Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream is a sweet treat you’ll love! The warm, caramelized peaches are juicy, and when paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s pure happiness on a plate!
Every bite feels like summer! I mean, who can resist the sweet smell of grilled fruit? I usually make this fun dessert after a weekend BBQ—it’s the perfect way to end a good meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If they’re not in season, nectarines or apricots can work. Just make sure they’re firm yet slightly soft to the touch.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both give great flavor. You can switch to coconut oil for a tropical taste, or use a dairy-free spread if you like. I often choose melted butter for that rich taste.
Honey: This is optional, but adds a nice sweetness. Maple syrup is a great substitute for a different flavor twist, or skip it altogether if you’re not a fan of added sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: It’s ideal for enhancing the ice cream’s flavor. You can use almond extract for a unique touch, but start with a small amount as it has a stronger essence.
How Can I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches might seem tricky, but it’s straightforward with a few tips. First, ensure your grill is hot enough for those lovely grill marks. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit. Brush them with olive oil or melted butter to avoid sticking and enhance taste.
- Place them cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they feel tender.
- Flip carefully and grill the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
Let them cool for a moment before adding ice cream to make serving easier. Enjoy!
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruit:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
For Grilling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhancing ice cream flavor)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to grill. You can whip up this tasty dessert in under 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick summer treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. This will help to give your peaches a nice sear and sweet flavor.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take your halved and pitted peaches and brush the cut sides generously with olive oil or melted butter. This helps prevent them from sticking to the grill and adds yummy flavor!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Let them grill for about 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for those beautiful grill marks and a slight softening of the peaches. After that, carefully flip them over and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
4. Cool and Prepare the Ice Cream:
Once the peaches are done grilling, take them off the grill and let them cool for a minute. Meanwhile, if you want to amp up the flavor, mix the vanilla extract into your vanilla ice cream in a bowl.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Scoop a generous amount of vanilla ice cream right into the center of each grilled peach half. Drizzle honey and/or caramel sauce on top if you like a bit of extra sweetness. Serve right away and enjoy this delightful summery dessert!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Grilling?
Absolutely! Other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even pineapple work wonderfully on the grill. Just ensure they’re ripe enough to become tender and caramelized but not too soft that they fall apart.
What Should I Do If My Peaches Are Hard?
If your peaches are too firm, it’s best to let them ripen at room temperature for a few days. To speed up the process, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana, as they release ethylene gas that helps fruits ripen faster. Once ripe, you can grill them as directed!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Peaches?
Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the microwave. Adding fresh ice cream with a drizzle of caramel can brighten up the flavors!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the vanilla ice cream with your favorite dairy-free ice cream, and use melted coconut oil in place of olive oil or butter. For a completely vegan-friendly dessert, drizzle with agave nectar instead of honey.
