Juicy, grilled peaches make an effortless summer dessert that’s both simple and impressive. Brush peach halves with a light oil, sear them on a hot grill until tender and caramelized, then finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, slightly charred fruit and cold ice cream is irresistible—perfect for backyard cookouts or an easy weeknight treat.
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This grilled peach recipe is a fast way to deliver big summer flavor. It requires just a handful of pantry staples and comes together in about 20 minutes, so it’s ideal when you want a delicious dessert without much fuss. Once you try them, grilled peaches with ice cream will likely become a seasonal favorite at your table.
The method is straightforward: halve and pit ripe peaches, brush the cut sides with oil, grill until you get nice char marks and the flesh is tender, then add your favorite toppings. If you want to get playful, experiment with different garnishes like toasted nuts, granola, flavored sauces or fresh herbs.
Below you’ll find guidance on picking ripe peaches, step-by-step grilling instructions and several topping ideas to help you make the most of this easy, elegant dessert.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Peaches
- Minimal ingredients and very quick to prepare—ready in about 20 minutes.
- Warm, caramelized peaches paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
- The simple combination of cinnamon and honey enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Ingredients Needed for Grilled Peaches
- Ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- Light-tasting oil with a high smoke point (canola or avocado)
- Ground cinnamon
- Liquid honey for drizzling
- Vanilla ice cream or your preferred frozen dessert
Helpful Tools
- Outdoor grill or grill pan
- Grill tongs
- Basting brush
- Ice cream scoop
How to Pick the Perfect Peach
Choosing ripe, sturdy peaches will make grilling easier and more successful. Look for fruit that is fragrant and gives slightly to a gentle squeeze—firm but not hard. A deep golden-yellow color (rather than pale) indicates ripeness, and a little shriveling around the stem is another sign the peach is ready to eat.
Are White or Yellow Peaches Better For Grilling?
Both white and yellow peaches grill well. White peaches are slightly less acidic and have a natural sweetness, but they tend to be softer and can break down more easily. Yellow peaches are firmer and more commonly used for grilling because they hold their shape better under heat.
What is the easiest way to cut a peach?
Use a sharp paring knife and cut along the peach’s natural seam from stem to bottom, then twist to separate the halves. Remove the pit with a spoon or pinch it out with your fingers.
How to Grill Peaches
- Prep the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. You can also use a hot grill pan if cooking indoors.
- Prep the peaches: Brush the cut sides lightly with oil to prevent sticking and encourage caramelization.
- Grill: Place peaches cut-side down on the grates and close the lid. Grill 3–4 minutes until grill marks appear, flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until the fruit is soft and warmed through.
- Finish: Remove from the grill, sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey. Top each half with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.
Can I Grill Peaches Ahead of Time?
For best flavor and texture, serve grilled peaches right after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and repurpose them in salads, yogurt, oatmeal or desserts the next day.
Variations of this Grilled Peach Dessert
Grilled peaches are versatile—try these topping and serving ideas to change the flavor profile:
- Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Add a handful of granola for texture.
- Grate fresh ginger over the warm peaches for a spicy note.
- Swap ice cream for whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to complement cinnamon.
- Top with a pat of butter or a drizzle of melted butter for richness.
- Use caramel sauce, chocolate, or a balsamic glaze instead of honey for a different twist.
- Garnish with fresh basil or mint for a bright finish.
- Chop cooled grilled peaches and add to salads or grain bowls.
Can you grill other types of stone fruit?
Yes—this technique works well with nectarines, plums and apricots. Smaller fruit can be halved and threaded on skewers to make grilling easier and avoid losing pieces through the grates.
Can I Slow Down or Speed up Ripening?
To slow ripening, refrigerate ripe peaches. To ripen peaches faster, place them in a paper bag and fold the top closed—this traps ethylene gas and speeds the process. Grilling also softens and sweetens the fruit.
Grilled Peach Salad
For a savory application, skip the ice cream and cool the grilled peaches slightly. Chop and toss them with fresh spinach or arugula, crispy pancetta or bacon and crumbled feta. Finish with a light vinaigrette for a bright summer salad.
Expert Tips
- Cutting peaches: Slice along the natural seam, twist to separate and remove the pit with a spoon or fingers.
- Oil choice: Use a high smoke point oil like canola or avocado to prevent burning.
- Timing: Grill times vary with peach size and ripeness. The fruit is done when a paring knife pierces easily.
More Desserts on the Grill
- Baked apples on the grill topped with brown sugar crumble and caramel.
- A simple grilled apple dump cake with just four ingredients.
- Lemon-blueberry crisp made in a cast iron skillet on the grill.
- Grilled pineapple served as a dessert or side.
What’s your favorite grilled dessert? Grilled peaches are a versatile, crowd-pleasing option for any summer gathering, and the many topping choices keep them fresh and exciting all season long.
Grilled Peaches
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe peaches sliced in half
- 2 Tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Honey to drizzle
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or place a grill pan in the oven. Brush the inside of the cut peaches with oil, then lay them cut side down on the grill and close the lid.
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Grill for 3–4 minutes until grill marks appear, then flip the peaches and cook another 3–4 minutes until the peaches are warm all the way through and soft.
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Remove the peaches from the grill and sprinkle with cinnamon, then drizzle with honey. Top each peach half with a scoop of ice cream and serve immediately.
Tips
- How to Cut a Peach – Run a knife the natural seam from end to end, twist to open and remove the pit from the half that holds it.
- Oil – Use an oil with a high smoke point like canola or avocado.
- Cooking Time – Varies by peach size and ripeness; the fruit is done when it can be pierced easily with a paring knife.
- Picking your Peach – Choose peaches that are firm yet slightly yielding, deeply colored and fragrant; a bit of shriveling around the stem signals ripeness.
Nutrition Information
, Carbohydrates: 35g
, Protein: 5g
We are not dietitians and recommend you consult a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The nutrition data is calculated and may contain errors. For precise values, run the ingredients through your preferred nutrition calculator.