Summer desserts should be all about keeping things simple. Think sun-ripened fruit, a little time over the grill and something cool to finish. Grilled peaches topped with ice cream are just that: an effortless seasonal dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of fresh peaches with the subtle smokiness of the grill and the creamy indulgence of vanilla ice cream.
As the peaches warm, their flesh softens and their natural sugars begin to caramelise, creating golden edges and a deeper, honey-like flavour. Paired with a generous scoop of ice cream, the contrast between warm fruit and cold cream makes for a dessert that feels a little special without requiring much preparation.
Whether you're hosting a summer lunch, planning an outdoor dinner or simply looking for a way to make the most of the peach season, this is one recipe worth adding to your seasonal repertoire.
Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 8 – 10 minutesServes: 4
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm peaches, halved (stones removed)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves, to garnish
- Chopped toasted almonds or pistachios (optional)
Method
- Prepare the peaches
Wash and halve the peaches, removing the stones. Pat them dry before brushing the cut sides with melted butter. For an added touch of warmth, mix the honey with cinnamon and lightly coat the peaches.
- Heat the grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the fruit from sticking.
- Grill until golden
Place the peaches cut-side down onto the hot grill. Cook for approximately 3 – 5 minutes, or until they develop visible grill marks and begin to soften. Turn them over and grill for another 2 – 3 minutes. The peaches should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Assemble and serve
Remove the peaches from the grill and arrange them on serving plates. While still warm, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to each serving. Finish with a drizzle of honey, fresh mint leaves, and a scattering of toasted nuts for a little crunch.
Serve immediately while the peaches are warm and the ice cream begins to melt into the caramelised fruit.
A Few Ways to Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be changed. For a slightly more indulgent finish, drizzle over some salted caramel or maple syrup. A little balsamic glaze can also bring a lovely balance to the sweetness of the peaches, while crushed pistachios add colour and texture.
If you're entertaining, you can prepare the peaches just before your guests arrive and grill them while the rest of the meal is being served. It is an easy way to bring a seasonal dessert to the table, with very little standing between you and the final product.
Images: Pexels (Tatiana Dubik, Matthew Osier)
