Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches are a sweet and juicy treat that’s super easy to make! Just slice some ripe peaches, sprinkle them with brown sugar, and grill until caramelized.
These peaches are the perfect dessert for summer BBQs. I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍑
Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for this recipe. If you can’t find peaches, consider using nectarines, which have a similar flavor and texture. If they’re not in season, try canned peaches (drained) or even apricots!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a nice caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tbsp molasses per cup of white sugar) or simple white sugar alone. Just know it won’t be quite as rich.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth. You could swap it with nutmeg for a different spicy touch or use apple pie spice if you have it handy. It adds a festive flavor!
Butter: If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. It’ll still help create that lovely grilled texture.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Peaches?
Grilling peaches sounds easy, but getting them just right requires a few pointers. First off, make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat; this helps avoid sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Brush the cut sides with melted butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill the peaches cut-side down first for about 5 minutes. This creates those beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the sugar.
- Flip them carefully to avoid squashing, then grill for another 2-3 minutes until warm and caramelized.
- Let your peaches cool slightly before topping them with ice cream or whipped cream. This way, the ice cream will melt gently over the warm fruit!
How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes of grilling, so you can have delicious grilled peaches ready in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that the peaches get that perfect sear and caramelization.
2. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will give your peaches a lovely sweet and spicy flavor. Set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Peaches:
Take the halved peaches and brush the cut sides with melted butter. This will help them grill nicely. After that, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture generously over each peach half, making sure they’re well coated.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 5 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches start to soften.
5. Flip and Finish Grilling:
Carefully flip the peaches over and grill them for an additional 2-3 minutes. You want them to be warm throughout and caramelized. The sweet aroma will fill the air!
6. Add Vanilla and Serve:
Remove the peaches from the grill. If you want to, drizzle them with vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. Serve those warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if you like. Enjoy your delicious grilled peaches!
Can I Use Different Types of Fruit?
Absolutely! While peaches are perfect for grilling, you can also use nectarines, plums, or even apricots. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time as needed, depending on the firmness of the fruit.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No worries! You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, but add a splash of molasses or honey to mimic the richness brown sugar brings. Alternatively, coconut sugar can be a great substitute if you have it on hand!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Peaches?
To store leftovers, place the grilled peaches in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. You can enjoy them cold, or reheat gently in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes to warm them back up.
Can I Make This Recipe on a Grill Pan Instead?
Yes, a grill pan works well too! Preheat it on medium heat and follow the same steps. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may take a couple of extra minutes to achieve that caramelized goodness. Enjoy your grilled peaches either way!