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Grilled Peaches: the Ultimate Summer Dessert

By Holly Darnell, RD

July 1, 2024

Grilled peaches is one of those cooked fruit recipes that one tries and puts on repeat. Grilling peaches brings out the natural sweetness in the fruit, making them extra juicy and infusing them with a slight smoky flavor.

Of course, the best time to make grilled peaches is in midsummer peach season. Along with other ways to make your summer BBQ grill healthy, these peaches are the ultimate finish for your outdoor feast. Couple them with our homemade vanilla bean ice cream and wowsers.

How to Grill Peaches

First, get the grill going. If you first use the grill to cook your main dishes, it’s a good idea to first strap it clean of the various sauce and meat residue on there.

Otherwise, you’re going to want the grill to be at medium-level heat for these grilled peaches. That’s easy on a gas grill. For a charcoal grill, wait until the heat has subsided a bit so the temperature isn’t too high, as that can burn the peaches.

Use a knife to halve the peaches, then remove their pits. Brush each side with some olive oil. You can also use avocado oil.

Place the peaches cut-side down and cook undisturbed for nearly fives minutes on the grill. Flip the peaches and grill for another four to five minutes. The skins should be charred but not burnt.

Remove from the grill and prepare to serve immediately. They’re best served hot, with some vanilla ice cream.

Grilled peaches can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep for up to three days.

Grilled Peaches Recipe Tips

Choose the right (not necessarily ripe) peaches. While you want to avoid rock hard peaches, you also don’t want soft peaches.

Ideally, they’re a bit firm when you grill them. Refrigerate them immediately and then simply remove from the fridge one to two days before using. When exposed to regular temperatures after being cold, they ripen relatively quickly.

Use them as leftovers. When you have leftover grilled peaches, use them for breakfast the next day. Cut them up and serve with oatmeal, Greek yogurt and granola, chia seed pudding or just in a simple peach smoothie.

Suggested Pairings and Toppings

• Ice cream: The No. 1 pairing is a homemade ice cream, of course. Beside vanilla, a cinnamon ice cream would also do well.

• Garnish with nuts: Consider adding some roasted pecans or walnuts on top, perhaps with some cinnamon as well.

• Whipped cream: Go out and get some coconut whipped cream (or make your own) to put on top of it all, or just the grilled peaches themselves.

• Sweeten them up: Not quite sweet enough for some? Drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup.

• Add an herb: Add another flavor by adding fresh mint or basil.

Summer Desserts

Other great summer desserts include:

• Chocolate churro smoothie

• Chocolate ice cream

• Tropical ice cream

• Homemade popsicles

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.