There’s really nothing quite like Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream! This dessert is a summer favorite, perfect for gatherings, backyard barbecues, or simply a sweet indulgence after dinner. The combination of warm, caramelized peaches with cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 5 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy dessert without the wait.
- Fresh Flavor: Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of peaches and nectarines, bringing out their best flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a simple dessert or elevate it with toppings like honey and sea salt for an extra touch.
- Healthy Indulgence: With fresh fruit and moderate servings of ice cream, this dish offers a lighter alternative to traditional desserts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this dessert fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything prepared will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: The key to achieving those beautiful grill marks while caramelizing the peaches perfectly.
- Tongs: Essential for safely handling hot fruit without damaging it or burning your hands.
- Basting brush: Helps apply oil evenly on the peach halves for consistent grilling.
Ingredients
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
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your peaches will cook evenly while developing those lovely grill marks.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
Brush the peach and nectarine halves lightly with canola oil. This step is crucial as it prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect caramelization.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place the oiled peach and nectarine halves on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes:
* Rotate each half 90 degrees halfway through to create crosshatch grill marks.
* Watch closely until they start to caramelize.
Step 4: Serve Delightfully
Using tongs, carefully remove the grilled peaches from the grill. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each peach half. Finish by drizzling honey on top and sprinkling with flaky sea salt for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream make for a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Classic Presentation
- Serve the grilled peaches halved, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream nestled in the center. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
Topped with Nuts
- Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture that complements the soft peaches and creamy ice cream.
With Fresh Berries
- Garnish the dish with fresh raspberries or blueberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the grilled peaches and ice cream beautifully.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the ice cream adds an indulgent touch that elevates this simple dessert.
A Dash of Cinnamon
- Sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the top before serving. This warm spice adds depth and enhances the flavors of summer fruits.
How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Perfecting grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream is easy with a few tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best results every time.
- Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to ensure they grill perfectly and have a sweet flavor.
- Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is at medium-high heat before placing the fruit on it. This ensures nice grill marks and caramelization.
- Use oil sparingly: Lightly brush the peach halves with canola oil to prevent sticking and promote even grilling without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Monitor cooking time: Grill for about 3-4 minutes total, turning them halfway through to get those attractive grill marks without overcooking.
- Finish with flair: After grilling, drizzle honey and sprinkle sea salt right before serving to elevate the overall taste experience.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different ice creams or toppings like coconut whipped cream or yogurt for a unique twist.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Pairing side dishes with grilled peaches and vanilla ice cream can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken skewers seasoned with herbs complement the sweetness of the grilled peaches beautifully.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a refreshing contrast to your dessert while remaining light and flavorful.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad loaded with vegetables offers a nutritious counterbalance to this sweet dessert.
- Pasta Salad: Cold pasta salad tossed in olive oil and veggies provides a satisfying side that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables add depth to your meal, making it more hearty while still being healthy.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can serve as an appetizer before diving into your delicious dessert, offering varied textures and flavors.
- Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: The tanginess from balsamic glaze pairs wonderfully well, providing an exciting contrast to the sweetness of grilled peaches.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can be an unexpected but delightful addition that rounds out this delicious summer feast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling peaches can seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Using unripe peaches: Unripe peaches will not caramelize properly and may taste sour. Always choose ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture.
- Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many peaches on the grill at once can lead to uneven cooking. Grill in batches if needed to allow for proper heat circulation.
- Skipping oil: Not brushing the peaches with oil can cause them to stick to the grill. Always apply a light coat of oil to prevent sticking and ensure even grilling.
- Ignoring grill temperature: Grilling at too high or low a temperature can burn the fruit or leave it undercooked. Aim for medium-high heat for optimal grilling.
- Not monitoring cooking time: Leaving peaches on the grill too long can cause them to become mushy. Keep an eye on them, aiming for about 3-4 minutes total.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled peaches in an airtight container.
- They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Allow the grilled peaches to cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled peaches on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Place grilled peaches in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the grilled peaches and stir gently until warmed, typically around 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits for grilling?
Yes, other fruits like nectarines, plums, and even pineapple work well when grilled. They caramelize beautifully just like peaches.
What should I serve with Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream?
These grilled peaches pair wonderfully with nuts, such as chopped almonds or walnuts, and drizzles of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
How do I know when my peaches are ripe?
Ripe peaches will yield slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma. Look for smooth skin without blemishes.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the grilled peaches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve with ice cream.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and smoky flavors with creamy goodness. It’s easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings. Feel free to customize by adding toppings like nuts or different ice cream flavors! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is the ultimate summer dessert that captures the essence of warm-weather gatherings. This delightful dish features peaches and nectarines grilled to perfection, enhancing their natural sweetness while creating a beautiful caramelized exterior. Paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, it offers a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dessert is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, indulge in this refreshing summer delicacy that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches
- 2 ripe nectarines
- canola oil
- 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- honey (for drizzling)
- flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush peach and nectarine halves lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the fruit for 3-4 minutes, rotating halfway through for perfect grill marks.
- Carefully remove from the grill and place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in each peach half.
- Drizzle honey and sprinkle 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 (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use ripe peaches for optimal sweetness and texture. Experiment with toppings like toasted nuts or fresh berries for added flavor. Feel free to substitute different fruits like plums or pineapples for variety.