Name: Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large ripe peaches; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Store bought or homemade vanilla ice cream (4 scoops); Store bought or homemade caramel sauce for drizzling; Fresh mint, roughly minced, for garnish; Roasted pistachios, roughly chopped, for topping; Finishing salt, an optional pinch

There’s something irresistibly comforting about warm, juicy peaches paired with cold, creamy ice cream, isn’t there? This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe hits all the right notes—a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and refreshing that feels like summer on a plate.

The image shows a white plate with halved dark red peaches as the base layer. On each peach half, there is a large, smooth scoop of light cream-colored ice cream as the second layer. The ice cream is topped with small green and brown crushed nuts and sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs. There is a light drizzle of caramel sauce over the ice cream and around the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled textured surface with a soft focus background. 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

Whenever I make this dessert, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Even friends who claim they’re “not dessert people” fall for it thanks to its simplicity and flavor combination that feels both elegant and comforting.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute summer gatherings.
Natural Sweetness: Grilling amps up the peaches’ juicy sweetness without needing extra sugar.
Deliciously Versatile: Top with caramel sauce, crunchy pistachios, and fresh mint for a build-your-own twist.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a grill master or a kitchen newbie, you’ll nail this dessert every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing ripe, flavorful peaches is the key here, and using just a handful of good-quality ingredients makes this both simple and special. Here’s what I like to stock up on before getting started:

Flat lay of two large ripe freestone peaches halved showing vibrant orange flesh and pits removed, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil glistening with a golden hue, a simple white bowl with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, another small white bowl filled with glossy caramel sauce, a small pile of roughly chopped roasted pistachios with a rich green tint, a few sprigs of fresh bright green minced mint, and a small heap of coarse finishing salt crystals scattered lightly, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: I always go for large, ripe peaches—freestone types are easier to pit, but clingstone works great too.
Extra virgin olive oil: A light brush adds flavor and stops your peaches from sticking to the grill.
Vanilla ice cream: Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the creamy classic that pairs perfectly with grilled fruit.
Caramel sauce: A drizzle of this sweet, buttery goodness takes the dessert to the next level.
Fresh mint: Adds a cool, herbal brightness that balances the sweetness.
Roasted pistachios: These nutty crunchies contrast beautifully with the soft peaches and ice cream.
Finishing salt: Optional but recommended—just a pinch of flaky sea salt brings out all the flavors.

📝

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 parts about this Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to tweak the toppings, swap in seasonal fruits, or adjust for dietary preferences, this dessert invites you to get creative and make it truly your own.

Variation: For a nut-free option, I’ve swapped the pistachios for toasted coconut flakes, which add a lovely crunch and subtle sweetness without the nuts.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg over the grilled peaches right after grilling brings warm spice notes that are perfect for early fall evenings.
Vegan Version: Use your favorite plant-based vanilla ice cream and a dairy-free caramel sauce to make this dessert friendly for vegan guests. It’s just as indulgent and super satisfying.
Extra Smoky Flavor: When I want a bold taste, I leave the peaches on the grill a bit longer to get a deeper char. Just be careful not to overcook so the peaches stay juicy but get that smoky kiss.
Alternate Nuts: If pistachios aren’t your thing, toasted almonds or pecans make a delicious substitute that pairs beautifully with caramel and mint.

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

A white plate holds three halves of grilled peach, each topped with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream sprinkled with chopped pistachios and green herbs. The peaches have visible grill marks, a warm orange and red color, and are slightly glossy. There is a drizzle of caramel sauce around the peaches on the plate. A metal ice cream scooper with one scoop remains on the plate, resting on a white marbled surface. Around the plate are scattered bright marigold flowers, pink petals, and fresh green mint leaves. A light beige knitted cloth is placed near the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Halve and Pit Your Peaches

Start by cutting each peach along its natural seam from the stem down to the base. Hold it gently, then twist the two halves apart. If the pit clings stubbornly to one side, use a sharp knife to carefully slice around it, then scoop it out with a spoon. Using ripe, freestone peaches makes this step quicker and less fiddly, but clingstone peaches work beautifully too.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill and Oil the Peaches

Get your grill or grill pan heating up on medium-high. While it’s warming, lightly brush the cut sides of your peach halves with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This little step keeps them from sticking and helps develop those gorgeous grill marks that make this dessert so visually appealing.

Step 3: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Place the peach halves cut side down on the hot grill. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes — you’re looking for inviting grill marks and for the fruit to start softening. Flip them over and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat once the peaches are tender but still hold their shape, so you get that melt-in-your-mouth texture without turning it mushy.

Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy Immediately

Allow the peaches to cool just enough to handle but keep them warm for the best contrast when paired with cold vanilla ice cream. Arrange the halves on plates, top each with a generous scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream, then drizzle with caramel sauce. Finally, sprinkle with chopped roasted pistachios, fresh minced mint, and add a pinch of finishing salt if you like a little savory pop. Serve right away and watch this effortless summer dessert disappear fast!

Top Tip

These tips come from plenty of grilled peach experiments, ensuring your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Choosing the Right Peaches: I always pick ripe but firm peaches—too mushy and they fall apart on the grill, too firm and they won’t soften properly. Freestone peaches make pitting a breeze!
Oil Brushing Technique: Brushing just the cut side lightly with olive oil prevents sticking without adding heaviness. I learned this by initially over-oiling and ending up with greasy fruit.
Watch the Grill Time: Timing is everything—4 to 5 minutes cut side down, then 3 to 4 minutes on the other side gives that perfect caramelized sweetness without losing texture.
Serve Warm, Not Hot: Serving peaches warm (not scalding) lets the vanilla ice cream melt just enough—avoid letting them cool too much or the ice cream won’t soften beautifully on contact.

How to Serve Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Four halves of bright orange peaches are placed on a white round plate on a white marbled surface. Each peach half has a hollow center filled with a sprinkle of light brown sugar crystals, with some sugar spilled lightly around them on the plate. To the upper right of the plate are two small clear bowls, one with more light brown sugar and the other with a clear liquid. The scene is bright and clean, showing the texture of the soft fruit and the grainy sugar clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh mint adds a lovely pop of color and refreshing aroma that elevates the dessert. For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle roughly chopped roasted pistachios or swap in toasted almonds or pecans. A pinch of flaky finishing salt like Maldon enhances the peach’s natural sweetness perfectly. Don’t forget that generous drizzle of caramel sauce to bring it all together.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines as a sweet finale to summer barbecues or light meals. Pair it with grilled chicken or pork for a complete meal experience. For a brunch twist, serve alongside vanilla bean pancakes or waffles and a simple berry compote for an indulgent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Grilled peaches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, keep the toppings separate until serving.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the grilled peaches themselves, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Note that texture may soften after thawing, so they're best used in smoothies or baked dishes rather than grilled again.

Reheating

To gently reheat grilled peaches, warm them in a skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until just heated through; avoid overheating to maintain their shape. Then plate with fresh vanilla ice cream and toppings for the full experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

It's best to use fresh, ripe peaches for grilling because frozen peaches tend to become too soft and watery once thawed, which can make grilling difficult and less tasty.

How do I prevent peaches from sticking to the grill?

Brush the cut side of the peach halves lightly with extra virgin olive oil before placing them on the preheated grill. This helps create a barrier, reducing sticking and promoting beautiful grill marks.

Is there a vegan alternative for the ice cream and caramel sauce?

Absolutely! You can use plant-based vanilla ice cream and vegan caramel sauce made from coconut milk or date syrup. This keeps the dessert delicious and vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time for a party?

You can grill the peaches a few hours before your event and reheat gently before serving. However, for best flavor and texture, add the ice cream, caramel, nuts, and mint just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simple harmony of warm, juicy grilled peaches with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is a breeze to make and utterly satisfying—a sweet summer treat that feels both elegant and comforting. I hope it finds a spot at your table soon and brings as much joy to your family and friends as it has to mine.