Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Published: July 23, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
Incredible Flavor: The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches, creating a mouthwatering treat.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer cookouts or as a light ending to any meal; it pairs well with many dishes.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Healthy Twist: With fresh fruits and minimal added sugar, this dessert is a healthier option compared to traditional sweets.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Tongs
Brush (for oil)
Serving plates

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: The key tool for achieving those beautiful grill marks and caramelized flavors on the peaches.
Tongs: Essential for safely flipping the peaches on the grill without damaging them.
Brush: Perfect for applying oil evenly on the fruit halves to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious grilled peaches:

For the Grilled Peaches

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: Heat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures an even cooking temperature for your peaches.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

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

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

Place the peach and nectarine halves cut-side down on the grill.
Grill them for about 3-4 minutes, rotating them 90 degrees halfway through for nice grill marks.
Watch closely until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Serve Your Dessert

Use tongs to carefully remove the grilled fruit from the grill.
Place one peach or nectarine half on each serving plate.
Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each piece.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle flaky sea salt over top before serving.

Enjoy your delicious grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is a delightful dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Serve with Fresh Mint

Mint Leaves: Garnish your grilled peaches with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Add a Crunchy Topping

Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle crushed almonds or walnuts over the ice cream for added texture and flavor.

Experiment with Sauces

Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top for a rich contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.

Pair with Berries

Mixed Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries to introduce a tart element that complements the dish.

Offer Extra Ice Cream Flavors

Variety of Scoops: Instead of just vanilla, offer different ice cream flavors like peach or caramel for guests to choose from.

How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilling peaches requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve the best results.

Bold Ripe Peaches: Use ripe but firm peaches for grilling. This ensures they hold their shape and develop great grill marks.
Bold Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps caramelize the fruit quickly and evenly.
Bold Oil Application: Lightly brush the peach halves with canola oil before grilling. This prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
Bold Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the peaches while grilling. They only need about 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear and they soften slightly.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving these options alongside your dessert for a complete meal.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs complement the sweet peaches perfectly.
Caprese Salad: A fresh salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds a vibrant touch to your meal.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers a nutritious side that balances flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring earthy tones that pair well with fruit desserts.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can enhance the overall dining experience, offering savory notes between bites of sweet peaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Overripe peaches: Using overly ripe peaches can result in mushy fruit that won’t hold its shape on the grill. Choose peaches that are firm but slightly soft to the touch for the best results.
Skipping oil: Not brushing your peaches and nectarines with oil can lead to sticking on the grill. Always use a light coat of canola oil to ensure easy flipping and beautiful grill marks.
Insufficient grilling time: Grilling the fruit for too little time may not allow for caramelization. Aim for a total of 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat for optimal flavor and texture.
Ignoring seasoning: Neglecting to finish with honey and sea salt can leave your dish bland. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors beautifully.
Serving too cold: Serving ice cream straight from the freezer can make it hard to scoop. Let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature before serving alongside your grilled peaches.

Refrigerator Storage

Store grilled peaches in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Layer parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Allow grilled peaches to cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place peaches on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Microwave on medium power for about 30-60 seconds until warm, but avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming gently for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?

You can absolutely experiment with other fruits like plums or pineapples! Just adjust grilling times accordingly based on their ripeness and size.

How do I know when my grilled peaches are done?

Look for nice grill marks and slight caramelization; they should be tender but still hold their shape.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut or almond milk ice cream for a delicious vegan treat.

What is 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 finished off with a touch of flaky sea salt.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is an irresistible dessert that combines sweet, smoky flavors with creamy goodness. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding nuts or spices like cinnamon. Try this delightful dish at your next gathering, and watch it become an instant favorite!

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