Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream are the perfect summer treat! This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of ripe peaches and nectarines with the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream. It’s an easy recipe that impresses at any gathering, from backyard barbecues to intimate dinners. The caramelized fruit adds a unique flavor, making it a must-try for fruit lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just five minutes needed, you can whip this dessert up in no time.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of peaches and nectarines.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, everyone will love this deliciously simple dessert.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as is or top with honey and sea salt for an extra touch.
• Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without heavy ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your grilling experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Tongs
• Brush for oiling

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: The key to achieving those beautiful grill marks and caramelizing the fruit perfectly.
• Tongs: Essential for safely handling hot fruit without burning your fingers.
• Brush for oiling: Helps evenly coat the peaches and nectarines with oil for optimal grilling.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious dessert:

For the Fruit

• 2 ripe peaches
• 2 ripe nectarines
• canola oil

For Serving

• 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream
• Honey and sea salt for finishing

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

1. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your fruit grills evenly and gets those desirable grill marks.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

1. Brush the peach and nectarine halves lightly with canola oil using your brush.
2. Place them on the grill for about 3-4 minutes total.
3. Rotate each half 90 degrees halfway through grilling to create attractive crosshatch grill marks.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the grilled fruit from the grill using tongs.
2. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center of each peach or nectarine half.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream! Serve them warm for a truly irresistible dessert experience that friends and family will adore.

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Grilled peaches topped with vanilla ice cream make for a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this sweet treat.

Add a Flavorful Drizzle

• Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that complements the peaches perfectly.
• Balsamic Reduction: A splash of balsamic reduction enhances the flavor profile with its tangy notes.

Garnish Creatively

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Top with mint leaves for a refreshing contrast and vibrant color.

Pair with Other Fruits

• Mixed Berries: Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of additional flavors.
• Citrus Segments: Add orange or grapefruit segments to brighten up the dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

Getting the perfect grilled peaches requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert shines.

• Bold grill heat: Make sure your grill is preheated properly to achieve those lovely caramelized marks on the peaches.
• Bold ripeness check: Use ripe but firm peaches for grilling. Overripe peaches may become mushy on the grill.
• Bold oil application: Brush the fruit halves lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking and promote even grilling.
• Bold timing awareness: Keep an eye on the grill time; just 3-4 minutes is enough for beautiful grill marks and caramelization.
• Bold serving temperature: Serve immediately after grilling while they are warm for the best flavor experience.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

While grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream stand out as a main dessert, adding complementary side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some delicious options.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs provide a savory contrast to the sweet peaches.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes adds a healthy twist that pairs well.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring depth and balance to your meal alongside the sweet dessert.
4. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad tossed in vinaigrette offers a crisp texture that complements grilled fruit.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses serves as a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the grilled peaches.
6. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad can echo the flavors of grilled peaches while adding variety to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling peaches can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Bold choice of peaches: Using unripe peaches can lead to a tough texture. Always select ripe, slightly soft peaches for the best results.
• Bold temperature control: Grilling at too high a temperature can burn the fruit. Aim for medium-high heat to achieve perfect grill marks without charring.
• Bold oil application: Forgetting to coat the peaches in oil may cause them to stick to the grill. Lightly brush the cut sides with canola oil before grilling.
• Bold timing issues: Overcooking can turn your peaches mushy. Grill for just 3-4 minutes and keep an eye on them for optimal caramelization.
• Bold serving style: Skipping toppings can make your dessert less exciting. Don’t forget to drizzle honey and sprinkle sea salt over your grilled peaches and ice cream for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Grilled peaches will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Wrap grilled peaches tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place peaches on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place grilled peaches in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How do I choose the best peaches for grilling?

Look for ripe peaches that yield slightly when pressed. Avoid hard or overly soft ones as they won’t grill well.

Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?

Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, or even pineapple work wonderfully on the grill and pair nicely with vanilla ice cream.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

Yes! Substitute vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegan treat.

What is the best way to serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream?

Serve the grilled peaches warm, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with sea salt.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream is not only a delightful dessert but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different fruits or toppings based on your preferences. Give it a try this summer; it’s sure to impress!