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; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 8 large scoops vanilla ice cream; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

When summer’s at its peak, nothing beats the simple joy of warm, caramelized fruit paired with creamy vanilla ice cream. This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is a total game-changer—quick, fresh, and bursting with that sweet-and-savory magic you didn’t know you needed.

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 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

Honestly, I love how effortlessly this dessert comes together. It feels fancy but is totally doable on a weekday evening or for weekend gatherings. Plus, who doesn’t love the sizzling sound of fruit caramelizing right on the grill?

Fast & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, perfect when you want something sweet without fuss.
Flavor Explosion: Grilled peaches and nectarines bring that smoky-sweet vibe that pairs perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Balanced Sweetness: The honey drizzle and flaky sea salt make each bite pop with contrast.
Great for Entertaining: Impress guests with minimal effort, serving 8 delicious portions easily.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is key here. Look for ripe but firm peaches and nectarines so they hold up on the grill without turning mushy. I always go for a high-quality vanilla ice cream for that rich, creamy finish that contrasts beautifully with the warm fruit.

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: Use ripe, juicy peaches that are still firm to ensure perfect grilling texture.
Nectarines: Their slightly tangier flavor adds a nice twist and pairs wonderfully with peaches.
Canola Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for brushing on fruit to prevent sticking.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Opt for a creamy, high-quality brand to complement the sweet, smoky fruit.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a luscious finish when drizzled over the dessert.
Flaky Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle enhances the flavor by adding that subtle savory edge.

📝

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 tailor it to your taste buds or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this sweet and savory treat!

Variation: For a warm spice kick, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on the peaches before grilling. I love how it adds a cozy fall flavor, especially when serving this dessert on cooler evenings.
Seasonal swap: If peaches or nectarines aren’t in season, grilled pineapple or figs work beautifully and bring their own juicy sweetness.
Diet-friendly option: Swap vanilla ice cream for dairy-free coconut or almond milk-based ice cream to keep it vegan-friendly without losing that creamy contrast.
Nutty crunch: Toasted chopped almonds or pecans sprinkled on top add a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft grilled fruit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Peaches 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: Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat

Start by heating your grill until it's nice and hot—medium-high is the sweet spot. You want a temperature that will quickly caramelize the fruit’s natural sugars without burning it. A hot grill ensures those gorgeous grill marks and that amazing aroma that signals dessert is on the way.

Step 2: Prep your peaches and nectarines

Slice your ripe peaches and nectarines in half and carefully remove the pits. Brush each cut side lightly with canola oil—this prevents sticking and helps the fruit caramelize evenly. I find that using canola oil works best because it won’t interfere with the fresh fruit flavors or produce smoke at high heat.

Step 3: Grill the fruit to perfection

Place the fruit halves cut-side down on your hot grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes total. To get those signature crisscross grill marks, rotate each piece 90 degrees halfway through the grilling time. You'll know they're ready when the peaches and nectarines develop a lovely caramelized color and start to smell sweet and smoky.

Step 4: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings

Use tongs to remove the fruit from the grill and place them on your serving dish. While the peaches are still warm, place a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream in the center of each half. Finally, drizzle with honey and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. That little touch of salt perfectly balances the sweetness and brings the flavors alive.

Top Tip

These simple tips can really elevate your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe and ensure every bite is perfectly sweet, savory, and satisfying.

Choose the Right Fruit: I always pick peaches and nectarines that are ripe but still firm—this helps them hold their shape on the grill and caramelize beautifully without turning mushy.
Brush with Oil Evenly: >From experience, brushing just the cut side with canola oil helps prevent sticking and gives even grill marks that make the fruit look as good as it tastes.
Get Your Grill Hot: Make sure the grill is at medium high heat before you start. This quick, intense heat caramelizes the sugars without burning the fruit, and those grill marks are key for flavor and presentation.
Serve Immediately: I’ve found the magic is in the contrast—warm, caramelized fruit paired with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is unbeatable, so serve right away to keep both elements delicious!

How to Serve Grilled Peaches 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

To add even more flavor and visual appeal, consider sprinkling chopped fresh mint or toasted almonds on top. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg also complements the warmth of the grilled fruit delightfully. For added texture, a few crushed pistachios or a small handful of granola can give your dessert a pleasant crunch.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to build a summer spread, consider light options like a mixed berry salad, fresh whipped cream, or even a scoop of lemon sorbet alongside for a citrusy twist. A crisp, buttery shortbread cookie on the side can also add a lovely textural contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover grilled peaches or nectarines, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the ice cream separate until serving to avoid it melting prematurely.

Freezing

While the grilled fruit doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate texture, the vanilla ice cream can be stored in your freezer as usual for up to 1 month. For best results, prepare the fruit fresh and assemble just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat leftover grilled peaches or nectarines, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fruit too soft. Add fresh scoops of vanilla ice cream and your finishing touches just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits besides peaches and nectarines?

Absolutely! Other stone fruits like plums or apricots work wonderfully on the grill, bringing their own unique sweetness and texture to this dessert.

What if I don't have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop heated to medium high. Follow the same method for oiling and grilling the fruit—it’ll still get those lovely caramelized marks and flavors.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

You can slice and oil the fruit ahead of time, but it’s best to grill and serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture. The ice cream should always be added just before serving.

Why add sea salt to a sweet dessert?

The flaky sea salt enhances the natural sweetness of the grilled fruit and adds a subtle depth to the flavors, creating a perfect sweet-and-savory balance that really makes this dessert special.

Final Thoughts

Making grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream feels like capturing the best of summer in one simple, elegant dessert. The juicy, caramelized fruit paired with cold, creamy ice cream and that hint of honey and sea salt is a winning combo every time. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family gathering or a quiet treat for yourself, it’s a delightful way to celebrate fresh flavors and easy cooking. I hope this recipe brings a little sunshine and sweetness to your day!