Grilled Peaches with Honey and Vanilla Ice Cream

Juicy grilled peaches are an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert you can make on the grill in minutes. Halve ripe peaches, brush the cut sides with a neutral oil, grill until tender and lightly charred, then finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Warm fruit and cold ice cream are a classic summer combination — simple, sweet and utterly satisfying.

If you haven’t tried grilling peaches before, this method will quickly become a go-to for summer desserts. The steps are straightforward: brush, grill and top. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, you can serve a memorable dessert in about 20 minutes.

If you want to make the evening extra fun, try making homemade ice cream in a bag for your toppings — it’s a great activity to share with family or friends. Below you’ll find tips for picking the best peaches, a quick guide to cutting them, step-by-step grilling instructions and a bunch of topping ideas to mix things up.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Peaches

• This recipe uses only a few ingredients and comes together quickly, making it ideal for summer gatherings.
• Warm, charred peaches paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• From prep to plate, you can enjoy this dessert in about 20 minutes.
• Cinnamon and honey enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Ingredients Needed for Grilled Peaches

• Peaches, halved — choose firm but ripe fruit
• Neutral oil for brushing (canola, avocado or light olive oil)
• Ground cinnamon, a small pinch per half peach
• Honey, for drizzling
• Vanilla ice cream (or yogurt or whipped cream, if you prefer)

How to Pick the Perfect Peach

Choose peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm so they hold up on the grill:

• Smell — ripe peaches have a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem.
• Touch — give the peach a gentle squeeze; it should yield slightly but not be mushy.
• Color — look for a deep golden-yellow hue rather than a pale color.
• Texture — a little shriveling around the stem often indicates ripe, ready-to-eat fruit.

White vs. Yellow Peaches for Grilling

Both white and yellow peaches grill well. White peaches tend to be slightly less acidic and a touch sweeter, while yellow peaches are firmer and more common. If fruit is very soft, grill carefully to avoid it falling apart.

Once you have the peaches and basic toppings, you’re ready to grill.

What is the easiest way to cut a peach?

Use a sharp paring knife to cut along the peach’s natural seam from stem to tip, then twist the halves apart. Remove the pit with a spoon or pinch it out with your fingers.

How to Grill Peaches

1. Preheat: Heat the grill to medium-high. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high on the stove.
2. Prepare: Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with a light oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
3. Grill: Place peaches cut side down on the hot grates. Close the lid and grill 3–4 minutes until char marks form; flip and grill another 3–4 minutes until tender and warm through.
4. Finish: Remove from the grill, dust with cinnamon, drizzle with honey and top each half with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve immediately.

Can I Grill Peaches Ahead of Time?

Grilled peaches are best served right away while warm and tender. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for a day or two—use them in salads, over oatmeal or stirred into yogurt for a quick breakfast.

Variations for Serving Grilled Peaches

Switch up toppings and textures to keep this dessert fresh every time. Ideas include:

• Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
• A sprinkle of granola
• Freshly grated ginger for a spicy note
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt instead of ice cream
• A pinch of nutmeg alongside cinnamon
• A pat or drizzle of melted butter for extra richness
• Caramel sauce, chocolate, balsamic glaze or a light drizzle of good olive oil for interesting flavor contrasts
• Garnish with fresh basil or mint for brightness
• Toss chopped grilled peaches into a salad of arugula or spinach with crumbled feta and a simple vinaigrette

Other Stone Fruits to Grill

This same method works well for nectarines, plums and apricots. For smaller fruits, halve them and thread onto skewers to make grilling easier and prevent them from falling through the grates.

Speeding Up or Slowing Down Ripening

To slow ripening, refrigerate peaches. To speed ripening, place them in a paper bag at room temperature until they soften. Grilling will also soften and sweeten the fruit.

Grilled Peach Salad

For a savory option, cool grilled peaches slightly, chop them and toss with baby spinach or arugula, crispy pancetta or bacon and crumbled feta. Dress with a light vinaigrette for a bright, summery salad.

Recipe: Grilled Peaches