. This small step makes all the difference for a perfectly grilled texture.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches cut side down on the preheated grill. Let them sizzle undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until you see those beautiful grill marks. Flip them over and grill for another 3 minutes, allowing the flesh to become tender and infused with a subtle smoky flavor. The grilling intensifies the sweetness and softens the peaches to luscious perfection.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Carefully remove your grilled peaches and lay them cut side up on a serving plate. Sprinkle each half with a little brown sugar while still warm so it melts just enough to form a sticky sweet glaze. Top off each peach half with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating that dreamy contrast of warm fruit and cool cream that makes this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this simple dessert, consider adding a fresh garnish. A sprinkle of toasted pecans adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth, while a few mint leaves bring a refreshing pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also amplify the sweetness and complement the peaches beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best on its own or alongside light, complementary sides. Serve it after a casual summer barbecue or with a crisp green salad for a contrast of flavors. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling rosé, making it a genuinely sophisticated yet simple finish to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve grilled peaches over a bed of crunchy granola or alongside warm pound cake for a bit more texture and indulgence. You can also place the peach halves in small dessert bowls and drizzle with a fruit reduction sauce or balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. No matter how you present it, this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though unlikely!), store the grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days but are best enjoyed the same day for peak texture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh peaches do not freeze well when grilled, you can freeze extra vanilla ice cream separately. If you want to prepare the dish ahead, grill the peaches fresh and top with ice cream right before serving to enjoy the best experience.
Reheating
To reheat leftover grilled peaches, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until heated through but still holding their shape. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the peaches watery. Add a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving for that delightful warm-and-cool contrast.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Fresh peaches work best because freezing alters their texture, making them mushy and less suitable for grilling. If frozen, thaw peaches thoroughly and pat dry before grilling, but be prepared for a softer result.
What kind of grill oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is perfect because it adds a subtle flavor and helps the peaches caramelize without sticking. You can also use a neutral oil spray for less flavor impact.
Can I substitute the vanilla ice cream with something else?
Absolutely! You can try coconut ice cream for a dairy-free option or even whipped cream for a lighter touch. The key is having a cool, creamy element to balance the warm peaches.
How ripe should the peaches be?
Look for peaches that give slightly under gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma. Overripe peaches can become mushy on the grill, while underripe ones won’t caramelize as well.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Definitely! Since it only takes about 13 minutes and makes 8 servings, it’s great for gatherings. Prepare the peaches on the grill as guests arrive and serve with bowls of vanilla ice cream for a fun DIY dessert bar.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe truly feels like a little celebration of summer in every bite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to impress anyone you share it with. If you love that perfect blend of warm, smoky sweetness with cool, creamy indulgence, I can’t recommend this dessert enough. Give it a try and savor every delicious moment!
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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 delightful dessert features ripe peaches grilled to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, these grilled peaches make for an easy, elegant treat perfect for summer gatherings or a simple indulgence.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or oil spray
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Vanilla ice cream, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Ensuring the grill is hot before adding the peaches will help prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.
- Prepare the Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil or spray them lightly with oil spray. This step helps avoid sticking and promotes caramelization of the fruit on the grill.
- Grill the Peaches: Place the peach halves flat side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until distinct grill marks form. Flip the peaches gently and grill the other side for an additional 3 minutes, until the fruit becomes tender but holds its shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the grilled peaches carefully and arrange them cut side up on serving plates. Sprinkle each peach half generously with brown sugar, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth. Finish by topping each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy, sweet contrast.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold shape while grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well.
- Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- For a dairy-free option, top with coconut or almond milk-based ice cream.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture, as the ice cream will melt quickly.
