Irresistible Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream in 12 Minutes

There’s something magical about summer desserts that taste like sunshine – and these Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel are my absolute favorite way to capture that feeling. I still remember the first time I made them at a backyard barbecue years ago – the way the caramel dripped down the warm peaches onto the melting ice cream had everyone begging for the recipe before they’d even finished their first bite!

What I love most is how effortlessly elegant this dessert feels, yet it comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. The peaches get kissed by the grill until they’re slightly smoky and perfectly tender, then topped with creamy vanilla ice cream that starts to melt into all those little caramel rivers. It’s the kind of dessert that looks fancy but is so simple you’ll want to make it all summer long.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself after a long day, these grilled peaches deliver that perfect balance of warm and cool, sweet and smoky. Trust me – once you try this combination, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel

Listen, I know we all pretend to be fancy sometimes, but what really matters is finding desserts that are:

• Actually easy (we’re talking 12 minutes start-to-finish)
• Summer magic – that perfect blend of warm fruit and cold ice cream
• Balanced flavors – the smoky peaches cut through the sweet caramel beautifully
• Guest-worthy but requires zero pastry skills (my kind of impressive!)

When I tell you these peaches will become your go-to summer dessert after one bite, I’m not exaggerating. They’re that good.

The Perfect Summer Dessert

There’s something about that first bite where the warm peach juices mix with melting vanilla ice cream and caramel that just screams “summer.” I wait all year for peach season specifically for this recipe – it’s like edible sunshine on a spoon.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you! The magic happens when basic peaches meet the heat of the grill. That caramelization brings out incredible depth of flavor that makes people think you slaved over this. (Our little secret – it’s almost too easy!)

Ingredients for Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this unforgettable dessert (I promise it’s probably already in your kitchen!):

• 4 ripe but firm peaches – look for ones that give slightly when pressed near the stem (halved and pitted)
• 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough for lightly brushing the cut sides
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream – good quality makes a difference here!
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce – my homemade version takes 5 minutes, but store-bought works great too
• Fresh mint leaves (optional) – for that pretty pop of green on top

That’s it! Four main ingredients transform into something spectacular. The peaches should be fragrant but still hold their shape – too soft and they’ll turn to mush on the grill (learned that the hard way!).

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy grilled peaches (don’t worry – no fancy tools required!):

• Grill – gas or charcoal both work beautifully
• Tongs – for flipping those peach halves with care
• Basting brush – my trusty silicone one never sheds bristles
• Serving bowls – anything pretty that’ll hold the melty goodness

No grill? A grill pan on your stovetop works in a pinch – just crank up the heat to get those gorgeous char marks!

How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these peaches is seriously simple, but I’ll walk you through each step so they turn out perfect every time. Grab those peaches and let’s go!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Peaches

First things first – fire up your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). While it’s heating, halve your peaches and remove the pits. Here’s my trick: use a small melon baller to scoop out any stubborn pit pieces – it’s way easier than fighting with a knife! Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil. Don’t skip this step – it prevents sticking and helps those gorgeous grill marks form.

Step 2: Grill to Perfection

Once your grill is hot, place the peaches cut-side down. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Grill undisturbed for 3-4 minutes – you’ll know they’re ready when you see dark caramelized lines forming. Flip carefully with tongs and grill skin-side down for another 2-3 minutes until the peaches soften but still hold their shape. (Peek at the edges – when they just start to wrinkle slightly, they’re done!)

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Here’s where the magic happens! Let the peaches cool just slightly (about 2 minutes) so they’re warm but won’t melt your ice cream instantly. Place two halves in each bowl, top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with that glorious caramel sauce. Watch how the ice cream starts melting into all those little peach crevices – it’s pure dessert heaven! Garnish with mint if you’re feeling fancy, then serve immediately with big spoons for maximum enjoyment.

Pro tip: Have extra caramel sauce on the table – people always want more! And don’t be surprised if there’s silence while everyone digs in… that’s the sign of a truly great dessert.

Tips for the Best Grilled Peaches

After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some tricks for perfect grilled peaches every time:

• Peach picker: Choose peaches that are ripe but firm – they should give just slightly when pressed near the stem. Too soft and they’ll fall apart on the grill (learned that the messy way!)
• Grill space: Don’t crowd them! Give each peach half some breathing room so they caramelize instead of steam
• Timing is everything: Let peaches rest 2-3 minutes after grilling – still warm enough to melt the ice cream slightly, but not so hot it turns into soup instantly
• Bonus trick: Try brushing the cut sides with melted butter instead of oil for extra richness (game changer!)

Follow these simple tips and you’ll be the grill master of summer desserts!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are my favorite twists:

• Drizzle switch: Out of caramel? Warm honey makes an amazing substitute – especially with a pinch of cinnamon stirred in
• Dairy-free dream: Coconut milk ice cream works beautifully and adds a tropical twist
• Crunch factor: Toasted almonds or pecans sprinkled on top add wonderful texture
• Boozy kick: For adults, a splash of bourbon in the caramel sauce takes it over the top
• Berry bonus: Add fresh raspberries or blackberries for a pop of color and tartness

The beauty is in the flexibility – make it your own! Just don’t skip the vanilla ice cream – that’s non-negotiable in my book.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled peaches shine brightest served immediately while warm, but here’s how I love to take them next level: pair with chilled sparkling wine for a fancy touch, arrange on a dessert board with dark chocolate and nuts, or serve with buttery shortbread cookies for dipping into that caramel-vanilla swirl. Pure summer bliss!

Storage and Reheating

Let me be honest – these peaches are absolute perfection eaten fresh off the grill, but if you must store them (I know life happens!), here’s how: Keep grilled peach halves without ice cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the grill or stovetop just until warmed through. The texture won’t be quite as magical as fresh, but they’ll still taste delicious – promise!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (remember, these are estimates – your exact values may vary depending on ingredients used): 280 calories, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 35g sugar, 10g fat, and 3g protein. The caramel and ice cream obviously bring the sweetness, but those peaches pack vitamin C and fiber too!

FAQs About Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel

I get asked these questions all the time when serving this dessert – here are my tried-and-true answers!

Can I Use Canned Peaches?

Honestly? Fresh is best here. Canned peaches tend to be too soft and watery for grilling – they’ll likely fall apart before getting those beautiful caramelized marks. If you must use canned, pat them very dry and grill just briefly (1-2 minutes per side) to warm them through.

How Do I Prevent the Ice Cream from Melting Too Fast?

My trick? Let the grilled peaches cool for about 3 minutes before adding ice cream. Keep your serving bowls in the freezer beforehand too – this buys you precious extra minutes before the meltdown begins! And serve immediately after assembling (no pre-assembling!).

What’s the Best Caramel Sauce for This Recipe?

I adore homemade caramel (just sugar, cream and butter cooked to golden perfection), but a good-quality store-bought sauce works great in a pinch! My only rule? Warm it slightly before drizzling – it’ll flow beautifully over the ice cream and peaches.

The only bad question is the one you don’t ask! If you’re wondering anything else about this recipe, just shout – I’m happy to help.

Share Your Experience

I’d love to hear how your grilled peaches turn out! Snap a pic of that melty caramel goodness and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your summer dessert wins. You can find more inspiration on my Pinterest page.

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