Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
There’s really nothing quite like Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream! This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of grilled fruit with the creaminess of ice cream, making it perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a special treat any time of year. The caramelized edges add a unique flavor that enhances the juicy peaches and nectarines.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of grilling, you can create a stunning dessert.
- Healthy Twist: Fresh fruit makes this dessert a lighter option compared to traditional sweets.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a simple dessert or dress it up for special occasions.
- Perfect for Summer: Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in peaches, making them ideal for hot days.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs
- Brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides the perfect environment for caramelizing fruit while adding smoky flavor.
- Tongs: Essential for safely flipping and removing grilled peaches without damaging them.
- Brush: Helps evenly coat fruit with oil for better grilling results.

Ingredients
To make 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.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
- Brush the peach and nectarine halves lightly with canola oil.
- Place them on the grill for about 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear.
Step 3: Finish Grilling
- Rotate the fruit 90 degrees to create crosshatch marks.
- Continue grilling until they are caramelized and tender.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the grilled peaches from the grill using tongs.
- Serve each peach half with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center.
- Drizzle honey over the top and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Enjoy your delightful Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream as a refreshing dessert that everyone will adore!
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream makes for a delightful dessert that can be served in many fun and creative ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this sweet treat.
Classic Presentation
- Serve the grilled peaches warm, directly from the grill, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled in the center.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Add a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the top for a decadent twist that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle crushed almonds or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the smooth ice cream.
Fresh Herbs Garnish
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing touch and enhance the presentation of your dish.
Citrus Zest Finish
- Grate some lemon or orange zest over the top for a burst of citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness.
Served in Parfaits
- Layer grilled peach slices and scoops of vanilla ice cream in a glass for an elegant parfait presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Perfecting your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.
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Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch but not overly ripe for optimal flavor and texture.
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Preheat your grill: Ensuring your grill is hot enough helps achieve those beautiful caramelized grill marks and enhances sweetness.
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Use a light oil: Brushing your peaches lightly with canola oil prevents sticking and promotes even cooking without overpowering their natural flavors.
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Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on the grilling process; about 3-4 minutes is ideal for achieving caramelization without turning mushy.
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Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like honey, yogurt, or even flavored syrups to customize each serving.
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Pair with beverages: Consider serving alongside refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade to balance out the richness of the dish.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:
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Grilled Chicken Salad
A light salad made with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette adds protein and freshness to your meal. -
Berry Compote
A sweet berry compote made from fresh or frozen berries can enhance the fruity flavors of your dessert while offering a tart contrast. -
Lemon Sorbet
This refreshing sorbet provides a zesty palate cleanser between bites of creamy ice cream and sweet peaches. -
Quinoa Salad
A fluffy quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables offers a nutritious side that’s both filling and complementary to your dessert. -
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that harmonize well with sweet desserts, creating a balanced dining experience. -
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses pairs nicely, providing savory notes alongside the sweetness of grilled peaches, making it perfect for sharing. -
Pistachio Crumble
This crunchy crumble adds texture and nutty flavor that enhances both grilled peaches and ice cream while being easy to prepare. -
Fruit Salad
A simple fruit salad made of seasonal fruits can offer additional freshness, making it an appealing accompaniment to any summer meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling peaches can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dessert. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Bold Choice of Peaches: Using unripe or overripe peaches can ruin your dish. Always choose ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture.
- Bold Oil Usage: Forgetting to oil the grill or the fruit can lead to sticking. Brush the peach halves lightly with canola oil to ensure they grill perfectly.
- Bold Grill Temperature: Grilling at too low a temperature prevents caramelization. Aim for medium-high heat to get those beautiful grill marks and enhance sweetness.
- Bold Time Management: Overcooking or undercooking is easy if you’re not paying attention. Stick to the recommended grilling time of 3-4 minutes for optimal results.
- Bold Presentation Oversight: Neglecting presentation can diminish enjoyment. Serve immediately with ice cream, honey, and a sprinkle of sea salt for an appealing look.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled peaches in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Place grilled peaches in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Warm on medium power in short bursts of 20 seconds, checking often.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream:
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Yes! Nectarines, plums, and apricots work wonderfully as alternatives.
How do I know when the peaches are done grilling?
Look for golden grill marks and slight caramelization on the edges; this indicates they are ready.
What’s the best way to serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream?
Serve warm grilled peaches topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sea salt.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Substitute vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegan treat.
How do I enhance the flavor of grilled peaches?
Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before grilling for added depth and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of warm, caramelized fruit paired with creamy ice cream makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by using different fruits or adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg!
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is the ultimate summer dessert that brings together the warm sweetness of caramelized peaches and the creamy indulgence of vanilla ice cream. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth any time of year. The grilling process enhances the natural flavors of the peaches, creating a delightful contrast with the cool, velvety ice cream. Plus, it’s a lighter dessert option that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches
- 2 ripe nectarines
- Canola oil
- 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Sea salt (for finishing)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly brush peach and nectarine halves with canola oil.
- Grill fruit for 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear. Rotate fruit to create crosshatch marks and continue grilling until tender.
- Remove from grill using tongs.
- Serve each peach half with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center, drizzling honey over the top and finishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peach half with ice cream (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg