Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream – A Sumptuous Summer Peach Recipes Delight

Let me take you back: I was about 10, and my aunt tossed halved peaches on the grill during a July cookout. What came off that grate was pure magic—warm, juicy peaches with this slightly smoky char, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melted just right. That was it. I was hooked.

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream has been a summer staple in my kitchen ever since. This grilled peaches dessert is now one of my go-to summer stunners. It hits all the right notes—minimal effort, maximum flavor. You’ve got hot, caramelized peaches and cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream. It’s warm peaches with cold ice cream, folks. That contrast? That’s the showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity

You’re working with only 4 ingredients—peaches, brown sugar, olive oil, and ice cream. You’ll be serving in under 15 minutes. Yes, it’s that easy.

Flavor Contrast

We’re talking hot, slightly smoky, caramelized fruit paired with icy, rich vanilla bean ice cream topping. It’s like grilling and creamery heaven had a baby.

Natural Sweetness

No need for a ton of sugar here. Peaches on the grill bring out their own sweetness, and a touch of brown sugar finishes the job.

Versatility

This can be casual (paper plates at a BBQ) or elevated (served with mint and amaretto at a dinner party). It’s the summer grilled dessert that does both.

No Baking Required

Oven? Not today. This is your go-to easy peach dessert recipe when it’s too hot to cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keep it simple. Keep it quality.

Grilled Fruit with Ice Cream: Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here’s how you can make it your own.

Different Fruits

• Nectarines – same technique, slightly firmer.
  
• Plums – great tangy contrast.
  
• Pineapple – cut into thick rings, grill until golden.
  

Flavor Enhancers

• A dusting of cinnamon or cardamom adds warmth.
  
• A splash of bourbon before grilling? Yes, please.

Toppings

• Toasted almonds or pistachios for crunch.
  
• Crushed cookies (like shortbread or amaretti).
  
• Honey drizzle if you want it extra sweet.

Alternative Pairings

• Swap ice cream for mascarpone, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt. Each brings a new texture and twist.

How to Make Peaches on the Grill (Step-by-Step)

Let’s get into the nuts and bolts. You don’t need to be a chef—just follow the steps.

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill

Get that grill hot—medium-high, around 400°F. You want real sear marks, not a sad steam bath. (Indoor option? Grill pan or cast-iron skillet on high.)

Step 2: Prep the Peaches

• Halve and pit your peaches.
  
• Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil.
  
• Optional: sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom now.

Step 3: Grill Cut-Side Down

• Place peaches cut-side down.
  
• Grill for 3–4 minutes, until you see nice grill marks and the edges start caramelizing.

Don’t touch them too much—let the grill do its job.

Step 4: Flip and Finish

• Flip to the skin side.
  
• Grill another 2 minutes, just to soften the flesh through.

You should see a slightly charred, juicy interior and a firm enough peach that holds its shape.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

• Place warm peaches on a plate.
  
• Sprinkle with a touch more brown sugar (let it melt a little).
  
• Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Let it melt into that caramelized fruit—don’t rush it. That’s the magic.

Pro Tips

Let me save you from the usual mistakes.

• Firm Peaches Only: If they’re overripe, they’ll fall apart. Choose ones with a little give.
  
• Oil Evenly: Too much and they’ll drip and flare; too little and they’ll stick.
  
• Grill Temp Matters: Medium-high is key. Too low = soggy. Too high = burnt.
  
• Serve Immediately: This is about contrast—warm fruit, cold cream.
  
• No Grill? No Problem: Use a hot grill pan or cast iron on your stove. Works like a charm.

How to Serve Your Caramelized Peaches and Cream Dessert

Pairings

• Butter cookies or shortbread on the side.
  
• Crumbled biscotti for crunch.

Presentation Tips

• Let the melted ice cream and peach juices form a caramel pool on the plate.
  
• Garnish with fresh mint or basil for color and aroma.

Drink Pairings

• Try a glass of Moscato or Sauternes for sweetness.
  
• Feeling bold? Amaretto on ice pairs like a dream with charred peaches and cream.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Yes, you can get a head start.

Prep Ahead

• Grill the peaches earlier in the day, let them cool, and refrigerate.
  
• Warm them gently when ready to serve.

Storage

• Store grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating

• Warm in the microwave for 20 seconds, or pop in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Related Recipes Featuring Summer Peach Recipes

Can’t get enough of sweet summer fruit? Neither can I. Here are a few more fruity favorites from the blog that pair beautifully with sunshine and simplicity:

• Similar to our approach in caramelizing the peaches, you can explore other caramelized grilled summer peaches techniques here.
  
• For more creative fruit-based desserts, check out this colorful fruit pizza recipe—perfect for parties or a fun family bake.
  
• Love easy prep? Try this sheet-pan delight among other no-fuss summer desserts.
  
• If you enjoy pairing fruit with frozen textures, don’t miss these refreshing frozen treats. Light, bright, and perfect for cooling down.

FAQs – Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Final Thoughts on This Fresh Peach Dessert Idea

This is the kind of dessert that wins people over before the first bite. It’s one of those sweet grilled fruit recipes that feels indulgent but couldn’t be simpler.

So go grab some peaches, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to the easiest peach dessert with brown sugar you’ll ever make. Trust me—this is the peaches and cream dessert I want to eat.

Now get out there and make those charred peaches with ice cream a summer tradition.

Hungry for more fresh peach dessert ideas?
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Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream – A Sumptuous Summer Peach Recipes Delight

Print Recipe

A go-to summer dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor—charred, caramelized peaches paired with cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream. A sweet grilled treat with irresistible contrast.

• Author: Emilio
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ripe but firm peaches
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Vanilla bean ice cream (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or heat a grill pan/cast-iron skillet.
2. Halve and pit the peaches.
3. Lightly brush cut sides with olive oil.
4. Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon or cardamom over the cut sides.
5. Place peaches cut-side down on grill for 3–4 minutes until caramelized and grill-marked.
6. Flip peaches to skin side and grill another 2 minutes until softened but still firm.
7. Plate the warm peaches, sprinkle with more brown sugar if desired.
8. Top each half with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and serve immediately.

Notes

Choose firm peaches for grilling to prevent them from falling apart. Medium-high heat ensures proper caramelization without burning. Serve hot off the grill with cold ice cream for the ultimate contrast.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 peach half with ice cream
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: grilled peaches, summer dessert, vanilla ice cream, peach recipe, easy dessert