How to Make Grilled Peaches for a Summer Dessert Recipe

Grilled Peaches for a Summer Dessert Recipe

Why You'll Love It

Grilled peaches epitomize what Summer dessert recipes should be – simple, seasonal, and spectacularly delicious. The magic happens when heat caramelizes the fruit's natural sugars, creating a rich depth of flavor impossible to achieve with raw peaches.

Economically speaking, this dessert is a winner. When peaches are in season, they're abundant and affordable, making this a budget-friendly alternative to elaborate baked desserts. You'll save both money and time while still presenting something impressive.

The versatility of toppings makes this dessert customizable for everyone. From honey drizzles to cinnamon sprinkles, mascarpone dollops to vanilla ice cream scoops – the combinations are endless. The beauty lies in how these simple additions complement rather than overwhelm the star of the show – those perfectly grilled peaches.

Ready to transform ordinary summer fruit into an extraordinary dessert? Let's fire up the grill!

How to Make Grilled Peaches

Quick Overview

This Easy summer desserts comes together in just 15 minutes from start to finish. The brief grilling time (about 3-4 minutes per side) makes this perfect for impromptu gatherings or when you want something sweet without heating up your kitchen.

Key Ingredients

• 4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, honey, mascarpone cheese, toasted nuts, or fresh mint

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the peaches: Cut peaches in half and remove pits. For easier handling, leave the skin on. If peaches are clinging too tightly to pits, cut around the pit in sections.
3. Create the glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt until well combined.
4. Brush peaches: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the cut side of each peach half with the butter-sugar mixture.
5. Grill with precision: Place peaches cut-side down on the grill. Close lid and grill for 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear and peaches begin to soften.
6. Flip and finish: Turn peaches over, brush with remaining glaze, and grill for 2-3 more minutes with the lid closed.
7. Serve immediately: Transfer to plates while still warm and add your preferred toppings.

What to Serve With Grilled Peaches

These grilled peaches pair beautifully with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato (the classic choice)
• A dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese
• A sprinkle of crunchy granola or toasted nuts for textural contrast
• A glass of dessert wine or prosecco for adults
• Alongside other grilled summer fruits like pineapple or plums

Top Tips for Perfecting Grilled Peaches

1. Choose the right peaches: Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm. They should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy.
2. Don't peel: Leave the skin on to help peaches maintain their shape during grilling.
3. Prevent sticking: Ensure your grill is well-oiled before adding peaches.
4. Control the heat: If your grill runs hot, adjust to medium heat to prevent burning before the peaches soften.
5. Indoor alternative: Don't have a grill? Use a grill pan on your stovetop with the same timing.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Grilled peaches are best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until just heated through.

For a make-ahead option, you can grill peaches up to 8 hours before serving and keep at room temperature, then briefly reheat before serving. These won't freeze well, however, as the texture becomes mushy upon thawing.

Conclusion

Grilled peaches embody the essence of Summer dessert recipes – simple preparation, seasonal ingredients, and spectacular results. This easy technique transforms ordinary fruit into a memorable finale for any summer meal. The caramelized sweetness and smoky notes create a sophisticated dessert with minimal effort. Try this recipe tonight and discover why grilled peaches deserve a permanent place in your summer cooking repertoire!

FAQs

Can I use nectarines or other stone fruits instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, and apricots all work beautifully with this grilling method. Just adjust cooking times slightly for smaller fruits, checking for softness about a minute earlier than you would for peaches.
My peaches are sticking to the grill. How can I prevent this?
Make sure your grill is properly preheated and clean before cooking. Brush the grates with oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray before adding the fruit. Also, resist the urge to flip too early – peaches will release more easily once they've developed a good sear.
Can I make this dessert for a crowd?
This recipe scales beautifully for gatherings! For larger parties, grill peaches in batches and keep them warm in a 200°F oven until serving time. You can also set up a topping bar so guests can customize their own desserts.