Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream
Introduction
Grilled peaches with ice cream is a simple yet delightful summer dessert that combines fruity freshness with creamy sweetness. This recipe takes the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and enhances their flavor through the grilling process, which caramelizes the sugars and adds a smoky depth. Topped with cold, rich ice cream, this treat is both refreshing and indulgent—a perfect way to end a warm evening. Easy to prepare, it allows even novice cooks to impress their family and friends with minimal effort.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 4 ripe peaches, halved with pits removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– Vanilla ice cream or any ice cream of your choice
– Optional toppings: granola, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce
Prep Time
The preparation time for this delightful recipe is as quick and effortless as the dish itself. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare the peaches, preheat the grill, and gather your toppings. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still looking to create a memorable dessert.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time is only around 4-6 minutes, as the peaches don’t require much time on the grill to achieve those beautiful, caramelized grill marks. The total time for the entire recipe, including preparation and cooking, is around 15 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it ideal for small gatherings or a family dessert.
Recipe
To make the grilled peaches with ice cream, start by preparing the peaches. Cut them in half and remove the pits. Lightly brush each peach half with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. If desired, sprinkle the cut side with a bit of brown sugar or cinnamon for added sweetness.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until grill marks form. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the flesh and enhance their sweetness. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Place each grilled peach half in a serving bowl, and top with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. For an extra touch, drizzle caramel sauce, sprinkle granola, or add a handful of chopped nuts for texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet, smoky, and creamy treat!
More
Grilled peaches with ice cream not only make for a wonderful summer dessert but also allow for plenty of customization. You can experiment with different types of ice cream, such as caramel swirl or coconut, to pair with the grilled peaches. Additionally, feel free to modify the spices or even add a splash of vanilla extract when brushing the peaches. This versatile recipe is perfect for making the most out of seasonal fruits and creating a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Cut your peaches in half and remove the pits carefully. Ensure you have evenly halved peaches for consistent grilling.
Step 3: Brush with Oil
Lightly brush the cut side of each peach with oil to help caramelization and to avoid sticking on the grill.
Step 4: Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches flesh-side down onto the preheated grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the flesh softens slightly. Flip the peaches and grill the other side for about 2-3 more minutes.
Step 5: Remove from Grill
Take the peaches off the grill once cooked. Allow them to cool slightly for ease of handling.
Step 6: Assemble the Dessert
Place the warm grilled peaches on a plate or serving dish. Add a generous scoop of your preferred ice cream onto each peach half.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Drizzle with honey or caramel sauce for added sweetness. Optionally, sprinkle crushed nuts or granola over the top for extra texture.
Notes
Tip for Picking Peaches
Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches may become too mushy when grilled.
Oil Substitute
If you don’t have oil, melted butter works well for brushing the peaches before grilling.
Ice Cream Options
Use your preferred ice cream flavor; vanilla, salted caramel, or even mascarpone gelato pair wonderfully.
Make It Vegan
Opt for vegan ice cream and agave syrup instead of honey if making this dish vegan-friendly.
Serving Temperature
Serve the grilled peaches warm for the best contrast with the cold ice cream.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheat in a low-temperature oven or enjoy cold.
Cook Techniques
Prepare the Peaches for Grilling
Begin by washing and slicing the peaches into halves. Remove the pit and ensure the surface is smooth for even grilling.
Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the peaches will caramelize properly without burning.
Brush with Oil
Lightly brush the cut side of the peaches with oil to prevent sticking and to promote a nice char on the grill.
Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Cook for around 2-4 minutes or until grill marks appear. For slightly softer peaches, flip and grill the skin side for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Prepare the Serving
Serve the grilled peaches warm, pairing them with scoops of ice cream. Add optional toppings like honey, nuts, or mint leaves for extra flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Yes, other stone fruits like nectarines, plums, or even pineapples work great on the grill.
Do I need to peel the peaches before grilling?
No, the peach skin softens when grilled and adds flavor. You can leave it on or remove it depending on your preference.
What kind of oil should I use for grilling peaches?
A neutral oil like vegetable or grapeseed oil is ideal, as it won’t overpower the flavor of the peaches.
Can I grill peaches without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop for similar results. Ensure the pan is hot to achieve the characteristic grill marks.
How do I know when the peaches are done grilling?
The peaches are ready when you see distinct grill marks, and they have softened slightly without becoming mushy.
What toppings go well with grilled peaches?
Toppings such as honey, cinnamon, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or mint leaves pair beautifully with grilled peaches and ice cream.
Can I store leftover grilled peaches?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or enjoy them cold.
What type of ice cream pairs best with grilled peaches?
Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but you can also try flavors like cinnamon, caramel, or almond for variety.
Conclusion
Grilled peaches with ice cream is a delightful, simple dessert that beautifully blends the smokiness of the grilled fruit with the creamy sweetness of ice cream. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy treat anytime you want to enjoy a quick yet elevated dish. Its versatility allows you to pair it with a variety of toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for all tastes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vanilla ice cream topped with roasted nuts
Create a crunchy contrast by pairing vanilla ice cream with a mix of roasted almonds, pistachios, or pecans. It adds a delightful texture to the creamy, soft dessert.
Drizzle of honey and fresh mint
Add a drizzle of honey over the grilled peaches and ice cream, then garnish with fresh mint for an extra burst of freshness and a hint of herbal sweetness.
Caramel or butterscotch sauce
Enhance the sweetness by adding a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce, complementing the charred peaches perfectly.
Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
Dust a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over your grilled peach and ice cream creation to infuse it with warm, spicy notes.
Pair with fresh berries
Combine the dessert with fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for an extra layer of juiciness and a pop of color.
Dark chocolate shavings
Grate some dark chocolate on top of your dessert for an indulgent and rich flavor element.
Serve with pound cake or shortbread
Turn this dessert into a more substantial treat by serving the grilled peaches and ice cream alongside slices of pound cake or shortbread cookies.
