There’s nothing quite like Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream for a delightful dessert! This dish offers a perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors, making it ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or an intimate dinner at home. The juicy peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating a delicious contrast with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just five minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
Perfectly Sweet: Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of peaches, giving them a wonderful caramelized flavor.
Versatile Serving Option: Ideal for casual summer get-togethers or elegant dinner parties alike; everyone will love this treat!
Healthy Indulgence: Packed with vitamins from the fruit, this dessert is a lighter option compared to many others.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like nuts or additional fruits!
Tools and Preparation
Getting everything ready is essential for making delicious grilled peaches. Here are the tools you’ll need to prepare this fantastic dessert.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Grill
Tongs
Brush for oiling
Serving plates
Importance of Each Tool
Grill: The key to achieving those beautiful grill marks and enhancing the peach flavor through caramelization.
Tongs: Essential for safely flipping the peaches without losing their juices or breaking them apart.
Brush for oiling: Helps evenly coat the fruit with canola oil, ensuring they don’t stick to the grill.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream:
2 ripe peaches
2 ripe nectarines
canola oil
8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
Honey and sea salt for finishing
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your peaches will cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
Brush the peach and nectarine halves lightly with canola oil.
Place them cut-side down on the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Grill for about 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear and the fruit starts to caramelize.
Rotate each piece 90 degrees halfway through grilling for those beautiful crosshatch marks.
Step 4: Serve
Carefully remove the grilled peaches using tongs.
Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each peach half.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, a simple yet decadent treat perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream make for a delightful summer dessert. The warm, caramelized fruit pairs wonderfully with the cold, creamy ice cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Individual Servings
Serve them in halved peaches: Place a scoop of ice cream right in the center of each grilled peach half for an elegant touch.
Add fresh mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor.
Drizzle chocolate sauce: For a richer dessert, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the grilled peaches and ice cream.
Use berry compote: Top with homemade berry compote for an added fruity layer that complements the grilled flavors.
Offer crunchy toppings: Serve with crushed nuts or granola for some extra crunch and texture contrast.
Family Style
Create a dessert platter: Arrange several grilled peaches on a large platter with scoops of vanilla ice cream scattered around for guests to serve themselves.
Set up an ice cream bar: Provide different toppings like honey, sea salt, or caramel sauce so everyone can customize their desserts.
How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Perfecting your grilled peaches takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Choose ripe peaches: Ripe peaches will caramelize beautifully on the grill, enhancing sweetness and flavor.
Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the fruit on it to achieve those desirable grill marks and caramelization.
Use oil sparingly: A light brush of canola oil helps prevent sticking without overpowering the fruit’s natural flavor.
Don’t overcook: Grill until soft but still holding shape; overcooking can lead to mushy peaches.
Experiment with honey: Try different types of honey (like wildflower or clover) for unique flavor profiles when drizzling on top.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilled peaches pair well with various side dishes that enhance their sweet and juicy profile. Here are some great options:
Grilled Chicken Salad – A light salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the dessert.
Quinoa Pilaf – This nutty dish adds protein and texture while balancing out the sweet notes from the peaches.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a savory contrast that pairs nicely with grilled peaches.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like goat cheese or brie offers richness that enhances the dessert experience.
Pasta Primavera – Light pasta loaded with fresh vegetables makes for a hearty yet refreshing side option.
Fruit Salad – A simple mix of seasonal fruits keeps things light while echoing the summer theme of your dessert.
Herbed Couscous – Fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs provides a delightful base that balances sweetness and savory notes.
Crispy Garlic Bread – Crunchy bread brushed with garlic butter adds texture and is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the peaches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling peaches can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
Bold selection of peaches: Using unripe or overly soft peaches can ruin the texture. Always choose ripe yet firm peaches for the best results.
Bold skipping the oil: Neglecting to brush the peaches with oil can lead to sticking on the grill. A light coat of canola oil ensures easy grilling and enhances flavor.
Bold incorrect grill temperature: Grilling at too low a temperature may result in mushy peaches. Aim for medium-high heat for optimal caramelization and grill marks.
Bold overcooking the fruit: Leaving peaches on the grill for too long can make them fall apart. Monitor closely and grill for just 3-4 minutes until they caramelize.
Bold forgetting finishing touches: Skipping honey and sea salt can diminish the flavor. Always drizzle honey and sprinkle salt just before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Place grilled peaches in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, ice cream should not be frozen once it’s been served.
Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm peaches on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts (15-20 seconds) until warm.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a non-stick skillet for 2-3 minutes, turning gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to choose ripe peaches?
Ripe peaches should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy. Look for a fragrant aroma as well, indicating sweetness.
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Yes, you can substitute with nectarines, plums, or apricots. Each will provide a unique flavor while still complementing vanilla ice cream.
How do I make my own vanilla ice cream?
You can blend heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract together and churn it in an ice cream maker until creamy!
Are Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream healthy?
While delicious, this dessert should be enjoyed in moderation. Peaches are nutritious but paired with ice cream adds calories.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
You can grill the peaches ahead but serve them fresh off the grill with ice cream for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is not only simple to make but also offers versatile options that cater to various tastes. You can customize it by adding nuts or using different flavored ice creams. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home—give it a try!
Indulge in the delightful taste of Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, a perfect summer dessert that balances sweet and smoky flavors. The juicy peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill, enhancing their natural sweetness, while the creamy vanilla ice cream adds a rich contrast. This simple yet elegant dish is ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy dinner at home, and can be customized with various toppings like nuts or fresh fruits. Enjoy this quick treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
Ingredients
Scale
2 ripe peaches
2 ripe nectarines
Canola oil
8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
Honey
Sea salt for finishing
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the peach and nectarine halves lightly with canola oil and place them cut-side down on the grill.
Grill for about 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear and the fruit starts to caramelize, rotating each piece halfway through for crosshatch marks.
Carefully remove the grilled peaches using tongs, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each half, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:4 minutes
Category:Dessert
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 peach half with ice cream (136g)
Calories:215
Sugar:28g
Sodium:45mg
Fat:7g
Saturated Fat:3g
Unsaturated Fat:4g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:38g
Fiber:2g
Protein:3g
Cholesterol:30mg
Keywords: Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best grilling results. Experiment with different toppings such as crushed nuts or berry compote for added flavor. Adjust grilling time based on the size of your peaches to avoid overcooking.