If you enjoy elevating your favorite fruits on the grill, you absolutely must try this easy grilled pineapple recipe next. It offers another delightful caramelized fruit experience that’s equally simple and delicious!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Grilled Peaches

You really only need one star ingredient for this recipe: beautiful, fresh peaches! However, a few supporting elements ensure the best possible outcome. I’ve included some quick notes here to guide your choices. For a complete and printable list with exact measurements and detailed recipe instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.

• Peaches: The obvious hero! The beauty of this recipe is that it works wonderfully with almost any variety of peach. In North America, you’ll commonly find yellow, white, and donut peaches in season during spring and summer. Yellow peaches are classic, offering a good balance of sweetness and tang. White peaches tend to be slightly milder and very sweet, while donut peaches (also known as Saturn peaches) are incredibly sweet and have a unique, flattened shape that can be fun to grill. The key is to choose peaches that are firm yet ripe, or even slightly underripe, as they hold their shape better on the grill and caramelize beautifully without becoming mushy. Avoid overly soft or bruised peaches.
• Oil: A light brush of oil is crucial for preventing sticking and promoting that gorgeous caramelization. Opt for an oil with a high smoke point to ensure it can withstand the grill’s heat without burning. My top recommendations include coconut oil (which adds a subtle tropical hint), algal oil, or avocado oil. These are all excellent choices that won’t impart an overpowering flavor, allowing the natural peach taste to shine through.
• Vegan Ice Cream: This is where the magic truly happens! As mentioned, Coconut Bliss is my go-to brand for its exceptional creaminess, rich flavor, and high-quality organic ingredients. Their wide range of flavors means you can always find a perfect match. However, feel free to use your favorite store-bought vegan ice cream or even try your hand at homemade vegan ice cream for an extra special touch. Vanilla, caramel, or even a berry swirl would be fantastic choices.
• Optional Toppings: While the grilled peaches and ice cream are fantastic on their own, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the experience even further. These additions bring warmth and a touch of extra sweetness, making the dessert even more indulgent.

Mastering the Art of Grilling Peaches

Grilling peaches is surprisingly simple, yielding incredible results with minimal effort. While grilling stone fruit outdoors on a preheated grill is the classic summer method, you can achieve equally delicious results indoors using a cast iron grill pan. Both methods ensure perfectly cooked, caramelized peaches every time!

• Prepare the Peaches: The first step is to carefully slice your peaches in half and remove the pit. This is crucial for even cooking and presentation. Once pitted, lightly brush the cut sides of each peach half with your chosen high-smoke-point oil (coconut, algal, or avocado). This thin layer of oil will prevent sticking, enhance caramelization, and help create those beautiful grill marks.
• Preheat Your Grill: Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, ensure it’s preheated to medium-high heat. A hot grill is essential for getting a good sear and distinct grill marks without overcooking the peaches.
• Grill to Perfection: Place the peach halves cut-side down directly onto the hot grill grates. Allow them to sear undisturbed for 4-6 minutes. During this time, the natural sugars will caramelize, creating a rich, sweet crust and those coveted grill marks. The peaches will also begin to soften through from the heat. You’ll know they’re ready when they easily release from the grill and show prominent char marks. If desired, you can rotate the peaches 90 degrees halfway through this stage to create an appealing crisscross pattern of grill marks. Remove the grilled peaches from the heat and transfer them to a plate or serving platter immediately.

The Easiest Way to Pit a Peach for Grilling

Removing the pit from a peach can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’re new to it. For grilling, you want clean halves. If you’re a visual learner, there are many helpful videos online, but here’s my straightforward method:

1. Slice Along the Seam: Hold the peach in one hand and, with a sharp knife, carefully slice all the way around the peach, following the natural seam down to the pit. Continue until your knife meets itself again.
2. Twist and Separate: Gently twist the two halves of the peach in opposite directions. Much like an avocado, they should separate easily, leaving the pit in one half.
3. Remove the Pit: If the pit remains stubborn, use your fingers to gently wiggle it loose. For particularly clingy pits, you can use the tip of your knife to carefully pry it out. Aim to keep the peach halves as intact and smooth as possible for grilling.

Expert Tips for Flawless Grilled Peaches Every Time

Achieving perfectly grilled peaches is simple when you keep a few key tips in mind. These insights will help you maximize flavor and ensure a delightful texture with every bite.

• Select the Right Peaches: The foundation of great grilled peaches is choosing the right fruit. Opt for peaches that are firm to the touch, just ripe, or even slightly underripe. These peaches maintain their structure beautifully under heat, allowing for good caramelization and distinct grill marks without turning to mush. Avoid overly ripe or soft peaches, as they tend to become watery and fall apart on the grill. A sharp knife is also essential for cutting clean, smooth edges, which helps in even grilling.
• Enhance Sweetness (Optional): While grilling naturally sweetens the peaches, you can add an extra layer of indulgence. Just as they come off the grill, brush the warm peaches with a touch of maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar. The residual heat will melt the sweetener, creating a glossy, irresistible glaze.
• Monitor for Doneness: Your peaches are perfectly grilled when they become noticeably softer to the touch and display attractive grill marks on their cut surfaces. The softening indicates that the fruit has cooked through, while the grill marks are a sign of delicious caramelization. If you’re aiming for that professional-looking crisscross pattern, simply rotate the peaches 90 degrees about halfway through their grilling time on the cut side.
• Distinguish Caramelization from Burning: It’s easy to confuse dark grill marks with burning, but there’s a crucial difference. The deep brown marks are often just the natural sugars of the peach caramelizing, which adds fantastic flavor. However, actual burning will result in a bitter taste and a charred, tough texture. The key is vigilance: keep an eye on your peaches, checking them frequently. If you smell a strong, acrid smoke or see excessively blackened areas, it’s time to flip or remove them.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Ensure there’s enough space between each peach half on the grill. Overcrowding can lower the grill’s temperature and lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing those desirable grill marks and caramelization.

The Perfect Pairing: Grilled Peaches and Vegan Ice Cream

Once your peaches are beautifully grilled and brimming with warm, caramelized sweetness, the ultimate way to enjoy them is by adding a luxurious scoop of vegan ice cream. This creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that truly elevates the dessert experience.

For this recipe, I always turn to Coconut Bliss Ice Cream. Their commitment to crafting incredibly creamy, rich, and flavorful plant-based ice creams is unmatched. What sets Coconut Bliss apart is not just the taste, but also their dedication to organic ingredients and sustainable practices. With over a dozen delightful flavors to choose from, you can easily find your perfect match. For my grilled peaches, I often gravitate towards their Infinite Coconut flavor, a personal ode to the tropical vibes of Jamaica, which beautifully complements the sweetness of the peaches.

I am delighted to be partnering with Coconut Bliss for this blog post, especially with their stunning recent rebranding. It’s a joy to collaborate with a brand whose product I genuinely adore and whose values I admire. Their new look is as refreshing and appealing as their ice cream itself, making it even more of a pleasure to share this perfect summer pairing with you.

Serving is simple: arrange two warm peach halves in a bowl, top with a generous scoop (or two!) of your favorite Coconut Bliss ice cream, and enjoy the harmonious blend of warm, sweet fruit and cold, creamy decadence.

Creative Serving Suggestions and Flavor Enhancements

While grilled peaches with coconut ice cream are undeniably fantastic on their own, there are many ways to customize and enhance this versatile dessert to suit your taste or occasion. Get creative and make it your own!

• Classic Enhancements: My go-to additions include a dusting of warm cinnamon and a decadent drizzle of maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan). These simple touches deepen the flavor profile and add a comforting warmth.
• Nutty Crunch: For added texture and healthy fats, sprinkle your peaches with chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds. A sprinkle of granola can also add a satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Berry Burst: Complement the peaches with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. Their tartness provides a lovely contrast to the sweet peaches.
• Herbal Notes: A few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped basil can add an unexpected and refreshing herbal dimension to the dessert.
• Decadent Sauces: Beyond maple syrup, consider a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a tangy balsamic glaze for a sophisticated twist. The sweet-tart notes of balsamic pair beautifully with peaches.
• Savory Pairings: Grilled peaches aren’t just for dessert! They make an excellent light and easy dessert after a hearty meal of vegan pulled pork sandwiches and balsamic grilled vegetables. They can also be chopped and added to summer salads with a light vinaigrette, or even served alongside plant-based yogurt for a delicious breakfast.
• Beverage Pairings: To complete your tropical-inspired meal, wash down dinner with a vibrant pineapple coconut rum cocktail. If you’re embracing your inner “Georgia Peach” and prefer something non-alcoholic, a glass of refreshing Southern sweet tea is the perfect accompaniment.

Storing and Reheating Your Grilled Peach Delights

While grilled peaches are undoubtedly at their best served fresh off the grill, you can certainly enjoy any leftovers. Here’s how to properly store and reheat them:

• Refrigeration: If you happen to have any grilled peaches remaining, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While the texture won’t be exactly the same as freshly grilled, they are still wonderfully delicious! Cold grilled peaches are fantastic when chopped up and added to a fresh summer salad, mixed into oatmeal, or layered with vegan yogurt and granola for a quick breakfast.
• Reheating: To bring your leftover grilled peaches back to a warm, soft state, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and zap them for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently warm them in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat. Once warm, they are ready to be topped with a fresh scoop of cold vegan ice cream, creating a delightful warm-cold contrast similar to their initial serving.

More Refreshing Summer Dessert Recipes to Love

If you’re constantly seeking out delicious and healthy ways to beat the summer heat, look no further! These additional vegan dessert recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during the warmer months:

• 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Ice Cream
• Refreshing Strawberry Granita
• Creamy Vegan Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream
• No-Churn Vegan Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream
• 3-Ingredient Watermelon Mint Popsicles