If you are craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshingly simple, the Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, & Nuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining juicy, caramelized peaches with creamy vanilla ice cream, luscious caramel drizzle, and a satisfying crunch from nuts, this dish is a celebration of textures and flavors. Perfect for warm evenings or whenever you want an easy yet impressive treat, this dessert harmonizes the smoky sweetness of grilled fruit with classic comforting elements to create pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward by focusing on a handful of essential ingredients that each add their own magic. From the ripe peaches bursting with natural sweetness to the silky vanilla ice cream that cools and contrasts, every component has a role to play in building this delicious ensemble.
- 4 ripe peaches: Freestone peaches work best as they’re easier to pit and have an ideal sweetness and texture for grilling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A light brush on the peach halves prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness while grilling.
- 16 ounces vanilla bean ice cream: Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for that creamy, luxurious layer that melts beautifully over warm peaches.
- ¼ cup caramel sauce: Warm it up slightly; its sticky sweetness complements the fruit and ice cream perfectly.
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds that welcomed crunch—pecans or walnuts work wonderfully here.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, & Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Start by cutting your ripe peaches in half and gently removing the pits. Using freestone peaches makes this step easier, but any juicy peach will work. This simple prep is the foundation for perfectly grilled fruit that will soak up smoky notes while keeping juicy and tender.
Step 2: Oil the Peaches
Lightly brush or spray the inside of each peach half with olive oil. This not only helps prevent the peaches from sticking to your grill but also helps to enhance caramelization, creating those gorgeous grill marks and deepening their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches on a medium to medium-high heat grill, cut side down. Give them approximately five minutes to warm through and develop a tender texture with slight caramelization. Be careful not to scorch them; you want smoky sweetness, not burnt bitterness.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Once grilled, serve each peach half topped generously with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top to add luscious sweetness, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts if you like that extra crunch. The combination delivers layers of both temperature and texture that make this dish truly irresistible.
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, & Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
For added flair, consider a few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon on top. These simple touches introduce a pop of color and a burst of fresh aroma that complement the caramelized peaches beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a crisp biscotti or a shortbread cookie. These add a buttery crunch to contrast the creamy ice cream and tender fruit, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grilled peaches in individual small bowls with all the toppings pre-assembled for an elegant presentation. Alternatively, plate them with a swirl of caramel sauce on the base and nuts sprinkled around the plate for a restaurant-worthy look that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled peaches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the caramel sauce and ice cream separate to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Freezing
While the peaches themselves can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them before grilling. After grilling, the texture changes and freezing may result in mushy fruit. Ice cream and nuts should always be stored separately in appropriate conditions to keep them fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled peaches gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave for short intervals just until warm. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness. Then, top with fresh scoops of ice cream and warmed caramel for a quick repeat dessert.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, or even pears are excellent substitutes and will respond well to grilling while offering their own delicious twist to the recipe.
Is olive oil necessary when grilling the peaches?
Brushing the peaches with olive oil ensures they don’t stick to the grill and helps to caramelize their surface for enhanced flavor. You could also use a neutral oil if preferred.
What kind of nuts work best for this recipe?
Pecans and walnuts are classic choices because of their mild bitterness and crunch, but toasted almonds or hazelnuts would also be delightful options.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Yes! Homemade caramel sauce can be made easily with sugar, butter, and cream, and it adds a lovely personal touch to this dessert if you have the time.
Is this dessert suitable for outdoor grilling only?
Not at all! You can achieve similar results with a grill pan or even by broiling peaches in the oven if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, & Nuts Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate — so sweet, so comforting, and bursting with fresh, summery flavors. It is simplicity at its finest, yet so versatile and elegant. Give it a try for your next dessert and watch how effortlessly it brings smiles and compliments all around!
Print
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, & Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Peaches recipe offers a simple yet indulgent dessert featuring juicy, tender peaches grilled to perfection, topped with creamy vanilla bean ice cream, warm caramel sauce, and optional crunchy nuts. It’s a quick and elegant way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Peach Preparation
- 4 ripe peaches (freestone peaches preferred but any kind will work)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (13 grams) or olive oil spray
Toppings
- 16 ounces vanilla bean ice cream (454 grams)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (80 grams), warmed
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (28 grams), optional
Instructions
- Prepare Peaches: Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits carefully to create two even halves.
- Oil Peaches: Lightly brush or spray the cut side of each peach half with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization.
- Grill Peaches: Place the peach halves cut side down on a preheated grill set to medium/medium-high heat. Grill for approximately 5 minutes until peaches are tender and warm but not burnt.
- Add Toppings: Once grilled, top each peach half with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzle with hot caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freestone peaches for easier pit removal.
- Olive oil spray can be used instead of brushing with oil for convenience.
- Adjust grill time based on the ripeness and size of peaches to avoid overcooking.
- Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts complement the sweetness and add crunch.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm peaches and cold ice cream.
