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; Honey for drizzling; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

I’m so excited to share this simple yet stunning Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe that will elevate your dessert game this summer. It’s all about that juicy, caramelized fruit paired with creamy, dreamy vanilla ice cream—and a little finishing touch that makes the flavors pop!

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

Whenever I make grilled peaches and nectarines, the whole kitchen fills with this amazing sweet, smoky aroma that instantly makes me happy. It’s such an easy dessert with impressive flavor and look—perfect for both casual weekend dinners and special occasions.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes from start to finish—perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Natural Sweetness: Uses ripe stone fruit that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Contrast of Textures: Warm, tender grilled fruit paired with cold, smooth vanilla ice cream.
Flavor Boost: A honey drizzle and flaky sea salt add that irresistible sweet-and-savory balance.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right peaches and nectarines is key here—look for fruit that’s ripe but firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. The rest of the ingredients are simple but essential for that perfect grilled peach experience.

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

Ripe peaches: Sweet, juicy, and just firm enough to grill without falling apart.
Ripe nectarines: Adds a lovely tangy note and complements the peaches beautifully.
Canola oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point to prevent sticking and burning on the grill.
Vanilla ice cream: Creamy and cool, it’s the perfect contrast to the warm, caramelized fruit.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps to highlight the grilled flavors.
Flaky sea salt: Enhances the fruit’s sweetness and adds a subtle savory crunch.

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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

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is wonderfully simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite toppings or swapping ingredients to fit your mood or occasion.

Variation: I love adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft grilled peaches.
Dairy-Free Option: In place of vanilla ice cream, try a coconut or vegan vanilla ice cream to keep this dessert plant-based without losing any creaminess.
Seasonal Twist: When peaches aren’t in season, nectarines work just as well, or even grilled figs and plums add a lovely flavor dimension.
Spiced Honey Drizzle: Warm a bit of honey with a dash of cinnamon or chili powder before drizzling for a subtle spicy kick that brings out the fruit’s sweetness.

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 Medium High

Start by heating your grill to medium high heat. This temperature is just perfect to get those gorgeous caramelization marks on your peaches and nectarines without burning them. If you’re indoors, a grill pan on the stove works just as well—just heat it up until it’s hot but not smoking.

Step 2: Prep the Fruit with Love

Cut each peach and nectarine in half, removing the pits. Brush the exposed flesh lightly with 1 tablespoon of canola oil to prevent sticking and encourage even browning. This little step goes a long way toward ensuring your fruit stays intact and develops those beautiful grill marks.

Step 3: Grill the Fruit to Perfection

Place the fruit halves flesh side down on the grill. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes total—turn them 90 degrees halfway through to create those classic crosshatch grill marks. You’ll know they’re ready when the fruit is tender, juicy, and caramelized with lovely brown spots.

Step 4: Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

Using tongs, carefully lift the grilled peaches and nectarines off the grill and onto your serving plates. Place a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream right in the center of each fruit half. The contrast between the warm, caramelized fruit and cold ice cream is pure magic.

Step 5: Drizzle Honey and Sprinkle Sea Salt

Finish by drizzling honey over the ice cream and fruit, then lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. This finishing touch elevates the flavors, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most delicious and visually stunning results with your Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe every time you make it.

Choosing the Right Fruit: Pick peaches and nectarines that are perfectly ripe—juicy and sweet but still firm enough so they don’t fall apart on the grill. This ensures beautiful grill marks and wonderful caramelization.
Oil Application: >Brush your fruit halves lightly but thoroughly with canola oil to prevent sticking and to promote even caramelization without burning. This small step makes a big difference.
Grill Mark Technique: >When grilling, turn the fruit 90 degrees halfway through grilling time to create those gorgeous crosshatch marks—it adds great texture and presentation wow-factor.
Don’t Skip the Sea Salt: >A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving wonderfully balances the sweetness of the honey and caramelized fruit, so don’t forget it!

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

For an extra special touch, consider garnishing your grilled peaches with a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the warm flavors, or add a few fresh berries for color and brightness.

Side Dishes

This dessert is wonderful on its own, but if you want to round out your summer meal, pair it with a simple shortbread cookie or a buttery pound cake slice. A light cup of chamomile tea or sparkling rosé also complements the sweet and savory flavors brilliantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover grilled peaches and nectarines (without ice cream), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Their texture is best enjoyed fresh, but chilling shortens their lifespan.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze only the vanilla ice cream separately, as grilled fruit doesn't freeze well without losing texture and flavor. Scoop and freeze your vanilla ice cream in a sealed container to enjoy later.

Reheating

To reheat grilled peaches and nectarines, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two—just enough to bring back some softness without making them mushy. Add ice cream and honey fresh at serving time for best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits besides peaches and nectarines?

Absolutely! While peaches and nectarines are classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other stone fruits like plums or apricots. Just choose ripe but firm fruits that hold up well on the grill.

What if I don’t have access to an outdoor grill?

No worries! A grill pan on the stovetop works beautifully. Just follow the same heat and timing instructions to achieve caramelization and grill marks.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the vanilla ice cream with a vegan or coconut milk–based ice cream for a delicious dairy-free version.

How important is the flaky sea salt?

The flaky sea salt adds a subtle savory contrast that enhances all the other flavors. It’s a small step that really makes a big difference, so I highly recommend adding it if you can.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels both special and effortless—perfect for summer evenings with family and friends. I hope this guide inspires you to enjoy the beautiful blend of caramelized fruit, creamy ice cream, and a touch of honey and sea salt. It’s a dessert that’s quick to make but leaves a lasting impression. Happy grilling and even happier savoring!