If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a sunny day, the Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is your new best friend. This simple yet sensational dish brings together the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches, the smoky char from the grill, and the luscious creaminess of vanilla ice cream in a way that’s utterly irresistible. Perfect for summer evenings or as a quick indulgence when you want to impress without fuss, this recipe highlights how a handful of fresh, quality ingredients can create magic on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the biggest impact, and that’s exactly what happens here. Each component plays an essential role in balancing texture, flavor, and color to bring this dessert to life.
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch for the perfect juicy sweetness after grilling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin) or oil spray: This adds a subtle richness and helps the peaches develop beautiful caramelized grill marks.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: A sprinkle of this melts over the warm peaches creating a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream, for topping: Rich, smooth, and melt-in-mouth, it’s the dreamy match that cools and complements the warm fruit.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by getting your grill or grill pan heated to medium. This step is crucial because a hot surface ensures the peaches won’t stick and will develop those gorgeous grill marks that add flavor and visual appeal. A steady temperature keeps the peaches tender without turning mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil or spray them lightly. This not only prevents sticking but also enhances the caramelization process, giving you that coveted smoky-sweet crust on the surface of the fruit. Make sure you coat evenly for the best results.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches cut side down on your hot grill. Let them sit undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until those beautiful grill lines appear. Flip each half over and grill the skin side for another 3 minutes. This gentle grilling softens the peaches to juicy tenderness while keeping their structure intact – the perfect balance.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once grilled, carefully transfer the peaches to a serving plate, cut side up. Sprinkle the brown sugar generously on top so it can melt slightly over the warm fruit, adding a hint of caramelized sweetness. Finally, crown each peach half with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream – the creamy and cool contrast brings everything together in one delightful bite.
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and color, consider sprinkling chopped fresh mint or toasted almonds over the top. The mint adds a refreshing note that cuts through the sweetness, while almonds bring crunch and nuttiness, creating a more complex and inviting dessert experience.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light, summery menu items. Try serving it after grilled chicken or a fresh garden salad to keep the meal feeling seasonal and vibrant. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey or a splash of aged balsamic vinegar over the peaches can tie in savory-sweet elements to round out your dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the grilled peaches in elegant glass bowls layered with crumbled shortbread cookies or granola for texture contrasts. Another fun twist is stacking peach halves with dollops of ice cream alternating, making for a stunning layered parfait that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any grilled peaches left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They maintain their flavor and soften nicely, though they’re best enjoyed fresh with the ice cream added just before serving.
Freezing
While grilled peaches freeze well on their own, their texture changes slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze them, place the cooled peaches in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Use within one month and thaw in the fridge before enjoying with ice cream.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm again, gently reheat peaches in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating as it may make them too soft. Always add fresh ice cream after reheating for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Fresh peaches work best for grilling because they have the right texture and flavor. Frozen peaches tend to be softer and release more juice, which can make grilling messier and less appealing. However, if frozen peaches are your only option, thaw and pat them dry first to reduce moisture.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No worries! You can roast the peaches in a hot oven set to 400°F for about 8-10 minutes. While you won’t get grill marks, you’ll still get that lovely caramelization and tenderness that makes this dish special.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar?
If brown sugar isn’t available, you can use white sugar or even honey for a different but delicious sweetness. Brown sugar adds molasses notes that enhance the flavor, but the other options still provide a nice caramelizing effect when warmed.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the vanilla ice cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk ice cream. The grilled peaches stay naturally vegan and delicious all on their own.
How ripe should the peaches be?
You want peaches that give slightly when pressed but aren’t mushy. Firm peaches won’t caramelize well or become tender enough when grilled, and overly soft ones might fall apart. Picking the right ripeness is key to the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream, you’re in for a real treat. This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is one of those easy, show-stopping desserts that feels both rustic and refined. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a beautiful mix of warm, juicy fruit with cool, creamy comfort every time. Be sure to savor every bite and share the joy—it’s just that good.
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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 Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is a perfect blend of smoky sweetness and creamy richness. Juicy peaches are grilled to caramelized perfection, topped with brown sugar, and paired with cool vanilla ice cream for an easy yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for summer or anytime you crave a simple, fresh treat.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 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 to ensure it is hot enough to prevent the peaches from sticking and to create beautiful grill marks.
- Prepare the peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with extra virgin olive oil or spritz them with an oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and aids in caramelization during grilling.
- Grill the peaches: Place the peach halves cut side down on the hot grill or grill pan. Grill for 3-4 minutes until nice grill marks appear. Then flip the peaches and grill the other side for another 3 minutes until tender.
- Finish and serve: Carefully remove the peaches from the grill and arrange them cut side up on a serving plate. Sprinkle each peach half with a pinch of brown sugar so it melts slightly, then top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of warm and cold flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm peaches to avoid them becoming too mushy on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, an outdoor grill works perfectly as well.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- You can substitute vanilla ice cream with dairy-free or vegan alternatives if desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm peaches and cold ice cream.
