Name: Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 ripe peaches; 2 ripe nectarines; 2 teaspoons canola oil; 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Nothing beats the sweet, smoky magic of summer like a Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. Juicy, caramelized peaches paired with creamy vanilla ice cream make for a dessert that’s as quick as it is unforgettable—you’re going to love how easy and delicious this is.

The image shows eleven peach halves with dark brown grill marks arranged on a white marbled surface. The peaches have bright yellow flesh with some orange-red areas and slightly charred edges. There is a small white scoop of ice cream on one peach half in the lower right corner, melting a little. A metal ice cream scoop filled with some extra ice cream sits near the top left. Light golden syrup is drizzled around and on the peaches, adding a glossy shine. The texture of the peaches looks soft and juicy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first tried this grilled peach dessert on a warm summer evening, and it instantly became my go-to easy treat for guests. It’s the perfect balance of warm, caramelized fruit and cool, creamy ice cream—comfort food that feels fancy without any fuss.

Super Quick Preparation: Ready in just 5 minutes—perfect for last-minute desserts or impromptu gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of fresh, pantry staples you probably already have at home.
Showstopper Flavor: Caramelized peaches and nectarines paired with vanilla ice cream and a touch of honey create a mouthwatering combo.
Customizable Sweetness: >Add more or less honey depending on your sweet tooth, and the flaky sea salt adds an irresistible savory punch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right fruit is the heart of this recipe. You want peaches and nectarines that are ripe enough to be juicy and sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape when grilled. For oil, I prefer canola for its neutral flavor that won’t overshadow the fruit’s natural sweetness. And don’t skip the flaky sea salt—it brings everything together beautifully!

Flat lay of two ripe peaches halved showing juicy flesh and pits, two ripe nectarines halved with vibrant orange-red skin and juicy interior, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear golden canola oil, eight large scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl with flaky sea salt crystals, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are juicy yet firm, so they caramelize well without turning mushy on the grill.
Ripe nectarines: Nectarines add a slightly tangier note and grill just as beautifully as peaches.
Canola oil: Its high smoke point and neutral taste make it perfect for grilling delicate fruit like peaches.
Vanilla ice cream: Creamy and cool, it’s the perfect counterbalance to warm, grilled fruit.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely glaze when drizzled over the dessert.
Flaky sea salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle savory contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Feel free to experiment with toppings and flavor twists to suit your taste or the season.

Variation: I love swapping honey for a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar—it adds a lovely tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, caramelized fruit and creamy ice cream.
Diet-Friendly: For a vegan twist, try using coconut or almond milk-based ice cream and agave syrup instead of honey. The grill marks and caramelization stay just as delicious!
Seasonal Swap: When peaches and nectarines aren’t in season, try grilling pineapple or plum halves instead. They carry similar sweetness and pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts like almonds or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that complements the soft fruit and creamy ice cream.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows two halves of a grilled peach with caramelized, slightly charred marks on the golden yellow flesh, sitting on a white speckled plate with white marbled texture. Next to the peach halves are two scoops of creamy, pale yellow vanilla ice cream, melting slightly and creating a soft contrast to the warm fruit. The juicy, shiny peach surface reflects light, emphasizing the texture and grill marks, with the ice cream providing a smooth, cold layer beside the warm, vibrant fruit photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Grill Ready

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect to get those beautiful grill marks on the fruit while caramelizing the natural sugars just right without burning. Make sure your grill grates are clean so the peaches and nectarines won’t stick.

Step 2: Prep Your Fruit with Love

Cut 2 ripe peaches and 2 ripe nectarines in half and remove the pits. Give each half a light brush with 2 teaspoons of canola oil—this prevents sticking and helps create that gorgeous caramelized surface. Choose peaches that are juicy but still firm enough to handle the heat without falling apart.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place the fruit halves cut side down on the grill. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes so nice grill marks form. Then, rotate each half 90 degrees to create that classic crosshatch pattern, grilling for a total of 3-4 minutes until the fruit is tender and caramelized. You’ll notice the aroma intensify and the fruit develop a warm, golden glaze.

Step 4: Add the Ice Cream and Finishing Touches

Use tongs to carefully remove the grilled fruit from the grill. Place a large scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream right in the center of each half while the fruit is still warm—that contrast is pure magic. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey on top and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (1 teaspoon total) to highlight the sweetness and add a subtle savory surprise.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect caramelized char on your grilled peaches and nectarines really elevates this Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. These little tips can help you nail it every time, making your dessert a star at the table!

Choose the Right Fruit: Select peaches and nectarines that are just ripe—juicy yet firm enough to hold their shape on the grill without turning mushy.
Oil Up Properly: Brushing the fruit halves lightly with canola oil prevents sticking and promotes beautiful caramelization, which I learned makes all the difference after some sticky mishaps!
Watch Your Grill Time: Grill the fruit cut side down for 1-2 minutes before rotating. This technique creates distinct grill marks and even caramelization without overcooking.
Don’t Skip the Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end adds a subtle, savory balance — trust me, it transforms the sweet and creamy flavors into something next level.

How to Serve Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows a white scalloped plate holding five bright orange and red peach halves, arranged in a casual pile with the inside of the peaches facing up, revealing their juicy, textured flesh. A woman's hand is holding a white brush and gently brushing the inside of one peach half. Below the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with light yellow liquid. All items rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, consider garnishing this dessert with freshly chopped mint or basil leaves to add a fresh herbal note that complements the grilled fruit beautifully. You could also sprinkle some toasted almonds or pecans on top for a delightful crunch and a bit of nutty contrast. A dusting of cinnamon or a few drops of balsamic glaze can add subtle depth if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Peach dessert pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes. Think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the sweetness. If serving outdoors, a glass of chilled Moscato or a light sparkling wine will complement the dessert’s juicy and creamy flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled peaches and nectarines are best stored separately from the ice cream. Place the grilled fruit in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This keeps their texture intact without becoming overly soft.

Freezing

The ice cream can be stored in the freezer as usual, but I don’t recommend freezing the grilled fruit, as it can get mushy when thawed. Instead, grill fresh fruit each time you want to serve this dessert for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warm grilled peaches beyond fresh off the grill, gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat for a minute or two. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and prevent them from becoming too soft or watery. Then, top with fresh vanilla ice cream just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits besides peaches and nectarines for this grilled dessert?

Absolutely! While peaches and nectarines are ideal for their juicy sweetness and firm texture, you can also try grilled plums or apricots. Just make sure the fruit is ripe but firm enough to hold together on the grill.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I make this dessert another way?

No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop heated to medium-high or broil the fruit in the oven to achieve similar caramelization. Just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Why do you add sea salt to a sweet dessert?

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the natural sweetness of the grilled fruit and balances the creamy vanilla ice cream with a subtle savory contrast, making each bite more complex and satisfying.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time for a dinner party?

It’s best to grill the fruit just before serving to keep it fresh and tender. You can have your ice cream scooped and ready to go, but the fruit is quick to grill—only about 4 minutes—so it’s easy to prepare last minute without stress.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is such a delightful treat that combines the warmth of caramelized fruit with the creaminess of ice cream and a hint of honeyed sweetness. It’s incredibly simple but feels special—perfect for summer evenings or anytime you want a quick yet impressive dessert. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Here’s to many delicious moments ahead, one juicy, grilled peach at a time!