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

If you’re chasing that perfect summer dessert, let me introduce you to my favorite: the Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. Sweet, warm caramelized fruit paired with creamy ice cream is simply irresistible—and super easy to make!

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 can’t get enough of how quickly this dessert comes together and the magical flavor that grilling adds. It’s simple, stunning, and perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself after dinner.

Quick & Easy: Just 5 minutes total and you have a fancy, café-worthy dessert ready to enjoy.
Flavor Explosion: Grilling brings out the natural sugars in peaches and nectarines, creating a mouthwatering caramelized taste.
Perfect for Summer: Uses seasonal stone fruit at its juiciest, paired with classic vanilla ice cream.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated pantry staples—just fresh fruit, a little oil, honey, and flaky sea salt for that perfect finish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking the right peaches and nectarines is key here—look for fruit that’s ripe and fragrant but still holds its shape well for grilling. The rest of the ingredients play a simple but important role in enhancing these fresh flavors.

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 ones that are juicy and fragrant, but still firm enough so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
Nectarines: They add a slightly different sweet tang and work beautifully alongside peaches for variety.
Canola Oil: I like this because it’s neutral and helps the fruit develop that gorgeous caramelized crust without any competing flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold, and classic—this is the perfect contrast to the warm grilled fruit.
Honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that complements the caramelized peaches and nectarines perfectly.
Flaky Sea Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors to life by balancing sweetness and highlighting depth.

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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

This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is wonderfully simple but so easy to customize to your own tastes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings or spices to make it truly your own warm, sweet treat!

Variation: I love adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg right before grilling to give a cozy spice note that pairs beautifully with the honey drizzle. It adds a little something extra without overpowering the fresh fruit.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out traditional vanilla ice cream for a coconut or almond milk-based alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version that everyone will enjoy.
Seasonal Twist: Try grilling other stone fruits like plums or apricots when peaches and nectarines aren’t in season — they caramelize just as beautifully and offer delightful flavor variations.
Cooking Method: No grill? No problem! A grill pan or even your broiler will perfectly caramelize these juicy fruits in just minutes, so you can enjoy this dessert anytime.

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 medium-high

Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This temperature is just right to get those beautiful caramelized grill marks without burning the fruit. It only takes a few minutes, so while it heats up, you can prepare the fruit.

Step 2: Prep your peaches and nectarines

Slice the peaches and nectarines in half and carefully remove the pits. Brush the cut sides lightly with 1 tablespoon of canola oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes a gorgeous caramelization as they hit the grill.

Step 3: Grill the fruit to perfection

Place the fruit cut-side down on the grill. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until you see those amazing grill marks and the fruit starts to caramelize. Halfway through, rotate each piece 90 degrees to get crosshatch marks that look as good as they taste.

Step 4: Serve warm with ice cream, honey, and sea salt

Use tongs to carefully remove the grilled fruit from the heat. Place one generous scoop of vanilla ice cream right in the center of each half while the fruit is still warm so it melts just a little. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey over the top and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt to really brighten all those rich flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tip

These tips come from countless delicious experiments to help you get the best results with your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. With these little pointers, your dessert will be perfectly caramelized, beautifully balanced, and effortlessly impressive every time.

Choose the Right Peaches: Picking peaches that are just ripe makes all the difference — juicy and flavorful, but firm enough to hold their shape on the grill without falling apart.
Brush with Oil Carefully: A light coating of canola oil prevents sticking and promotes caramelization without overpowering the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Grill Marks Matter: Rotate the peach and nectarine halves 90 degrees halfway through cooking for those beautiful crosshatch grill marks—plus, extra caramelization and flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on your grill time; 3 to 4 minutes is all you need to get that perfect caramelized edge without turning the fruit mushy.

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 an elegant touch, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top to add a delightful crunch. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon can also brighten the flavors and add a little extra aroma. The drizzle of honey and flaky sea salt is classic, but feel free to swap honey with a balsamic glaze for a tangy twist!

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to accompany it with something, think light and simple: a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a small cheese plate featuring creamy mascarpone or ricotta can balance the sweetness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any grilled peaches or nectarines leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftover grilled fruit, the texture may become softer upon thawing. Place the grilled halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm grilled peaches and nectarines in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can quickly make the fruit mushy. Always add the vanilla ice cream fresh after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other stone fruits besides peaches and nectarines?

Absolutely! Plums, apricots, or even cherries can be grilled similarly and paired with vanilla ice cream for a delightful twist.

Is canola oil necessary, or can I use another oil?

Canola oil is preferred for its neutral flavor, but light oils like vegetable or grapeseed oil make great substitutes.

Can I prepare this dessert without a grill?

Yes! A grill pan or under the broiler works wonderfully to caramelize the fruit if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

How soon should I serve the dessert after grilling?

Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the warm caramelized fruit paired with the cool vanilla ice cream melting beautifully on top.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of warm, caramelized peaches and nectarines with the creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream—especially with just a touch of honey and sea salt to elevate all the flavors. This Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is quick, simple, and endlessly satisfying, perfect for summer evenings or any time you want a light, luscious dessert. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to create your own version and enjoy every sweet, juicy bite!