Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

There’s really nothing quite like Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream! This delightful dessert offers a perfect blend of sweet, juicy peaches and creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s simple to make and is ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy night in. The caramelized edges of the grilled peaches combined with the chilled ice cream create a harmonious balance that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without the fuss.
• Bursting with Flavor: Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches, adding a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a stand-alone dessert or an elegant addition to any summer menu, it works for casual cookouts or fancy dinners alike.
• Healthier Dessert Choice: Using fresh fruits makes this dessert lighter than many other options while still being indulgent.
• Impressive Presentation: The visually appealing grill marks on the peaches make this dish look gourmet, sure to wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start grilling your peaches, gather all necessary tools for a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready will ensure that you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Basting brush
• Tongs
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for giving the peaches their signature charred flavor and beautiful grill marks.
• Basting brush: Helps evenly coat the peach halves with oil for optimal grilling results.
• Tongs: Useful for safely flipping and removing hot fruit from the grill without damage.

Ingredients

There’s really nothing quite like Grilled Peaches topped with Vanilla Ice Cream!!!  Its one of my all-time favorite desserts.  So let’s go over how to easily grill peaches!

For the Peaches

• 2 ripe peaches
• 2 ripe nectarines
• canola oil

For Serving

• 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
• Honey and sea salt for finishing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Step 1: Heat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature helps achieve those perfect grill marks while caramelizing the natural sugars in the fruit.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

1. Wash and halve the peaches and nectarines, removing their pits.
2. Brush each half lightly with canola oil. This step prevents sticking and enhances grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

1. Place the peach halves on the grill cut-side down.
2. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until they show nice grill marks and begin to caramelize.
3. Rotate them 90 degrees halfway through grilling to get crosshatch marks.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

1. Use tongs to carefully remove grilled peaches from the grill.
2. Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each peach half.
3. Drizzle honey over top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously grilled peaches topped with creamy vanilla ice cream!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that can be customized in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this summer treat.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the grilled peaches warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center, allowing the ice cream to slightly melt into the fruit for a creamy texture.

Garnished Delight

• Drizzle with honey and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors. The sweet and salty combination adds depth to each bite.

Fresh Herbs Twist

• Add fresh mint leaves or basil as a garnish. This not only adds color but also a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.

Nutty Crunch

• Top with chopped toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch. The nuts complement the soft peaches and creamy ice cream beautifully.

Chocolate Drizzle

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the ice cream creates a rich and indulgent twist on this dessert.

How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilling peaches may seem simple, but there are a few tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to enhance your grilling technique.

• Choose ripe fruit: Make sure your peaches and nectarines are ripe but firm. This ensures they hold their shape while grilling and develop great flavor.

• Preheat your grill: Ensure that your grill is heated to medium-high before placing the fruit on it. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the sugars effectively.

• Use oil wisely: Brush the peach halves lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization on the grill.

• Rotate for perfect marks: When grilling, rotate the fruit 90 degrees halfway through cooking. This technique guarantees those appealing crosshatch grill marks.

• Don’t overcook: Grill just until tender—about 3-4 minutes total. Overcooking can make them mushy, losing their delightful texture.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dessert perfectly.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the peaches.

2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds a nutritious element that’s both filling and flavorful.

3. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and sharp cheddar pairs well with the sweet fruit for an elegant touch.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini provide a savory contrast that complements the sweet dessert.

5. Pistachio Crusted Salmon: This dish incorporates rich flavors that work beautifully alongside grilled peaches without overpowering them.

6. Herbed Couscous: Light herbed couscous adds texture and freshness, making it an ideal side dish for this dessert combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

• Choosing unripe peaches: Using hard, unripe peaches can lead to a lack of flavor and poor texture. Always select ripe peaches that yield slightly to pressure for the best results.

• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many peaches on the grill at once can cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches to ensure each piece gets the perfect char and caramelization.

• Skipping oil: Neglecting to brush the peach halves with oil can result in sticking to the grill. A light coating of canola oil helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.

• Not monitoring cooking time: Leaving the peaches on the grill for too long can lead to mushy fruit. Keep an eye on them and aim for about 3-4 minutes total for optimal texture.

• Forgetting toppings: Skipping honey or sea salt takes away from the flavor experience. Always finish your grilled peaches with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added depth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

• For longer storage, freeze grilled peaches without ice cream.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they will keep well for about 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat grilled peaches for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream vegan?

You can easily make this dessert vegan by using dairy-free ice cream instead of regular vanilla ice cream. The method remains the same!

What is the best type of peach for grilling?

Freestone peaches are ideal for grilling as they easily detach from their pit. Look for ones that are ripe but firm for the best results.

Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?

Absolutely! You can try grilling nectarines, plums, or even pineapples. Each adds a unique flavor twist when paired with vanilla ice cream.

What should I serve with Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with nuts like pecans or walnuts, fresh mint leaves, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is a delightful summer dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings based on your taste preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy this delicious treat!