There’s something magical that happens when sweet summer peaches meet a hot grill – that caramelized char, the juices bubbling up, that incredible smoky-sweet aroma filling the air. My grilled peach sundae recipe was born one lazy August afternoon when friends dropped by unexpectedly and I needed to whip up dessert fast with what I had on hand. Three ingredients – peaches, ice cream, honey – transformed into something extraordinary in under 10 minutes. The best part? That first bite where the warm, jammy peaches melt into cold vanilla ice cream… pure summer heaven on a spoon.
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Why You’ll Love This Grilled Peach Sundae
This isn’t just another dessert – it’s summer magic in a bowl! Here’s why this grilled peach sundae will become your go-to sweet treat:
- Lightning fast: From grill to bowl in under 10 minutes (perfect for surprise guests or late-night cravings!)
- Minimalist magic: Just 4 main ingredients transform into something spectacular
- Summer in every bite: That smoky-sweet combo of grilled peaches and cold ice cream screams “seasonal perfection”
- Endlessly adaptable: Vegan? Use coconut ice cream. No honey? Maple syrup works beautifully. Want crunch? Add toasted almonds
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be grilling peaches all season long!
Ingredients for Grilled Peach Sundae
Here’s all you need to make this heavenly summer treat:
- 2 ripe but firm peaches – halved and pitted (look for fragrant fruit that gives slightly when pressed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for that perfect grill char
- 2 generous scoops vanilla ice cream – about 1/2 cup total (my favorite is premium vanilla bean)
- 1 tablespoon honey – for drizzling (local wildflower honey adds amazing flavor)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint – optional but oh-so-refreshing
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you need to make swaps – this recipe is wonderfully flexible!
About the peaches: Freestone varieties like O’Henry or Red Haven work best. If your peaches are super ripe, grill them cut-side up first to prevent sticking. No peaches? Try nectarines!
Dairy-free? Coconut milk ice cream is my top vegan pick – its creamy texture mimics traditional ice cream beautifully.
Sweetener options: Out of honey? Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar work great. For adults, a bourbon caramel sauce adds amazing depth.
Extra crunch: Toasted pecans or sliced almonds add wonderful texture. A pinch of flaky sea salt takes it over the top!
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10-Minute Grilled Peach Sundae – Summer’s Sweetest Bliss
- Total Time: 11 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and refreshing dessert featuring grilled peaches topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chopped mint (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush peach halves with olive oil.
- Grill peaches for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
- Place grilled peaches in a bowl.
- Top each peach half with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with mint if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use firm but ripe peaches for best results.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy gear for this – just a few basics:
- Grill or grill pan – I use my outdoor gas grill, but a cast iron skillet works great indoors too
- Pastry brush – for lightly coating those peach halves with oil
- Serving bowls – shallow ones let you see all that gorgeous layering
No grill? No problem! A screaming hot stovetop grill pan gives you those beautiful char marks too – just watch the heat closer.
How to Make Grilled Peach Sundae
Ready to make summer magic? Here’s exactly how I grill peaches to perfection every time:
- Prep your grill: Heat to medium-high (about 375-400°F) – you want those gorgeous grill marks without burning. Clean the grates well and oil lightly (I use a folded paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs).
- Prepare peaches: Halve peaches and remove pits. Brush cut sides lightly with olive oil – this creates that beautiful caramelization and prevents sticking.
- Grill time: Place peaches cut-side down on the grill. Don’t move them for the first 2 minutes – this helps get those perfect sear marks. Flip after 2-3 minutes when you see dark grill marks forming.
- Check doneness: Grill the rounded side for another 2 minutes. The peaches should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape – you’ll see juices bubbling up!
- Assemble: Transfer grilled peaches to bowls immediately. Top each half with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (it’ll start melting gorgeously). Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with mint if using.
The whole process takes less time than preheating your oven – and oh, that first bite of warm peaches melting into cold ice cream? Pure bliss!
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilling
My hard-earned secrets for grill mastery:
- Peach placement: Keep halves near the center of the grill where heat is most even – edges can cook too fast.
- Sticking solution: If peaches resist flipping, they’re not ready – wait another 30 seconds. Using a thin metal spatula helps.
- Char control: Dark grill marks = good, blackened spots = too far! If they’re cooking too fast, move to indirect heat.
Overcooked? No worries – just chop them up and fold into ice cream for an amazing peach ripple effect!
Serving Suggestions
This sundae shines even brighter with perfect pairings! For adults, serve with chilled Prosecco – the bubbles cut through the sweetness beautifully. Kids love it with buttery shortbread cookies for dipping. Entertaining? Arrange peaches on a wooden board with ice cream scoops and toppings in cute bowls for a DIY sundae bar. The pink-and-gold char marks make every bowl Instagram-worthy!
You can find more recipe inspiration on Pinterest.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the honest truth – this dessert is best enjoyed immediately! The magic is in that hot-cold contrast. If you must store, keep grilled peaches and ice cream separate in the fridge/freezer for up to 24 hours, but expect softer texture when reheating. Pro tip: Grill fresh peaches each time – they take mere minutes!
Grilled Peach Sundae Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these fun twists to keep things exciting all summer long! My favorite is the bourbon caramel version – just stir a tablespoon of bourbon into warmed honey before drizzling. For a tropical vibe, swap vanilla ice cream with coconut milk ice cream and top with toasted coconut flakes. Feeling adventurous? A balsamic reduction instead of honey creates an incredible sweet-savory balance that’ll wow your foodie friends!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients – your actual count may vary slightly. The natural sugars from the peaches and honey make this dessert sweet without added refined sugar. Each sundae packs about 220 calories with 3g of fiber from the fruit – not bad for such a decadent-tasting treat!
Final Thoughts
Seriously – run, don’t walk, to try this grilled peach sundae while summer peaches are at their peak! It’s the kind of simple-but-special dessert you’ll crave all season. Made it? I’d love to hear how it turned out – tag me or leave a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What’s the best peach variety for grilling?
Freestone peaches like O’Henry or Red Haven are my top picks – their firm flesh holds up beautifully on the grill. Just make sure they’re ripe but not mushy; you want that perfect balance of sweetness and structure that makes them grill like a dream.
Q2. What temperature should my grill be?
Aim for medium-high heat (375-400°F) – hot enough to get those gorgeous caramelized grill marks but not so hot that the sugars burn. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the flames have died down and the coals are glowing red with a light ash coating.
Q3. Can I prep any components ahead?
Absolutely! Grill your peaches up to 2 hours in advance and keep them at room temperature (they taste best slightly warm anyway). For the ultimate time-saver, have your ice cream scoops pre-portioned in the freezer and honey measured out ready to drizzle.
Q4. What are the best dairy-free options?
Full-fat coconut milk ice cream mimics traditional vanilla’s creaminess perfectly. For extra indulgence, try cashew or oat milk ice cream – their neutral flavors let the grilled peaches shine. My vegan friends rave about the coconut version with a sprinkle of toasted almond slices!