Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream is the ultimate summer dessert that combines the smoky sweetness of ripe peaches with that irresistible creamy chill of vanilla ice cream. There’s something completely magical about how the hot, caramelized fruit melts into the cool ice cream, creating a beautiful blend of flavors and sensations that’s surprisingly simple but spectacular. Every bite tastes like sunshine on a plate, and I promise once you’ve tried Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream, you’ll be hooked—whether you’re capping off a backyard barbecue or treating yourself on a weeknight.

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it only calls for a handful of super simple ingredients, each one absolutely essential to the taste, texture, and overall wow factor of your Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream. Pay attention to the little details—these touches make all the difference between nice and unforgettable.

Ripe but firm peaches: Choose peaches that yield slightly to the touch for luscious flavor but hold their shape on the grill.
Unsalted butter: This creates a rich, silky glaze that helps caramelize the peaches beautifully.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and deep molasses notes that pair perfectly with peaches and encourage golden grill marks.
Cinnamon (optional): Just a whisper brings a cozy, aromatic layer—totally optional but highly recommended!
Flaky sea salt: A little sprinkle at the end elevates all the sweet flavors with a touch of contrast.
Vanilla ice cream: The star pairing—choose high-quality vanilla for best results, as its creamy texture melts into every crevice of the peach.

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill

Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat. Allow it to get nice and hot before you begin; a ready grill ensures those gorgeous grill marks and caramelized edges that make Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream so irresistible. While the grill heats, gather your other ingredients for easy assembly.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter gently. Once it’s melted, stir in two tablespoons of brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. If you’re feeling a bit extra, add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and aroma. This glaze is your golden ticket to flavor!

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

Brush the cut sides of each peach half generously with your brown sugar glaze. Place the peaches cut-side down on the hot grill. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to let the heat work its magic—softening the peaches while charring the surface for pure, smoky sweetness.

Step 4: Flip, Glaze, and Finish

Gently turn the peaches over using tongs. Give them another kiss of the glaze, then sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top. Grill for an additional 2 minutes. This second side doesn’t need as much time—just enough for the sugar to melt and the peaches to reach peak juiciness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the peaches from the grill and immediately sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt. Serve each half warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream will soften and swirl into the warm, caramelized fruit, making every serving of Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream absolutely divine.

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Garnishes

Dress up your Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream by sprinkling toasted nuts like sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top. A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated twist, while a few fresh mint leaves can lighten and brighten each bite. You can also dust with a little extra cinnamon for an aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a refreshing chilled white wine or sparkling prosecco. If you’re building a summer menu, serve it after light grilled dishes like chicken, salmon, or fresh vegetable skewers. Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream also shines alongside a simple cheese board for an elegant yet effortless ending.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit fancy, serve Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream in individual bowls or on rustic wooden boards for that farm-to-table vibe. Try stacking two peach halves with ice cream sandwiched in between for a peachy tower. For a crowd, scoop the peaches and ice cream into small jars for a cute picnic-ready treat, or grill a mix of stone fruit like nectarines and plums for a colorful, shareable platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover grilled peaches, let them cool to room temperature first. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to three days. You can reheat them gently or enjoy cold over yogurt the next day!

Freezing

While Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the grilled peach halves by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for about one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat leftover grilled peaches, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10–15 seconds, just until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently warm them in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Once warmed up, add your ice cream to recreate that fresh-from-the-grill contrast.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream?

Fresh, firm peaches work best because they hold up on the grill and deliver the perfect texture. However, if you only have frozen peaches, thaw them completely and pat dry before grilling. The flavor will still be wonderful, but the texture might be a little softer than using fresh.

Do I need a gas or charcoal grill?

You can make Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream on either a gas or charcoal grill. If you’re craving a smoky, campfire flavor, charcoal gives the peaches an extra depth. Gas grills, on the other hand, provide easy temperature control. Both work beautifully!

What’s the best way to pit peaches?

Slice the peaches along their seam and twist gently to separate the halves. Use the tip of a small spoon or your fingers to loosen and remove the pit. If your peaches are really ripe, slide a spoon under the pit to lift it out cleanly.

Can I make Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream indoors?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a stove-top grill pan. Heat it until very hot and follow the same instructions—your peaches will get great char lines and a delicious caramelized flavor right in your kitchen.

Are there vegan alternatives for this recipe?

Definitely. Simply swap butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The process and flavors are just as enjoyable—Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream is easy to customize for any dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream on a warm evening. The combination of warm, juicy fruit and cool, creamy ice cream never fails to bring smiles. Don’t be surprised if this quickly becomes your go-to treat every peach season—give it a try, and share the joy with those you love!

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream Recipe

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5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream is a delightful summer dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the smoky char from the grill, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

For the Glaze:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Peaches:

4 ripe but firm peaches (halved and pitted)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

For Serving:

Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Grill the Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peaches with the glaze and place cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until grill marks form and the peaches soften slightly.
Flip and Finish: Turn the peaches over, brush with more glaze, sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar, and grill for another 2 minutes.
Serve: Sprinkle the grilled peaches with a little flaky sea salt and serve warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American