This Grilled Peaches Recipe is the ultimate summer treat, offering a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and creamy textures. Imagine ripe, juicy peaches kissed by the grill, infused with warm brown sugar and cinnamon, then decadently topped with a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream and a crunchy graham cracker crumble. It’s an easy dessert that comes together quickly, making it ideal for backyard barbecues, weeknight indulgences, or any occasion that calls for a delightful seasonal treat.

The Ultimate Grilled Peaches Recipe for Summer

When summer rolls around, nothing quite captures the essence of the season like biting into a fresh, ripe peach. But what if you could elevate that experience, transforming a simple fruit into an extraordinary dessert? Our ultimate grilled peaches recipe does just that. After experimenting with various grilled fruit desserts, like the family-favorite grilled pineapple sundaes, we discovered that peaches offer an unparalleled flavor profile when introduced to the smoky char of a grill. The natural sugars caramelize, the flesh softens to a tender perfection, and the warm spices enhance every sweet note.

This peach version has become an instant obsession, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients yield the most remarkable results. There are truly few things better than a perfectly ripe summer peach, expertly grilled. When you crown it with luxurious vanilla bean ice cream and a thoughtfully crafted, flavorful crumble, you create a dessert that isn’t just good—it’s truly the best. Best of all, this incredible peach dessert is surprisingly easy to make and comes together incredibly fast, making it a stress-free option for any gathering or a quick indulgence.

Whether you’re new to grilling desserts or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure your grilled peaches are nothing short of spectacular. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this irresistible summer classic!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Peaches: A Summertime Dessert Sensation

Grilled peaches aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a prime spot in your summer rotation:

• Unforgettable Flavor: Grilling peaches brings out a depth of sweetness you won’t get from raw fruit. The subtle smoky char beautifully complements the natural sugars, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying taste.
• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dessert is surprisingly simple to prepare. Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up a show-stopping treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile & Customizable: While vanilla ice cream and graham cracker crumble are a match made in heaven, grilled peaches are a fantastic canvas for various toppings and flavors. From savory cheese pairings to decadent sauces, the possibilities are endless.
• Healthy-ish Indulgence: Peaches are packed with vitamins and fiber. Grilling them offers a lighter way to enjoy a sweet treat compared to heavier baked goods, especially when paired with sensible toppings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ, an elegant dinner party, or a quiet evening at home, grilled peaches fit right in. They’re a crowd-pleaser that always feels special.

Ingredients for the Best Grilled Peaches Dessert

Crafting the perfect grilled peaches sundae requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delightful summer dessert.

Sweet and Smoky Peaches: Essential Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter (Melted): This is more than just a coating; butter helps the spices adhere to the peaches and contributes to a beautiful caramelization on the grill, adding a rich depth to the fruit.
• Ground Cinnamon & Light Brown Sugar: This classic pairing creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the peaches. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps in achieving that desirable caramelized crust.
• Fine Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of salt works wonders to enhance and balance all the sweet flavors, making them pop even more. Don’t skip this small but mighty ingredient!
• Ripe Peaches: The star of the show! Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm. They should have a fragrant aroma and a slight give when gently squeezed. This ensures they soften beautifully without becoming mushy on the grill. Avoid overly soft or under-ripe peaches for the best results.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil: Essential for oiling your grill grates. A high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil prevents the peaches from sticking and ensures you get those beautiful grill marks without tearing the delicate fruit flesh.
• Fresh Mint Leaves (Optional, for Garnish): A sprig of fresh mint adds a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing aromatic contrast to the warm, sweet peaches.

Crunchy Graham Cracker Topping: The Perfect Complement

The graham cracker crumble adds an essential textural element, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft peaches and creamy ice cream.

• Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers form the crispy, buttery base of our delicious crumble. Their subtle honey-like flavor is a perfect match for peaches.
• Light Brown Sugar and White Granulated Sugar: A combination of both sugars ensures a balanced sweetness and helps achieve that classic crumble texture. Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses note, while white sugar contributes crispness.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Just like with the peaches, melted butter binds the crumble ingredients together, creating clusters of golden, rich goodness. It’s key to achieving that irresistible buttery flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract deepens the overall flavor profile of the crumble, adding a touch of sophisticated sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon and Fine Sea Salt: These spices echo the flavors in the peaches, tying the whole dessert together. The cinnamon adds warmth, and the salt balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For serving! A high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is the ideal companion, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, grilled fruit and crispy topping. Its simple, elegant flavor allows the peaches to shine.

How to Grill Peaches to Perfection: Step-by-Step Guide

Grilling peaches might sound intimidating, but it’s incredibly simple and yields sensational results. Follow these steps for perfectly tender, caramelized peaches every time.

1. Prepare Your Grill for Success: Start by preheating your grill (or grill pan) to a medium-high heat, aiming for approximately 400-450°F (200-230°C). While it heats, thoroughly clean the grates with a wire brush to remove any residue from previous cooking. This prevents sticking and ensures clean grill marks. Once clean and hot, generously oil the grates. A great trick is to drench a rolled-up paper towel in canola or vegetable oil, then hold it with tongs and carefully rub it over the hot grates. This crucial step prevents the delicate peach flesh from sticking, making for an easier grilling experience and beautiful results.
2. Peach Preparation is Key: Carefully halve each peach and remove the pit. A small paring knife can help if the pit is stubborn. Once halved, lightly brush the cut sides and the skins of the peaches with a bit of the same cooking oil you used for the grates. This again helps prevent sticking and promotes even grilling.
3. Grilling for Optimal Flavor and Texture: Place the oiled peach halves cut-side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes. For those coveted cross-hatch grill marks, rotate each peach 90 degrees after about 2 minutes. This creates a visually appealing presentation and enhances the caramelized flavor. Flip the peaches and continue to grill for another 2-4 minutes on the skin side, or until they are lightly charred and tender enough to be easily pierced with a sharp paring knife, but still hold their shape and aren’t overly soft or mushy. The exact time will depend on the ripeness of your peaches and the heat of your grill.
4. Flavor Infusion Post-Grill: Once removed from the grill, immediately brush the warm peaches with a few strokes of the melted unsalted butter. Then, generously sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the cut sides. The warmth of the peaches will help the butter and sugar mixture melt and create a glorious, sweet glaze.
5. Cooling and Crumble Prep: Allow the grilled peaches to cool slightly while you finish preparing your graham cracker crumble.

Crafting the Irresistible Graham Cracker Crumble & Final Assembly

The crunchy graham cracker topping is an essential component of this grilled peaches sundae, adding a textural dimension that makes every bite truly extraordinary. Here’s how to prepare it and assemble your dessert.

Making the Graham Cracker Crumble:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Set aside.
2. Crush Graham Crackers: Crush the full graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs. You can achieve this using a blender or food processor for a consistent texture, or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin for a more rustic feel. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl.
3. Combine Crumble Ingredients: To the bowl of graham cracker crumbs, add the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand with some larger clusters.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the crumble mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly into a single layer. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crumble is lightly browned, fragrant, and wonderfully crisp. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Cool the Crumble: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the graham cracker crumble to cool completely. As it cools, it will crisp up further, achieving the perfect crunchy texture.

Assembling Your Grilled Peach Sundaes:

With your perfectly grilled peaches ready and your golden-brown crumble cooled, it’s time to assemble these masterpieces:

• Serve Warm: While the crumble should be cool, the grilled peaches are best served warm, straight off the grill or gently reheated if made in advance. The contrast between warm fruit and cold ice cream is divine.
• The Perfect Scoop: Place two grilled and sugared peach halves on individual plates or in serving bowls.
• Add Creamy Vanilla: Top each peach half generously with a large scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The melting ice cream will create a luscious sauce that mingles with the peach juices.
• Finish with Crumble: Sprinkle a generous amount of the crunchy graham cracker crumble over the ice cream and peaches.
• Garnish & Enjoy: For an extra touch of elegance and freshness, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every incredible bite!

Creative Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

While the classic combination of warm grilled peaches, vanilla bean ice cream, and graham cracker crumble is undeniably exquisite, these peaches are wonderfully versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to suit your preference or occasion. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Decadent Sweet Sauces: Elevate your grilled peaches by drizzling them with your favorite sweet sauces. A rich homemade caramel sauce adds buttery sweetness, a velvety hot fudge sauce offers chocolatey indulgence, or a smooth vanilla sauce can intensify the creamy notes.
• Creamy Cheese Filling: For a more sophisticated and slightly savory twist, create a delightful cheese filling. Blend 6 ounces of soft goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of honey until smooth. Spoon this creamy mixture into the hollows of the grilled peach halves for an unexpected and delicious contrast.
• Diverse Topping Options: Expand your topping repertoire beyond graham crackers. Sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut for a tropical flair, mini chocolate chips for an extra hint of sweetness, a wholesome homemade granola for added crunch and nutrition, or a medley of fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) for a burst of tartness and color.
• Savory Indulgence: Transform grilled peaches into an appetizer or light lunch with a savory approach. After rubbing the peaches with brown sugar, top them with creamy ricotta cheese, a drizzle of honey, and crispy strips of prosciutto. The salty, savory prosciutto beautifully balances the sweet peaches and creamy cheese.
• Spiced Nut Topping: Instead of graham crackers, try a toasted spiced nut mixture. Roughly chop pecans or walnuts, toss them with a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then toast them in the oven until fragrant and crunchy.
• Yogurt Parfait Style: Layer grilled peach slices with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and your favorite granola for a healthier breakfast or light snack option.

Tips for Success: Making the Best Grilled Peaches

Achieving perfectly grilled peaches is simple with a few helpful pointers:

• Choose the Right Peaches: Select peaches that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft peaches will turn mushy on the grill, while unripe ones won’t develop enough sweetness or tender texture. Freestone peaches are generally easier to pit.
• Proper Grill Temperature: A medium-high heat (400-450°F or 200-230°C) is ideal. Too low, and you won’t get those appealing grill marks and caramelization. Too high, and you risk burning the fruit before it softens.
• Don’t Skimp on Oiling the Grates: This is arguably the most crucial step to prevent sticking. Use a high smoke point oil and apply it generously to clean, hot grates just before placing the peaches.
• Watch for Doneness: Peaches are ready when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a sharp paring knife but still hold their shape. They should have nice char marks and a slightly softened flesh.
• Season Immediately Off the Grill: Applying the melted butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture while the peaches are still warm helps them absorb the flavors and create a luscious glaze.
• Prepare Toppings in Advance: The graham cracker crumble can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes assembly quick and easy.
• Experiment with Wood Chips: For an extra layer of smoky flavor, consider adding a small amount of fruitwood chips (like apple or cherry) to your grill.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Peaches

Can I grill peaches without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully on your stovetop. Follow the same steps for oiling and cooking, ensuring the pan is well-heated.

How do I know if my peaches are ripe enough for grilling?

A ripe peach will have a sweet aroma and yield slightly when gently squeezed. Avoid peaches that are rock hard (under-ripe) or excessively soft (over-ripe and will likely fall apart). The skin color should be vibrant, not green.

Can I make grilled peaches ahead of time?

Grilled peaches are best served warm, immediately after grilling, for optimal flavor and texture. However, you can grill them up to a day in advance and gently reheat them on a clean grill or in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Store cooled grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What other fruits can I grill for dessert?

Many fruits are delicious on the grill! Pineapples, mangoes, bananas (especially in their peel), watermelon, and even apples or pears (cut thicker) can be grilled and enjoyed with similar toppings.

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream and Graham Cracker Crumble

By Chelsea Lords

This Grilled Peaches recipe is the ultimate summer dessert! Juicy peaches with a brown sugar-cinnamon rub, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and graham cracker crumble—every bite is so good!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

• 8 x 8-inch baking pan
• Grill or grill pan

Ingredients

For the Peaches:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 4 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• Canola oil or vegetable oil, for grilling
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

For the Graham Cracker Topping:

• 3 full graham cracker sheets, crushed
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Vanilla bean ice cream, for serving

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. In a separate small bowl, stir together 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until combined. Set both aside.
2. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Clean the grates thoroughly and then generously oil them to prevent sticking. Halve the peaches and remove the pits, then lightly brush the cut sides and skins with cooking oil.
3. Place the peaches cut-side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes. For distinct cross grill marks, rotate them 90 degrees after 2 minutes. Flip the peaches and grill for another 2-4 minutes on the skin side, until they are lightly charred, tender, and easily pierced with a paring knife, but not overly soft.
4. Once removed from the grill, immediately brush the warm peaches with a few strokes of the melted butter. Then, sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the cut sides.
5. For the graham cracker topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8-inch pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Crush the graham crackers into crumbs. In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour the crumble mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until lightly browned and crisp. Allow to cool completely.
7. To serve, place two grilled and sugared peach halves on each plate. Top each with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, then sprinkle with the cooled graham cracker crumble. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Recipe Notes

Note 1 on Grilling Time: The total cooking time for peaches can vary based on several factors, including the size and ripeness of your peaches, the actual temperature of your grill, and the type of grill you are using. Always watch them carefully. The peaches are done when they can be easily pierced with a sharp paring knife but still retain some firmness and aren’t overly soft or mushy.

Storage: Grilled peaches are truly at their best when enjoyed fresh and warm. If you happen to have any leftovers, store the grilled peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the graham cracker crumble and vanilla ice cream separate, adding them just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 419IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

Enjoy your perfectly grilled peaches!