Imagine sinking your spoon into warm, tender peaches, their natural sweetness intensified by a touch of char, nestled alongside a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. This delightful dessert is impossibly easy yet feels incredibly gourmet, perfect for a casual weeknight treat or a show-stopping finale to a summer gathering. The beautiful contrast of warm and cold, sweet and slightly tart, will have everyone asking for seconds.
This simple dessert transforms humble peaches into a luxurious treat with a swirl of sweet glaze and a cooling scoop of ice cream.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly tart, with notes of caramelized sugar and warm spice.
- Textures: Tender, juicy fruit contrasted with creamy, cold ice cream. A slight crunch from the grilled exterior adds to the experience.
- Total Active Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy. This recipe requires minimal prep and straightforward cooking.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is all about celebrating fresh fruit with simple accompaniments. You’ll be bringing together ripe peaches, a subtly sweet glaze, and your favorite ice cream, making it a wonderfully adaptable dessert.
Ingredient Notes
- Peaches – Look for ripe but firm peaches. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. This ensures they hold their shape during grilling.
- Butter – Unsalted butter provides a rich base for the glaze and helps achieve a beautiful caramelization on the peaches.
- Brown Sugar – Light or dark brown sugar adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps the glaze thicken slightly.
- Cinnamon – A touch of cinnamon enhances the warmth of the peaches and complements their natural sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract adds a classic aromatic note that rounds out the glaze beautifully.
- Ice Cream – Vanilla bean is a classic pairing, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors like salted caramel or even a vibrant berry sorbet.
Add-ins and Substitutions
While this recipe shines in its simplicity, you can certainly personalize it. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the glaze for an extra layer of spice. If you don’t have brown sugar, granulated sugar can be used, though the flavor will be slightly less complex. For a richer glaze, a tiny splash of maple syrup could be added.
How to Make Warm and Sweet Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream
Preparing these grilled peaches is a delightful process that yields maximum flavor with minimal effort. The heat of the grill transforms the fruit, softening its texture and intensifying its sweetness, while the simple glaze adds a touch of decadent indulgence.
- Prepare the Peaches: Begin by halving the peaches and removing the pits.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Grill the Peaches: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the peach halves, cut side down, onto the hot grill. Grill for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened.
- Glaze and Re-Grill: Once the peaches have grilled for the initial time on both sides, brush them generously with the prepared glaze. Return them to the grill for another 1 to 2 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the glazed peaches from the grill. Place each warm peach half into a serving bowl and top with a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the peaches on the grill. You want them tender but still holding their shape, so they don’t turn to mush. Watch for those beautiful grill marks as your cue!
Recipe Tips
- Choosing Peaches: Durability is key. Slightly firmer peaches will hold up better to the heat of the grill.
- Grill Heat: Ensure your grill is properly preheated. Medium-high is ideal for getting those lovely char marks without burning the peaches too quickly.
- Glaze Consistency: If your glaze becomes too thick, you can stir in a tiny splash of water or additional melted butter. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two.
- Prevent Sticking: A well-oiled grill is your best friend when grilling delicate fruits like peaches.
FAQs
- Can I make this without a grill? Yes, you can achieve a similar result by pan-searing the peaches in a buttered skillet over medium-high heat, then glazing them. You can also broil them.
- How do I store leftover grilled peaches? Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best reheated gently before serving or enjoyed at room temperature.
- What kind of ice cream pairs best? Vanilla is a classic for a reason, but salted caramel, honey, or even a dairy-free coconut ice cream would be lovely.
- Can I use nectarines or plums? Absolutely. Nectarines and plums are excellent substitutes and will grill beautifully using the same method.
Serving Suggestions
These warm grilled peaches are sensational served on their own with ice cream, but they also play well with other accompaniments. A sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or pecans adds a delightful crunch. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra touch of sweetness. For a more decadent experience, consider serving them alongside a warm, buttery pound cake.
Make This Recipe in Advance
The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using. The peaches themselves are best grilled just before serving to capture their peak warmth and texture.
Print
Warm and Sweet Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Imagine sinking your spoon into warm, tender peaches, their natural sweetness intensified by a touch of char, nestled alongside a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. This delightful dessert is impossibly easy yet feels incredibly gourmet, perfect for a casual weeknight treat or a show-stopping finale to a summer gathering. The beautiful contrast of warm and cold, sweet and slightly tart, will have everyone asking for seconds.
This simple dessert transforms humble peaches into a luxurious treat with a swirl of sweet glaze and a cooling scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
4 fresh ripe peaches
Vegetable oil for brushing
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 scoops ice cream, such as Market Pantry Vanilla Bean or Sea Salt Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peaches: Begin by halving the peaches and removing the pits.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Grill the Peaches: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the peach halves, cut side down, onto the hot grill. Grill for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened.
4. Glaze and Re-Grill: Once the peaches have grilled for the initial time on both sides, brush them generously with the prepared glaze. Return them to the grill for another 1 to 2 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
5. Serve: Carefully remove the glazed peaches from the grill. Place each warm peach half into a serving bowl and top with a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Notes
Choosing Peaches: Durability is key. Slightly firmer peaches will hold up better to the heat of the grill.
Grill Heat: Ensure your grill is properly preheated. Medium-high is ideal for getting those lovely char marks without burning the peaches too quickly.
Glaze Consistency: If your glaze becomes too thick, you can stir in a tiny splash of water or additional melted butter. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two.
Prevent Sticking: A well-oiled grill is your best friend when grilling delicate fruits like peaches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
