If you are looking for a dessert that captures the juicy sweetness of summer with a cozy, caramel-drizzled finish, then this Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the smoky char and soft texture of grilled peaches with creamy vanilla ice cream, crunchy nuts, and optional whipped cream for a truly irresistible treat. Simple yet elegant, this dessert is a perfect way to impress guests or indulge yourself without complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in balancing flavors and textures, from the tender peaches to the rich ice cream and crunchy, aromatic nuts.
- 2 ripe peaches (halved and pitted): Make sure they’re ripe but firm to hold up on the grill and deliver maximum juicy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the peach surface for those gorgeous grill marks.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances natural peach sweetness and creates a lovely caramelized crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers a warm, spicy note that complements the fruit perfectly.
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream: The creamy cold element that melts beautifully over the warm peaches.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- Caramel sauce for drizzling: Brings a luscious, gooey sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
- Whipped cream for topping (optional): Light and fluffy, it’s a classic sundae touch that adds volume and creaminess.
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional): Provides a refreshing hue and a subtle herbal lift for presentation and flavor.
How to Make Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the peaches
Start by halving and pitting your ripe peaches. Make sure the halves are intact as they’ll be grilled skin-side last for perfect caramelization. Brush the exposed flesh generously with melted butter, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over each half; this step is key for developing that irresistible caramelized glaze.
Step 2: Grill to perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium. Place the peach halves cut side down and grill for about 3 to 4 minutes until you see pronounced grill marks and the fruit softens slightly. Flip peaches over and grill the skin side for about 2 minutes to warm through without falling apart. Remove the peaches and let them cool for a moment while the residual heat enhances their juicy flavor.
Step 3: Build your sundae
In serving bowls or glasses, arrange one or two grilled peach halves. Top each with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the warmth of the peaches slowly melt the creamy goodness. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped nuts for a lovely texture contrast. If you want to take it further, add a dollop of whipped cream and a mint sprig for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves add a burst of color and subtle freshness that beautifully complements the sweet, smoky peaches. Whipped cream, if you like, adds creaminess and height to the sundae. For an extra touch, dust with a pinch of cinnamon or a few chocolate shavings.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs effortlessly with lighter fare like a crisp green salad or a simple vanilla pound cake slice if you want to extend the meal without overpowering your palate. A refreshing mint iced tea or sparkling water with lemon complements the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe in mason jars or clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layering of ice cream, peaches, caramel, and nuts. For a fun twist, add a crunchy cookie or biscotti on the side for dipping. You could also use nectarines in place of peaches for a slight variation in tartness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this is a fruit and ice cream based dessert best enjoyed fresh, leftover grilled peaches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep ice cream separate and scoop fresh when ready to serve again.
Freezing
It’s not ideal to freeze the fully assembled sundae due to ice cream texture changes. However, you can freeze grilled peach halves on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to a month and can be reheated gently before serving.
Reheating
To reheat grilled peaches, warm them in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave just until warmed through—avoid overcooking to keep their juicy texture intact. Add fresh ice cream after reheating for the perfect treat.
FAQs
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a slightly firmer texture and a bit more tartness that pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of the ice cream and caramel.
Is there a vegan way to make the Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe?
You can easily make this dessert vegan by substituting the vanilla ice cream with your favorite non-dairy brand and using plant-based butter or oil when brushing the peach halves before grilling.
How do I prevent the peaches from sticking to the grill?
Brushing the peach halves generously with melted butter helps create a barrier so they don’t stick. Make sure the grill is well-heated and clean before placing the peaches on.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time for a party?
You can grill the peaches ahead and store them refrigerated for a few hours, but it’s best to assemble the sundae just before serving to keep the ice cream texture perfect and the flavors fresh.
What nuts work best for topping?
Pecans and walnuts are traditional choices that add wonderful crunch and flavor. You can also try toasted almonds or pistachios for a different nutty twist.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe is one of those magical desserts that tastes like summer in every bite. It’s warm, cool, sweet, and just a little smoky all at once. Try it for your next gathering or as a special treat—you’ll find it hard not to go back for seconds!
Print
Grilled Peach Sundaes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Peach Sundaes are a delightful summer dessert featuring juicy peaches grilled to perfection and served warm with creamy vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and optional toppings like nuts and whipped cream. The smoky sweetness from grilling enhances the peaches, making this sundae a refreshing and irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Peaches
- 2 ripe peaches (halved and pitted)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Toppings
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat to prepare for grilling the peaches.
- Prepare Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon to add sweetness and spice.
- Grill Peaches: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes, until you see grill marks and the peaches soften slightly. Then flip and grill the other side for 2 more minutes to cook through evenly.
- Cool Peaches: Remove the peaches from the grill and allow them to cool slightly, making them ready for serving without being too hot.
- Assemble Sundaes: Place one or two grilled peach halves into serving bowls, top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Add Optional Toppings: Garnish with chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a fresh mint sprig if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the sundaes immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm peaches and cold ice cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the peaches in a splash of bourbon before grilling.
- You can substitute non-dairy ice cream to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
- Nectarines can be used as an alternative to peaches.
