If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly marries the warmth of summer fruit with the cool richness of ice cream, then the Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is your new best friend. This dish takes juicy, ripe peaches and transforms them through gentle charring, bringing out a natural caramel sweetness that dances beautifully with mellow vanilla ice cream. It’s quick, easy, and utterly irresistible—making it a perfect treat for gatherings or a simple indulgent moment at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this dessert is a breeze, thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. The peaches bring juicy sweetness and texture, the olive oil helps with grilling without sticking, brown sugar amps up the caramelization, and the vanilla ice cream adds that creamy, cool contrast that finishes the dish perfectly.
- Ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are soft but not mushy, as they will grill into tender, caramelized bites.
- Olive oil (extra virgin) or oil spray: This keeps your peaches from sticking to the grill while adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Brown sugar: Sprinkled on top, it melts slightly, creating a delightful crust of sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cool element that complements the warm peaches perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to a medium temperature. This is an essential step since a properly heated grill ensures your peaches get those beautiful sear marks and don’t stick. A hot grill also locks in the juices, giving you a tender and flavorful peach every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Halve and pit your peaches, then brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil or mist them with oil spray. This little step prevents sticking and helps the surface caramelize nicely. Plus, the fruit gets a subtle hint of olive oil flavor that enhances its natural sweetness.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place your peaches cut side down onto the grill and leave them to cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch for those gorgeous grill marks to form, signaling caramelization in progress. Flip them over and grill the skin side for another 3 minutes or until the peaches feel tender when pressed gently.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the peaches carefully to plates, cut side facing up, then sprinkle each half with brown sugar. This sugar will melt a bit from the warm peaches, creating a delicate sweet crust. Top each with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for a dreamy combination of textures and flavors that melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and presentation, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted almonds. The mint brings freshness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully while the almonds add a toasty crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the peaches and creaminess of the ice cream.
Side Dishes
This delightful dessert pairs wonderfully with a light cookie, such as a crisp biscotti or a buttery shortbread. You could also serve it alongside a small bowl of fresh berries for an even more vibrant summer plate filled with colorful textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your grilled peaches inside a hollowed-out peach half for an appealing rustic look or place them over a bed of crushed graham crackers to introduce a slight graham flavor and crunch. You might also drizzle a touch of honey or balsamic glaze over the top for an added layer of richness and complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled peaches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to two days but are best enjoyed fresh to retain their texture and vibrant flavor. Keep the vanilla ice cream separate until serving to avoid melting.
Freezing
Freezing grilled peaches is possible but can affect their texture slightly, making them softer when thawed. If you decide to freeze, place peach halves in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Ice cream should be consumed fresh for optimal creaminess.
Reheating
To gently reheat leftover grilled peaches, warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave for short bursts until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can make the fruit mushy. Always reheat peaches before adding fresh vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
Fresh peaches work best due to their firm texture and natural juiciness, which help them hold up on the grill. Canned peaches are softer and may become too mushy, so they are generally not recommended for this recipe.
What kind of grill pan works best?
A cast iron grill pan is perfect because it retains heat evenly and creates those beautiful, distinct grill marks. However, any heavy-bottomed grill pan or outdoor grill set to medium heat will deliver fantastic results.
Can I substitute the brown sugar with another sweetener?
Absolutely! You can try white sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile, with honey especially adding a floral note. Just keep in mind that syrupy sweeteners may melt differently on the warm peaches.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut milk or almond milk ice cream. The grilled peaches themselves are naturally vegan-friendly, making this a perfect sweet treat for everyone.
How ripe should the peaches be for grilling?
Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft peaches may fall apart on the grill, while underripe ones won’t develop the full sweetness and tender texture you want for this dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm, smoky grilled peaches paired with creamy vanilla ice cream. This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is straightforward yet so special that it never fails to impress. From easy preparation to the joyful smiles it brings to the table, I can’t recommend making this wonderful dessert enough. Give it a go and watch it become your go-to summer favorite!
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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 offers a simple yet decadent dessert that captures the natural sweetness of ripe peaches enhanced by caramelization on the grill. Topped with brown sugar and creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a perfect summertime treat ready in just minutes.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
Dressings & Toppings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin) or oil spray
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Vanilla ice cream, for topping (about 8 scoops total)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Ensuring the grill is hot before placing the peaches on it is crucial to prevent sticking and to achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Prepare the Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves generously with olive oil or spritz them lightly with oil spray. This step not only prevents sticking but also aids in caramelizing the fruit’s surface.
- Grill the Peaches: Place the peach halves cut side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until the peaches develop defined grill marks. Carefully flip them over and continue grilling for another 3 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the grilled peaches from the grill and arrange them cut side up on a serving plate. Sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar over each half, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm fruit. Finally, top each peach half with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape on the grill and achieve the best caramelization.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works equally well.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a vegan option, substitute the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative.
- Serve immediately after grilling for the best contrast between warm peaches and cold ice cream.
