Name: Grilled Peach 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; 2 teaspoons canola oil; 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream; Honey, to taste; Flaky sea salt, to taste

There’s something magical about the combination of warm, caramelized fruit and cold, creamy ice cream. This Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is a quick, effortless dessert that hits all the right notes—sweet, smoky, and refreshingly creamy all at once.

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 Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I grilled peaches on a whim—it was like unlocking a whole new level of fruity goodness. The mix of juicy peaches and nectarines, kissed by the grill, paired perfectly with smooth vanilla ice cream. You’ve got to try it!

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings.
Seasonal Freshness: Makes the most of ripe peaches and nectarines at their peak.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet honey and sea salt elevate this easy grilled fruit treat.
Impress with Minimal Effort: Looks beautiful with those perfect grill marks—like a dessert from a fancy restaurant.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking the right ingredients is key here—ripe but firm fruit and good-quality vanilla ice cream make all the difference. It’s a simple list because the magic comes from quality and technique.

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: Choose ones that are just ripe—juicy and fragrant but still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill.
Nectarines: These add a nice contrast with their smooth skin and slightly firmer texture.
Canola Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point that helps the fruit caramelize without burning or sticking.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold element that pairs so wonderfully with warm grilled fruit.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful drizzle for that perfect finishing touch.
Flaky Sea Salt: A little sprinkle brings out all the sweet and smoky flavors, heightening the overall taste experience.

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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

This Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is wonderfully simple but also versatile — perfect for putting your own spin on a classic summer dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it uniquely yours!

Variation: I love swapping nectarines with ripe plums or apricots when in season. The slight tartness pairs beautifully with the creamy vanilla ice cream and honey drizzle.
Dietary swap: For a vegan-friendly version, try a coconut-based vanilla ice cream instead. The tropical flavor adds an extra layer of richness.
Flavor boost: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted almonds can take this dessert to the next level with warm spice and crunch.
Serving twist: Try adding a splash of balsamic glaze or a few fresh mint leaves on top for a sophisticated touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Peach 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 to caramelize the fruit quickly without burning it. The goal is to get those beautiful grill marks that add smoky flavor and a lovely texture contrast.

Step 2: Oil Those Juicy Halves

Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the ripe peach and nectarine halves with canola oil. This neutral oil prevents sticking and helps the sugars caramelize evenly. Trust me, a little oil goes a long way toward that perfect golden crust.

Step 3: Grill and Rotate for Perfection

Place the fruit cut side down on the grill. After about 1.5-2 minutes, rotate each piece 90 degrees to create those signature crisscross grill marks and keep the caramelization even. Continue grilling for a total of 3-4 minutes—the fruit should be tender with a lightly charred exterior.

Step 4: Remove Carefully and Plate

Use tongs to gently lift the grilled fruit off the grill—watch out, it’ll be hot! Arrange the halves on serving plates, cut side up, ready for the finishing touches.

Step 5: Scoop, Drizzle, and Sprinkle

Place a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream into the center of each peach and nectarine half. Drizzle with honey to add floral sweetness and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make all the flavors pop. Serve immediately to enjoy that wonderful warm-and-cold contrast.

Top Tip

These simple tips will help you nail your Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe every single time, ensuring a perfect balance of caramelized fruit and creamy coolness.

Choose the Right Fruit: Pick peaches and nectarines that are ripe but firm—this way, they'll caramelize nicely without turning mushy on the grill.
Brush with Oil Carefully: Use just a light coating of canola oil so the fruit won't stick, but avoid over-oiling which can cause flare-ups on the grill.
Master Those Grill Marks: Rotate the fruit 90 degrees halfway through grilling for beautiful crosshatch marks that not only look great but help caramelize evenly.
Serve Immediately: Don't wait too long to plate; the magic happens when the warm, smoky fruit meets the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve Grilled Peach 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 by adding a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and herbal brightness, or sprinkle toasted almonds or chopped pistachios for crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also add warmth that pairs beautifully with the caramelized fruit and vanilla ice cream.

Side Dishes

While this Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is a fantastic standalone treat, consider serving it alongside a simple angel food cake slice or crispy shortbread cookies for added texture and indulgence. It also pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover grilled fruit, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the vanilla ice cream separate to avoid it melting prematurely. Reheat the fruit gently if you want to recreate that warm-cold contrast at serving time.

Freezing

While grilled fruit can be frozen, the texture may become softer upon thawing, which is less ideal for this dessert. Instead, freeze the vanilla ice cream separately and prepare fresh grilled peaches and nectarines for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftover grilled fruit, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain that delicate caramelized flavor and prevent mushiness. Then, add a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream and finish with honey and sea salt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen peaches for this Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe?

Fresh peaches and nectarines work best because they hold their shape and caramelize nicely on the grill. Frozen fruit tends to become watery and mushy when thawed, which isn't ideal for grilling.

What if I don't have a grill—can I make this dessert another way?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil the fruit in the oven to achieve similar caramelization. Just watch closely to avoid burning.

How do I prevent the peaches from sticking to the grill?

Lightly brushing the cut fruit halves with canola oil helps prevent sticking. Also, make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat before adding the fruit.

Can I make this dessert vegan-friendly?

Yes! Just substitute the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk ice cream, and use a vegan-friendly sweetener if desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the simple combination of smoky grilled peaches and nectarines paired with velvety vanilla ice cream. This Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe serves up warm, juicy fruit bursting with caramelized flavor alongside the perfect creamy chill. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or impressing guests at a summer barbecue, it’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortless. I hope you enjoy crafting this easy, satisfying treat as much as I do!