If you’re dreaming of a summer treat that balances juicy fruit, creamy ice cream, and a touch of caramel bliss, Grilled Peach Sundaes are the answer. This dessert really celebrates the beauty of ripe peaches enhanced by a quick sizzle on the grill, making them slightly smoky and irresistibly tender. Paired with cool vanilla ice cream, toasted pecans or walnuts, and a generous drizzle of caramel, every bite is pure magic. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just craving something extra special on a weeknight, Grilled Peach Sundaes deliver both elegance and comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches (halved and pitted)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- fresh mint for garnish (optional)
How to Make Grilled Peach Sundaes
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by firing up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A preheated grill is the secret to those coveted char marks and caramelized edges on your peaches, so don’t be shy—let it get nice and hot while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Prep the Peaches
Halve your ripe peaches and remove the pits. Then, brush the cut side of each peach half with melted butter. Sprinkle over the brown sugar and cinnamon, making sure every nook is coated in flavor. The butter keeps the fruit moist, while the sugar and spice add a rich, fragrant glaze once grilled.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches cut side down on the hot grill. Let them sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes, just until beautiful grill marks appear and the fruit is slightly softened. Flip the peaches over and grill for another 1 to 2 minutes on the skin side. Grilling coaxes out their juiciness and adds a subtle smoky note you can’t get any other way.
Step 4: Cool and Assemble
Take the peaches off the grill and let them cool for a minute or two—just enough so they won’t melt the ice cream instantly. Place two peach halves in each serving bowl. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, then drizzle the whole thing with caramel sauce and sprinkle with the toasted nuts. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of fresh mint to each sundae for a pretty, fragrant garnish.
How to Serve Grilled Peach Sundaes
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the finishing touches when it comes to Grilled Peach Sundaes! A handful of toasted, crunchy pecans or walnuts gives each bite contrast, while caramel drizzled over the top highlights the warm flavors in the fruit. Sprinkle a touch of extra cinnamon or add a little fresh mint if you want a pop of color and a burst of aroma.
Side Dishes
Since Grilled Peach Sundaes are sweet and pretty indulgent, they don’t need much beside them. Still, if you’re looking to round out a summertime meal, serve with sparkling water infused with lemon or a crisp, dry white wine—the acidity refreshes the palate between bites. For a real Southern touch, a warm biscuit on the side is surprisingly wonderful for scooping up melting ice cream and caramel.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the presentation into a moment by grilling the peaches in front of guests, then assembling the sundaes together so everyone can choose their toppings. Try stacking the peaches and ice cream in individual glass jars or mason jars for a layered dessert you can make ahead. Or, serve everything family-style on a big platter and let everyone build their own Grilled Peach Sundaes—the interactive element is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have a few grilled peaches left, cool them to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and you can quickly reheat to recreate that just-grilled freshness before serving again.
Freezing
Grilled peach halves freeze surprisingly well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When cravings strike, defrost a few and rewarm gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling your next sundae. Ice cream, of course, stays perfectly happy in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat grilled peaches, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 20 to 30 seconds until warm, or pop them back onto a grill pan for a minute to restore that fresh-cooked flavor. Once warmed, they’re ready to be crowned with ice cream for another round of Grilled Peach Sundaes.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, and even apricots work beautifully with this recipe. The grilling method enhances any stone fruit’s natural juiciness, so experiment with what’s in season or on hand.
Is there a dairy-free version of this sundae?
No problem—swap in your favorite dairy-free or plant-based vanilla ice cream, and use a vegan butter alternative when brushing the peaches. Most caramel sauces have a vegan option these days as well.
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
If caramel isn’t your thing, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds beautiful sweetness. A touch of chocolate sauce or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt can totally change the flavor profile, making the sundaes your own.
Do I have to toast the nuts?
Toasting the pecans or walnuts really brings out their flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch. If you’re pressed for time, raw nuts will still add texture, but taking a few extra minutes to toast them makes a big difference.
Can I make Grilled Peach Sundaes ahead for a party?
You can absolutely prep the components ahead! Grill the peaches earlier in the day and keep them chilled, then rewarm right before assembling. Set up a sundae bar and let everyone build their dream bowl for an effortless (and impressive) party dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Grilled Peach Sundaes, now’s the time to light up the grill and discover just how delightful this summer dessert can be. Each bite bursts with sun-ripened fruit, silky ice cream, and the sweet warmth of caramel and nuts—just the thing for sharing with friends, family, or a quiet night on the patio. Give it a try, and Grilled Peach Sundaes might just become your new favorite warm weather treat!
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Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect summer treat with these Grilled Peach Sundaes. Juicy grilled peaches topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and toasted nuts make for a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches (halved and pitted)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Peaches: Brush the cut side of each peach half with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Grill Peaches: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes. Flip and grill for another 1–2 minutes on the skin side.
- Serve: Place two peach halves in a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with toasted nuts. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, try using honey or maple syrup instead of caramel.
- Peaches can be grilled ahead of time and reheated briefly before serving.
- This recipe also works well with nectarines or plums.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sundae
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
