Name: Grilled Peaches 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; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

If you haven’t tried this before, let me introduce you to a simple but stunning dessert: the Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. It’s the perfect way to elevate juicy, ripe peaches and nectarines with a smoky char and creamy vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, it’s magic.

The image shows eleven peach halves with dark brown grill marks arranged on a white marbled surface. The peaches have bright yellow flesh with some orange-red areas and slightly charred edges. There is a small white scoop of ice cream on one peach half in the lower right corner, melting a little. A metal ice cream scoop filled with some extra ice cream sits near the top left. Light golden syrup is drizzled around and on the peaches, adding a glossy shine. The texture of the peaches looks soft and juicy. 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 Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it comes together in five minutes but tastes like something you’d get at a fancy summer party. The contrast of warm, caramelized fruit with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is just unbeatable.

Quick to make: Only 5 minutes from start to finish—perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
Simple ingredients: Just ripe stone fruits, a touch of oil, honey, and sea salt—easy pantry staples you probably have.
Impressively elegant: Grill marks and caramelization add a gourmet touch without any fuss.
Perfect balance: The honey’s sweetness combined with flaky sea salt creates an irresistible flavor contrast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking the right fruit is key here—look for peaches and nectarines that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. A little canola oil helps prevent sticking without overpowering flavors, while honey and sea salt finish things off perfectly.

Flat lay of two ripe peaches halved showing juicy flesh and pits, two ripe nectarines halved with vibrant orange-red skin and juicy interior, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear golden canola oil, eight large scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl with flaky sea salt crystals, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, 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 juicy, ripe peaches—they bring that sweet, summery flavor and soften beautifully on the grill.
Nectarines: These add a slightly different, tangy sweetness and pair wonderfully with peaches.
Canola oil: Its neutral taste and high smoke point make it ideal for grilling fruit without burning.
Vanilla ice cream: A creamy, classic topper that melts over the warm grilled fruit.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely sticky glaze.
Flaky sea salt: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle crunch and salty contrast.

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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 Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you want to add a little spice, swap ingredients, or try different toppings, there are plenty of tasty ways to personalize this dessert.

Cinnamon Twist: I love sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon on the fruit before grilling. It adds a warm, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the caramelization and vanilla ice cream.
Nuts for Crunch: Toasted almonds or pecans make a delightful crunchy topping—just scatter them over the ice cream right before serving.
Vegan Version: Swap out the vanilla ice cream for a coconut or almond milk-based alternative to keep this dessert plant-based while still creamy and delicious.
Seasonal Swaps: If peaches or nectarines aren’t in season, try grilling plums or even pineapple slices for a similar caramelized sweetness.
A Touch of Booze: For adult gatherings, drizzle a little bourbon or rum over the finished dish to add depth and a subtle boozy warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows two halves of a grilled peach with caramelized, slightly charred marks on the golden yellow flesh, sitting on a white speckled plate with white marbled texture. Next to the peach halves are two scoops of creamy, pale yellow vanilla ice cream, melting slightly and creating a soft contrast to the warm fruit. The juicy, shiny peach surface reflects light, emphasizing the texture and grill marks, with the ice cream providing a smooth, cold layer beside the warm, vibrant fruit photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill to Perfection

Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This is the sweet spot to get those gorgeous grill marks on the fruit without burning it. You’ll want it nice and hot so the peaches and nectarines caramelize just right during their short cook time.

Step 2: Prep Your Fruit with Care

Cut your peaches and nectarines in half and carefully remove the pits. Then, lightly brush the cut sides with canola oil. This step is key—it prevents sticking and helps the fruit develop those appealing grill lines. The oil also encourages caramelization, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Step 3: Grill the Fruit to Caramelized Glory

Place the fruit halves cut side down on the hot grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes total. To get those beautiful crosshatch grill marks, rotate the fruit 90 degrees halfway through this cooking time. You’re looking for a slightly softened texture with some lovely caramelization—not mushy, but tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Plate and Top with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream

Using tongs, carefully remove the grilled peaches and nectarines from the grill and place them on serving plates, cut side up. Nestle a large scoop of vanilla ice cream right in the center of each piece. The contrast between the warm fruit and the cold, smooth ice cream is pure magic!

Step 5: Drizzle Honey and Sprinkle Sea Salt for the Finish

Finish each peach half with a generous drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The honey adds a delicate sweetness that dances beautifully with the creamy ice cream, while the sea salt amplifies all the flavors and adds a delightful pop of contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect warm-and-cool combination.

Top Tip

Getting those perfect caramelized grill marks and balancing warm fruit with cold ice cream can really elevate your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. Here are some tips to make sure your dessert shines every time.

Choose Ripe but Firm Fruit: I always pick peaches and nectarines that are juicy yet firm, so they hold their shape on the grill without turning mushy. This keeps the texture delightful.
Brush with Oil Evenly: >Brushing the cut fruit with canola oil ensures it won’t stick to the grill. I learned the hard way that skipping this step leads to frustrating fruit loss!
Rotate for Perfect Grill Marks: Rotating the fruit 90 degrees halfway through grilling creates those beautiful cross-hatch marks and helps caramelize the sugars evenly.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dessert right off the grill paired with cold vanilla ice cream. Waiting too long means you lose the irresistible contrast of warm and cold.

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows a white scalloped plate holding five bright orange and red peach halves, arranged in a casual pile with the inside of the peaches facing up, revealing their juicy, textured flesh. A woman's hand is holding a white brush and gently brushing the inside of one peach half. Below the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with light yellow liquid. All items rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt as described in the recipe, which adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness. You can also dust the peaches lightly with cinnamon before grilling for a warm spice note. Fresh mint leaves or a handful of toasted chopped nuts like almonds or pecans bring texture and freshness to the dish as well.

Side Dishes

While this dessert is often a star on its own, pairing it with a crisp summer salad or a light shortbread cookie can round out a meal beautifully. If you're serving it at a barbecue, it’s an excellent sweet finish after grilled meats or a chilled watermelon salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any grilled peaches and nectarines leftover (though it’s hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best eaten cold or at room temperature, but they won’t have the same texture as fresh off the grill.

Freezing

Because of the fresh fruit texture and ice cream topping, I don’t recommend freezing the grilled peaches with ice cream already on them. However, you can freeze leftover grilled fruit (without ice cream) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month to use later in smoothies or baking.

Reheating

To gently reheat leftover grilled peaches, warm them in a skillet over low heat for a couple minutes just until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep them from breaking down. Then serve with fresh vanilla ice cream and your honey and sea salt finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other oils besides canola oil for grilling the peaches?

Absolutely! Canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can substitute other neutral oils like grapeseed or sunflower oil to prevent sticking during grilling.

What if my peaches are too ripe or soft?

If the fruit is too soft, it may fall apart on the grill. It’s best to select peaches and nectarines that are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape for grilling success.

Can I prepare this dessert indoors using a grill pan?

Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. Just preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same instructions for brushing with oil and grilling the fruit halves.

How long should I let the grilled peaches cool before adding the ice cream?

For the best warm-and-cold contrast, add the vanilla ice cream immediately after removing the peaches from the grill. Waiting too long cools the fruit and lessens the experience.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is one of those magical desserts that comes together in just minutes yet feels so indulgent and special. It highlights the natural sweetness of summer fruit with a smoky twist, paired with creamy ice cream and just a hint of sea salt to elevate every bite. Whether you're hosting a casual BBQ or craving something quick and delicious, this is a go-to recipe that never disappoints. So fire up that grill, gather your peaches and nectarines, and treat yourself to this delightful dessert—warm fruit and melting ice cream are waiting!