Name: Grilled Peach 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; 4 scoops vanilla ice cream; 4 tablespoons caramel sauce; 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh mint, roughly minced; Pinch of finishing salt

If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with sweet, smoky goodness, you’ve got to try this Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of juicy peaches and creamy ice cream, finished with caramel, mint, and crunch.

This image shows four red peach halves placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. Each peach half is topped with a single round scoop of creamy white ice cream, drizzled lightly with caramel sauce. On top of the ice cream and around the plate are small pieces of green pistachio nuts and chopped fresh green herbs, adding texture and color. The ice cream is smooth with some slight melting around the peach edges. The focus is sharp on the front peach and ice cream, with the background peaches softly blurred. 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 honestly can’t get enough of this grilled peaches dessert. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something quick but still impressive—plus, it tastes like summer on a plate!

Simple and Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky peaches paired with rich vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Customizable Toppings: Add pistachios, fresh mint, and finishing salt for texture and a flavor pop.
Great for Any Skill Level: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just fresh ingredients and a grill.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this grilled peach dessert, I always pick ripe, juicy peaches that will soften beautifully on the grill but still hold their shape. Freestone peaches are my go-to because they’re super easy to pit, but clingstone peaches work fine too. And don’t skimp on the vanilla ice cream—it really brings that creamy, cool contrast we all love.

Flat lay of two large ripe freestone peaches halved and pitted, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a perfectly scooped ball of creamy vanilla ice cream on a simple white plate, a small white bowl with golden caramel sauce, a small white bowl with roughly chopped roasted pistachios, a small white bowl with freshly minced bright green mint, and a small white bowl with coarse finishing salt, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Large ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft for the best grilling experience.
Extra virgin olive oil: Lightly brushing peaches with olive oil prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness.
Vanilla ice cream: The classic creamy vanilla pairs perfectly with the smoky sweetness from the grill.
Caramel sauce: Drizzling this over the peaches creates a decadent finishing touch that's pure magic.
Roasted pistachios: Add crunch and a nutty flavor to balance sweetness.
Fresh mint: The mint brings a refreshing bright note that lifts the whole dessert.
Finishing salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and adds a delicious contrast—but it's optional.

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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 it adapts to your tastes and dietary needs. Don't hesitate to get creative and make it truly your own!

Variation: For a nutty twist, I've swapped roasted pistachios for toasted almonds or pecans. Each brings a lovely crunch and subtle flavor shift that complements the sweet peaches perfectly.
Vegan option: I love trying this dessert with plant-based vanilla ice cream; it’s just as creamy and gives anyone with dietary restrictions something delicious to enjoy.
Herbal swaps: While fresh mint adds a bright pop, basil also works wonderfully for a slightly peppery, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with grilled fruit.
Seasonal twist: During cooler months, try grilling pears or figs instead of peaches to keep this recipe fresh year-round.

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

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds three peach halves placed close together, each topped with a round scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream has a smooth, creamy texture with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and around, along with crushed nuts scattered over the ice cream and plate. Drizzles of caramel sauce add a golden-brown shine across the plate. Fresh green mint leaves sit at the top of the plate next to the peaches. Bright yellow, orange, and red edible flowers are spread around the plate and on the surface, adding vivid color. A silver ice cream scoop holds an extra scoop of ice cream resting on the plate's edge. A chunky beige knit cloth is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Halve and Pit the Peaches

Start by taking your ripe peaches and cutting carefully along the natural seam from the stem to the tip, twisting gently to separate into halves. If the pit clings stubbornly, use a sharp knife to cut around it and a spoon to pop it out cleanly. I find freestone peaches make this easier, but clingstone varieties work well too—just take your time to keep those juicy halves intact.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. While it warms, brush the cut sides of each peach half lightly with extra virgin olive oil. This little touch prevents sticking and helps develop gorgeous caramelized grill marks that add an irresistible smoky sweetness.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

Place the peaches cut-side down on your hot grill. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks forming and the flesh starts to soften just a bit. Flip carefully and grill the other side for another 4 minutes. This timing delivers perfectly tender, juicy peaches with a smoky char—avoid overcooking to keep that fresh peach flavor shining through.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the peaches are warm enough to handle (still hot but safe!), plate each half and top generously with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with luscious caramel sauce, then sprinkle with your crunchy roasted pistachios and fragrant minced fresh mint. A pinch of finishing salt adds a subtle savory contrast that brings out all the flavors beautifully. This dessert shines when enjoyed immediately, so dig in while the peaches are warm and the ice cream is melting just right.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours to help you create the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and creamy in this Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. A few little pointers can make all the difference!

Choosing the Peaches: Opt for ripe but firm peaches. Freestone peaches make pitting a breeze, but clingstone will work with a bit more care.
Grill Temperature: Medium-high heat works best to get those lovely grill marks without turning your peaches to mush. I always watch closely and adjust as needed.
Oil Application: Lightly brushing olive oil only on the cut side prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruit-enhancing flavor without overpowering.
Toppings Timing: Add your vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce just before serving so the ice cream melts gently and balances perfectly with the warm peaches.

How to Serve Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface holding four peach halves with a bright yellow-orange color and red centers where the pits were removed. Each peach half has a small amount of light brown sugar sprinkled in the center and some sugar scattered on the plate. Two clear glass bowls containing light brown sugar and a clear liquid are visible in the upper right corner. The scene is brightly lit and simple, focusing on the peaches and their toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic toppings like roasted pistachios and fresh mint add texture and a refreshing aroma, but feel free to get creative! Toasted almonds or pecans add a lovely crunch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can bring new layers of flavor. For a beautiful presentation, a few edible flower petals also brighten the plate wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to jazz up your summer spread, pair it with a light lemon pound cake or a scoop of coconut sorbet for extra creaminess. Fresh berries on the side also brighten and complement the grilled peaches perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover grilled peaches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the toppings separate to preserve texture and freshness until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

While freshly grilled peaches are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze peeled peach halves raw for future grilling. Just prepare and pit them, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. The ice cream and toppings should not be frozen together with the peaches.

Reheating

To bring refrigerated leftovers back to life, reheat peach halves gently in a warm skillet for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent over-softening. Then top with fresh vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for that perfect contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use peaches that aren’t fully ripe?

It's best to use ripe but firm peaches for grilling. Under-ripe peaches may not soften or develop the sweet flavor needed, while overripe ones might become too mushy on the grill.

What if I don't have a grill—can I use an oven?

Absolutely! You can broil the peach halves in the oven on a baking sheet, cut side up, for about 8-10 minutes to get a similar caramelized effect. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Is there a vegan option for this dessert?

Definitely. Use a plant-based vanilla ice cream alternative and choose a vegan caramel sauce to keep this dessert entirely vegan friendly.

Why do you recommend finishing salt on a dessert?

A pinch of finishing salt enhances the sweetness and complexity of the flavors, adding an unexpected but delightful contrast that makes each bite more interesting.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is one of those beautiful, simple desserts that instantly feel special and elegant. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for sharing with friends and family, and bursts with the best parts of summer—juicy peaches, creamy ice cream, and a touch of caramel sweetness. Every time I make this, it brings smiles around the table. I hope it will do the same for you!