Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
If you haven’t yet tried the delightful Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe, you’re in for a real treat! This dish perfectly captures the magic of fresh, juicy peaches softened and caramelized by the grill, paired with the creamy, cool richness of vanilla ice cream. It’s simplicity at its finest, yet every bite bursts with warmth, sweetness, and a touch of smoky charm that makes it a perfect summer dessert or a cozy treat any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Few ingredients can create such a stunning combination of flavors and textures. Each one is simple, but together they build the foundation for this irresistible dish, delivering a beautiful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and subtle smoky notes.
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch for the best caramelization and juicy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin) or use an oil spray: This prevents the peaches from sticking to the grill and helps create those gorgeous char marks.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adding brown sugar brings a touch of molasses richness that caramelizes perfectly on the grilled peaches.
- Vanilla ice cream, for topping: The creamy cold scoop of vanilla ice cream perfectly contrasts the warm, smoky peaches for that ultimate sweet finish.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium heat. This step is crucial to ensure your peaches don’t stick and develop those signature grill marks. A hot grill means faster caramelization and a beautifully charred texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Brush the cut sides of each peach half with olive oil or lightly spritz them with an oil spray. This not only helps prevent sticking but also enhances the caramelization process, giving your peaches that irresistibly golden surface.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches cut side down directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes until you see those lovely grill marks and the peaches start to soften. Flip them over and grill the other side for another 3 minutes, allowing the fruit to become tender while maintaining its structure.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Remove the peaches carefully and arrange them cut side up on your serving plate. Sprinkle each half generously with brown sugar and watch it melt slightly over the warm fruit, creating a delicate caramel glaze. Top each peach half with a generous scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your grilled peaches with a sprinkling of toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for a crunchy contrast. A drizzle of honey or a few fresh mint leaves can add an extra layer of flavor and freshness, making your dessert feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad or a tangy fruit salsa to complement the sweetness of the peaches. For a more indulgent meal, serve alongside rich pound cake or warm cinnamon-spiced waffles.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grilled peaches in individual bowls with an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. For gatherings, arrange all the peach halves on a large platter with ice cream scoops around, allowing everyone to serve themselves and customize garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Grilled peaches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve their texture, keep the ice cream separate until ready to serve again.
Freezing
While grilling gives peaches their signature flavor and texture, you can freeze peeled and pitted peaches before grilling if you want to prep ahead. After thawing, simply grill as instructed. Avoid freezing the prepared grilled peaches, as they may become mushy.
Reheating
If needed, gently warm leftover grilled peaches in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make them overly soft. Always add fresh vanilla ice cream just before serving for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both yellow and white peaches work beautifully, but make sure your peaches are ripe yet firm to avoid mushiness while grilling.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, white granulated sugar or honey can be used, although brown sugar adds a lovely molasses nuance that enhances the caramelization.
Is it necessary to oil the grill?
Brushing the peaches with olive oil usually prevents sticking, but lightly oiling the grill grates before preheating also helps ensure your peaches come off easily without tearing.
Can this dessert be made vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free alternative made from coconut, almond, or soy milk to keep it delicious and vegan-friendly.
How long do grilled peaches keep their flavor?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy grilled peaches within a day when stored properly. They tend to lose their firmness and caramelized charm if kept longer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both effortless and exceptional, the Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is the answer. It’s a charming blend of smoky, sweet, creamy, and fresh that always brings smiles to the table. Give it a try at your next gathering or for a simple treat at home—you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made it sooner!
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Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy this simple and delightful grilled peaches recipe featuring ripe peaches caramelized on a hot grill, topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar and creamy vanilla ice cream. Perfect for a quick summer dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of peaches with a smoky, charred flavor.
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. Make sure the grill is adequately hot to prevent the peaches from sticking and to achieve perfect grill marks.
- Prepare the Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil or spritz them lightly with oil spray. This will help prevent sticking and promote beautiful caramelization during grilling.
- Grill the Peaches: Place the peach halves cut side down on the hot grill or grill pan. Grill them for 3 to 4 minutes, until you see distinct grill marks. Flip the peaches and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes, until the peaches are tender but still hold their shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the peaches carefully from the grill and arrange them cut side up on a serving plate. Sprinkle each peach half with a generous pinch of brown sugar so it begins to melt slightly from the residual heat. Finally, top each grilled peach half with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape on the grill without becoming mushy.
- If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute vanilla ice cream with a vegan alternative.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
- Be careful when handling peaches on the grill as they soften quickly and can break apart.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
