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.
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!

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Grilled Peach dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is a quick and delicious dessert featuring juicy, caramelized peaches and nectarines paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 ripe peaches
- 2 ripe nectarines
Other
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for the peaches and nectarines.
- Prepare the fruit: Cut the peaches and nectarines in half, remove the pits, and brush each half lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking and help with caramelization.
- Grill the fruit: Place the fruit cut side down on the grill. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes until grill marks appear, then rotate each half 90 degrees and grill for a total of about 3-4 minutes until caramelized and tender.
- Serve with ice cream: Remove the grilled fruit using tongs. Place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each fruit half.
- Finish with toppings: Drizzle honey over the fruit and ice cream, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors and add a subtle savory kick.
Notes
- Choose peaches that are just ripe—juicy but still firm enough to hold their shape while grilling.
- Canola oil is recommended for brushing due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but other neutral oils can be used.
- Adjust honey quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor contrast between warm fruit and cold ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fruit half with ice cream
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg


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