Okay, friends—if summer had a flavor, this would be it. Picture sweet, juicy peaches with caramelized grill marks, topped with melty vanilla ice cream that pools into every crevice. It’s easy, it’s elegant, and it tastes like sunshine in every bite. Let’s whip this up and wow everyone at your next gathering—or hey, just treat yourself because you totally deserve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One summer evening, after a long day wrangling kiddos and emails, I tossed some peaches on the grill just to experiment—and wow. It became a go-to for those “let’s make something special without doing too much” nights.
- Only 4 ingredients—you probably have them all right now
- Ready in 15 minutes or less
- Perfect for BBQs, dinner parties, or quick midweek indulgence
- A beautiful blend of warm and cold, sweet and smoky
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Vanilla ice cream (your favorite brand or homemade!)
Pro Tips
- Look for freestone peaches—they’re easier to pit and won’t fall apart on the grill.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the peach halves with melted butter and sugar.
- To make it dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350–375°F).
- Brush the cut side of each peach half with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Place peaches cut-side down on the grill. Let them grill for 3–4 minutes until charred and caramelized.
- Flip them over and grill for another 2 minutes just to warm through.
- Transfer to plates or a serving platter. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t over-grill! Peaches should be soft and slightly charred—not mushy.
- Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled to keep the peaches from sticking.
- Serve immediately—this dessert is all about that warm/cold contrast.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze for an extra flair.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh thyme before grilling.
- Top with crushed graham crackers, granola, or chopped nuts for texture.
- Swap peaches with nectarines or plums for a twist.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches work best for grilling. Canned are too soft, and frozen can get watery. If you’re in a pinch, go with firm canned halves and pat them dry before grilling.
Do I need a grill pan or can I put them directly on the grates?
You can go straight on the grates—just make sure they’re clean and well-oiled. A grill pan can help with easier handling, especially if your peaches are super soft.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The peaches are best served fresh off the grill, but you can prep them (butter + sugar) ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat (350–375°F).
- Brush peach halves with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Grill cut-side down for 3–4 minutes, then flip and grill 2 more minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition: ~220 calories per serving
Did you make this dreamy grilled peach dessert? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Snap a pic, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, and don’t forget to share the sweetness with your friends. 🍑💕
