Name: Grilled Peach Dessert 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 love summer desserts that are quick, fresh, and packed with flavor, then you’ll adore this Grilled Peach Dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. It’s the perfect way to capture the juicy sweetness of stone fruits and pair them with cool, creamy ice cream for an irresistible treat.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how this dessert comes together in just minutes with minimal fuss but maximum wow factor. Every bite has that perfect harmony of sweet caramelization, creamy vanilla, and a surprising hint of saltiness that just keeps me coming back for more.

Super Quick to Make: Ready in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute dessert cravings.
Fantastic Flavor Combos: Juicy grilled peaches and nectarines meet creamy vanilla ice cream – honestly, what’s better?
Simple Ingredients: Uses fresh fruit, a little oil, honey, and sea salt—you probably have everything on hand!
Elegant Yet Easy: Perfect for impressing guests without complicated prep or cooking techniques.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing ripe, juicy fruits is key here because they’ll caramelize beautifully on the grill without turning mushy. Also, a little neutral oil helps achieve those gorgeous grill marks without imparting any unwanted flavors.

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 ripe but still firm enough to hold shape while grilling—this balance is essential for perfect caramelization.
Nectarines: These add a slightly different sweet-tart note that plays wonderfully with the peaches, making the dessert more interesting.
Canola oil: I like canola because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point, which helps the fruit caramelize nicely without smoke or burnt taste.
Vanilla ice cream: Choose a good-quality vanilla ice cream to complement the warm fruit with creamy, smooth richness.
Honey: A drizzle adds natural sweetness and a little sticky gloss that feels indulgent but still fresh.
Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle creates a fantastic salty contrast that enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dessert.

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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 Peach Dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you want to boost its flavor profile, accommodate dietary needs, or just try something new, there’s always a delicious twist to explore!

Variation: I love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg right before serving for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramelized peaches and nectarines.
Dairy-free option: Swap out the vanilla ice cream for a coconut or almond milk-based frozen dessert to keep it vegan and just as creamy and delicious.
Seasonal swap: If peaches and nectarines aren’t in season, try grilling plums or even pineapple slices—the natural sugars caramelize just as nicely and offer a wonderful summer twist.
Extra crunch: Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a lovely texture contrast that’s irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Peach Dessert 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

First things first—preheat your grill to medium high heat. This is key to getting those beautiful caramelized grill marks on your peaches and nectarines without overcooking them. You want the grill hot enough so that the fruit softens just a bit and sugars start to caramelize within about 3-4 minutes on the heat.

Step 2: Prep Your Stone Fruits

While the grill heats up, halve your 2 ripe peaches and 2 ripe nectarines, and carefully remove the pits. Brush the cut sides lightly with 1 tablespoon of canola oil—this prevents sticking and helps the fruit caramelize evenly. Use ripe but firm fruit; this ensures they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy on the grill.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place the fruit halves cut side down on the grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes total, rotating 90 degrees halfway through. This creates lovely crosshatch grill marks and gives you that beautiful caramelized flavor. You’ll notice the fruit starts to soften but still keeps its shape—this is the perfect texture!

Step 4: Assemble Your Dessert

Using tongs, carefully lift the grilled fruit halves off the grill and transfer to your serving plates. Nestle in 8 large scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream right in the center of each peach and nectarine half.

Step 5: Sweeten & Season

Finish your dessert with a generous drizzle of honey over the ice cream and fruit. Then sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—trust me, that little hint of saltiness makes all the flavors pop. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast between warm grilled fruit and cold, melting ice cream.

Top Tip

To get the best from your Grilled Peach Dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe, these tips make all the difference. They’ll help you master grilling peaches and nectarines perfectly every time, and balance the flavors beautifully.

Choosing the Fruit: Pick peaches and nectarines that are ripe but still firm. Overripe fruit can get mushy on the grill, while underripe won’t develop that rich caramelized flavor.
Oil It Right: Brushing the cut sides with canola oil prevents sticking and helps those gorgeous grill marks. Don’t skip this step—it makes plating and cleanup easier too.
Grill Timing: Keep the grill at medium-high heat and watch carefully—grill each half for about 3-4 minutes total. Rotate halfway through to create those tempting crosshatch patterns that also indicate even caramelization.
Serve Immediately: The magic is in the warm, smoky fruit paired with cold creamy ice cream. Serve as soon as you assemble to enjoy the best contrast before the ice cream melts too much.

How to Serve Grilled Peach Dessert 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

Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or pecans for crunch, or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the peaches beautifully, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs well with light summer sides like a fresh berry salad or a crisp lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. If you’re hosting a larger meal, a simple almond biscotti or a buttery shortbread cookie also make delightful accompaniments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Grilled peaches and nectarines are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the ice cream separate until ready to serve to prevent it from melting and making the fruit soggy.

Freezing

While you can freeze grilled peaches, the texture alters when thawed and becomes softer. If you must freeze, place grilled fruit in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Use within one month. Ice cream should never be refrozen once thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the grilled fruit gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave—just long enough to bring back the caramelized warmth without cooking it further. Add the ice cream right after reheating so it melts perfectly against the warm fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen peaches or nectarines for this recipe?

Fresh fruit is best for grilling because frozen peaches or nectarines tend to release too much moisture and become mushy on the grill. If you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can achieve similar results by using a grill pan on the stovetop. Heat it to medium-high, oil the fruit, and cook as instructed, watching carefully to get those nice char marks and caramelization.

Why add sea salt to a sweet dessert?

Flaky sea salt enhances the natural sweetness and adds a subtle savory contrast that makes the flavors more complex and balanced. It’s a delightful surprise for the palate.

Can I substitute vanilla ice cream with another flavor?

Absolutely! While vanilla pairs perfectly, try peach, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream for a creative twist. Just keep the flavors complementary to avoid overpowering the delicate grilled fruit.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Peach Dessert with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is a shining star for warm evenings and casual get-togethers. Its simplicity belies the sophisticated balance of smoky sweetness, creamy coolness, and that irresistible honey-salty finish. Whether you’re an experienced griller or a newbie, this dessert will elevate your summer repertoire and bring smiles to the table every time. Happy grilling and enjoy!