Name: Grilled Peach 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; Honey, for drizzling; Sea salt, flaky, for sprinkling

There’s just something magical about tender, caramelized fruit paired with creamy vanilla ice cream—and that’s exactly what you get with this Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a quick, easy dessert that tastes like summer on a plate.

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 Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love making this dessert when peaches and nectarines are in season. The juicy fruit soaks up a slight smokiness from the grill, which pairs beautifully with the cold, smooth ice cream. It feels indulgent but takes almost no effort!

Simple & Fast: Ready in just 5 minutes, perfect for last-minute guests or a quick family treat.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky, creamy, and salty all in one bite.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of fresh ingredients you likely already have.
Versatile: Great for summer barbecues or whenever you crave something light and sweet.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing just the right fruit is key here—look for peaches and nectarines that are ripe but firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. A neutral oil helps get those gorgeous grill marks without overpowering the fruit’s natural sweetness. And of course, creamy vanilla ice cream brings it all together 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

Ripe Peaches: They should be juicy with a slight firmness for the best grilling texture.
Ripe Nectarines: Similar to peaches, but their smooth skin adds a slightly different flavor and look.
Canola Oil: A neutral oil that prevents sticking without competing with the fruit’s sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic creamy contrast to the warm, caramelized fruit.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and a lovely glossy finish when drizzled.
Flaky Sea Salt: Just a pinch brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

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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

The beauty of this Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make this summery dessert truly your own!

Variation: I love swapping nectarines for pluots or even firm mangoes for a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla ice cream.
Dietary tweak: For a vegan-friendly treat, I use coconut or almond milk-based vanilla ice cream—still decadent but totally plant-based!
Seasonal spin: In late summer, I add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary right after grilling, giving an herbaceous note that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Peach 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 the Grill to Perfection

Start by heating your grill to medium-high. You want it hot enough to get those gorgeous grill marks and caramelize the natural sugars in the peaches and nectarines without turning them mushy. This usually takes about 5 minutes on most grills.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit with a Light Touch

Cut your ripe peaches and nectarines in half, removing the pits, and brush each cut side lightly with canola oil. This helps prevent sticking and enhances the caramelization. Don’t worry about too much oil—just a thin coating is perfect.

Step 3: Grill for Sweet, Smoky Goodness

Place the fruit cut side down on the grill. Watch closely and after about 1.5 to 2 minutes, rotate each piece 90 degrees to create those classic crosshatch grill marks. Continue grilling for a total of 3-4 minutes until the fruit is tender and beautifully caramelized. You’ll notice a sweet, smoky aroma filling the air—that’s the magic happening!

Step 4: Assemble Your Dessert

Using tongs, carefully remove the grilled fruits from the grill and arrange them on your serving plates. Top the center of each half with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—eight scoops total for this recipe, perfect for eight servings.

Step 5: The Sweet Finish

Drizzle honey over the warm grilled fruit and ice cream for a luscious sweetness. Finally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This simple touch brightens the flavors and creates a wonderful balance between sweet and savory.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and creamy in your Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe, making your dessert truly unforgettable.

Choose Firm but Ripe Fruit: I always pick peaches and nectarines that are juicy yet firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. This prevents them from turning mushy and keeps each bite just right.
Use Neutral Oil: >Brushing the fruit with canola oil, which has a neutral flavor, ensures the natural sweetness shines without any overpowering oiliness—a trick I learned after trying various oils.
Grill Mark Technique: Rotating the fruit 90 degrees halfway through the grilling time creates those beautiful crosshatch grill marks that not only look great but also help in even caramelization.
Serve Immediately: One mistake I avoided was letting the grilled fruit sit too long before serving. Serving right away keeps the warm fruit and cold ice cream contrast at its best!

How to Serve Grilled Peach 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

Elevate your dessert by adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds or chopped pistachios for crunch, a few fresh mint leaves for vibrant color and freshness, or a dash of cinnamon to enhance the warm flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

If you want to pair this dessert with something extra, consider a simple shortbread cookie or a crisp biscotti to complement the creamy vanilla ice cream and caramelized fruit. A chilled glass of Moscato or a delicate herbal tea also pairs beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover grilled peaches and nectarines, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the ice cream separate and scoop it fresh when ready to serve again to maintain the perfect texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftover grilled fruit, the texture may soften upon thawing. For best results, freeze the fruit on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. Defrost gently in the refrigerator before serving, but do not freeze the assembled dessert as the ice cream will lose its creamy texture.

Reheating

To gently reheat the grilled fruit, warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain the best texture. Top with fresh scoops of vanilla ice cream and drizzle honey just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of fruit in this grilled dessert?

Absolutely! While peaches and nectarines work best for their sweetness and texture, firm fruits like plums or apricots also grill well and pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream.

What if I don’t have a grill—can I use a grill pan or oven instead?

Yes! A grill pan works great on your stovetop for caramelizing the fruit. Alternatively, broiling in the oven for a few minutes can replicate similar results. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Is there a vegan alternative for the vanilla ice cream?

Definitely. You can use plant-based vanilla ice cream made from coconut, almond, or oat milk to keep this dessert vegan-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.

Why do we add flaky sea salt to a sweet dessert?

Sprinkling flaky sea salt balances the sweetness by adding a subtle salty contrast and enhances the natural flavors of the grilled fruit and honey, making every bite more complex and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is such a quick yet elegant way to celebrate the flavors of summer. The warm caramelized fruit combined with cold, creamy ice cream, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of sea salt makes for a delightful treat that's always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re ending a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this dessert brings a cozy, nostalgic touch with minimal effort. So fire up that grill, pick the ripest peaches and nectarines, and enjoy these simple moments of sweet satisfaction!