Name: Grilled Peaches 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; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream; Honey for drizzling; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

If you’re craving a simple yet stunning summer treat, this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Juicy peaches and nectarines get a smoky char, perfectly paired with creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey—trust me, you’re going to love it.

The image shows ten peach halves with dark grill marks in a grid pattern on their yellow-orange flesh, arranged casually on a white marbled surface. One peach half holds a scoop of creamy white ice cream on top, melting slightly onto the fruit. Nearby, there is a scoop of the same ice cream placed inside a silver ice cream scooper resting among the peaches. Light brown syrup droplets and streaks are scattered around the peaches, adding a touch of shine. The overall look is warm and inviting, with the soft ice cream and caramelized fruit contrasting with the cool, smooth surface. 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 Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have a soft spot for desserts that come together quickly but look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. This grilled fruit dessert does exactly that, elevating everyday fruit to a next-level indulgence.

Quick to Make: From prep to plate, it takes just 5 minutes—perfect for hot summer days.
Flavor Explosion: The natural sweetness of ripe peaches caramelizes beautifully with a hint of smoky grill flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Elegant Presentation: Makes a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to making this grilled peaches and nectarines dessert, the key is choosing fruits that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. I swear by canola oil for brushing because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, letting the fruit shine.

Flat lay of two whole ripe peaches halved to show juicy flesh, two whole ripe nectarines halved revealing smooth orange flesh, a small white ceramic bowl with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse flaky sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl containing a light drizzle of canola oil, and eight perfect scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes, all 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

Peaches: Look for peaches that are just ripe—juicy yet firm so they don’t turn mushy when grilled.
Nectarines: Similar to peaches, nectarines add a lovely variation in flavor and texture.
Canola Oil: Used to lightly coat the fruit to prevent sticking and encourage caramelization.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, it cools down the warm fruit, creating the perfect contrast.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and glossy finish that complements the smoky fruit.
Flaky Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness with a subtle savory note.

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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 Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste. Whether you want to add a little spice or switch up the sweetness, the possibilities are endless and always delicious!

Variation: For a cozy twist, I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg right before grilling. It adds a warm, inviting aroma that pairs beautifully with the caramelized fruit and creamy ice cream.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite coconut or almond milk-based frozen dessert to keep it vegan-friendly without losing that creamy touch.
Seasonal Swap: Try this with grilled plums or apricots for a slightly different flavor profile when peaches aren’t in season.
Extra Flavor Boost: Before grilling, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the peach and nectarine halves for a subtle tang that complements the honey drizzle perfectly.

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

The image shows two grilled peach halves placed side by side on a white plate with speckled texture. Each peach half has dark, charred grill marks on its bright orange-yellow flesh with a shiny glaze on top. Next to the peaches on the plate are two creamy, pale yellow scoops of vanilla ice cream, with a smooth and slightly melting texture. The white speckled plate is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so those peaches and nectarines get beautiful grill marks and start to caramelize. This usually takes a few minutes, but you’ll know it’s ready when you can feel the heat radiating from the grill grates.

Step 2: Oil Up the Fruit

Cut your 2 ripe peaches and 2 nectarines in half and gently brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of canola oil. This step is key—it prevents sticking and helps the fruit develop that golden caramelization we love. Take your time to coat each half evenly but lightly.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place each fruit half cut-side down on the grill. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1.5 to 2 minutes, then use tongs to rotate each piece 90 degrees so you create crosshatch grill marks. Grill for another 1.5 to 2 minutes total—the fruit should be slightly softened and caramelized but still hold its shape. This entire step should take no more than 4 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Carefully remove the grilled fruit from the grill with tongs and place them on serving plates. In the center of each peach and nectarine half, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—about 8 large scoops for 8 servings. The warm fruit and cold ice cream create a perfect temperature contrast.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Drizzle honey lightly over the grilled fruit and ice cream, then sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This final step enhances the natural sweetness while adding a delightful savory pop. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Top Tip

These simple tips will help you master the art of grilling peaches and nectarines, making your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe even more delicious and foolproof.

Choosing the Fruit: Pick peaches and nectarines that are just ripe—firm but juicy—to keep their shape on the grill without turning mushy.
Oil Application: >I always brush the fruit lightly with canola oil just before grilling; it prevents sticking and encourages beautiful caramelization.
Grill Marks Technique: Rotating the fruit 90 degrees halfway through grilling creates those gorgeous crosshatch grill marks that make the dish look extra special.
Serving Timing: Serve immediately after grilling and adding ice cream to enjoy the perfect contrast of warm, caramelized fruit and cold creamy ice cream.

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows a white flower-shaped plate holding five halved peaches with shiny orange-yellow flesh and reddish skin. The peach halves lie with the flesh side up, revealing their hollow centers. A woman's hand is brushing one peach half with a natural bristle brush, which moves from left to right. Below the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a yellow liquid, placed on a white marbled surface. Light softly highlights the smooth textures of the peaches and the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance this dessert with a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for a pleasant crunch. Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing note, while a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can bring a subtle warmth. A few fresh berries on the side make it visually lovely and add a burst of tartness.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with light summer fare such as grilled chicken or a fresh green salad, making it a perfect finish to an outdoor barbecue or casual Mediterranean-inspired meal. A crisp white wine or sparkling rosé also complements the sweet and smoky flavors wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any grilled peaches and nectarines left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the ice cream separate until you’re ready to serve to preserve its creamy texture and flavor.

Freezing

While the grilled fruit is best fresh, you can freeze any leftover pieces for up to a month. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat briefly on the grill or stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat grilled peaches and nectarines, simply place them back on a preheated grill or a grill pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side until warmed through and slightly caramelized again. Add your scoop of vanilla ice cream right after serving for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen peaches or nectarines for this recipe?

Fresh fruits work best for grilling because they hold their shape and caramelize nicely. Frozen peaches or nectarines tend to be softer and may become mushy on the grill, making fresh ripe fruit the preferred choice.

Is there an alternative if I don’t have a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stovetop works perfectly fine. Just heat it to medium-high heat and follow the same grilling steps for those delicious caramelized marks and flavors.

Can I add other flavors to the fruit before grilling?

Yes! A light sprinkle of cinnamon, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or even a touch of vanilla extract before grilling can elevate the flavor and add a lovely twist to this classic recipe.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe yields 8 servings, with each serving consisting of half a peach and nectarine paired with one scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of warm, smoky grilled peaches and nectarines with cool, creamy vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re serving this as a quick summer dessert or a crowd-pleaser at a backyard gathering, it’s always met with smiles and happy taste buds. I hope this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe becomes one of your go-to sweet treats for effortless entertaining and simple everyday indulgence.