Grilled Peaches with Maple Syrup and Pecans: A Summer Dessert
A caramel-kissed fruit treat that elevates summer gatherings with effortless flavor.
Grilled Peaches with Maple Syrup and Pecans: The Ultimate Summer Dessert
When fresh, ripe peaches hit their peak in summer, there’s no better way to enjoy their sun-ripened sweetness than by grilling them. The gentle heat of the grill caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifies their juiciness, and adds smoky depth. Paired with the rich aroma of maple syrup, the subtle crunch of toasted pecans, and a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream or tangy Greek yogurt, grilled peaches become a simple showstopper that celebrates the bounty of the season.
Why Grilled Peaches Belong on Your Summer Table
- Seasonal highlight: Peaches are at their juiciest and most flavorful in the summer months.
- Quick and easy: This dessert takes just minutes to prepare and grill.
- Versatile serving options: Delicious with ice cream, yogurt, salads, and more.
- Beautiful presentation: The grill marks and bright colors make for a gorgeous dish.
- Customizable: Swap out toppings for your favorites—see our creative ideas below.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh, ripe peaches
- 1/3 cup maple syrup, divided, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for grilling)
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped (optional but highly recommended)
- Ice cream or Greek yogurt, to serve
Step-by-Step Directions
- Halve and Pit the Peaches:
Using a sharp knife, cut each peach in half by slicing all the way around the pit. Gently twist the halves in opposite directions to separate them; use a spoon to pop out the pit (sometimes this requires a bit of perseverance, especially with freestone or very ripe peaches). If any pulp clings to the pit, carefully remove it with the spoon.
- Brush with Maple Syrup:
Pour half of the maple syrup into a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat the cut sides of each peach half. This step doesn’t just add flavor—it helps keep the flesh moist while grilling, promotes caramelization, and gives the peaches a beautiful gloss.
- Prepare Your Grill (or Grill Pan):
- For Gas/Charcoal Grill: Preheat to medium-low heat (about 300°F to 350°F). Lightly oil the grates—this prevents sticking and helps achieve clean grill marks.
- For Grill Pan: Place a heavy grill pan over medium-low heat. Smear with butter or brush with oil, coating the surface evenly.
- Grill the Peaches:
Set the peaches, cut side down, directly on the prepared grill or grill pan. Let them cook slowly (about 3–5 minutes), resisting the urge to move them so well-defined grill marks can develop. If you want a crosshatch pattern, rotate the peaches 90 degrees mid-way through. Flip the peaches and cook, skin-side down, for another 2–3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still holding their shape. The syrup should not burn, so keep the heat at medium-low and move the peaches away from any direct flames if necessary.
- Finish and Serve:
Transfer the grilled peach halves to a serving dish. Brush the remaining maple syrup over the warm fruit, letting it soak into the crevices. Top with a generous scoop of ice cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, and a final drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and shine.
Expert Tips for Perfect Grilled Peaches
- Choose ripe but firm peaches: Overripe peaches will become mushy and fall apart on the grill, while underripe ones won’t be sweet or juicy enough. Look for peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma.
- Keep the heat low: Maple syrup can burn if the grill or pan is too hot. Maintain medium-low heat and watch closely as the peaches cook.
- Butter or oil on the grill/pan: This step is crucial for preventing sticking, enhancing gloss, and imparting a subtle richness.
- Trouble pitting? Use a spoon or grapefruit knife for stubborn stones. Some peach varieties (clingstone) have pits that are more difficult to remove—don’t worry if the halves aren’t perfect.
- Grill ahead: Grilled peaches are delicious warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for preparing ahead of guests’ arrival.
Serving Suggestions
This basic recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these ideas to suit any occasion:
- With Ice Cream: Classic and indulgent—pile grilled peaches over scoops of vanilla, cinnamon, dulce de leche, or strawberry ice cream. Drizzle with maple syrup and shower with pecans.
- With Greek Yogurt: For a protein-boosted breakfast or lighter dessert, place warm peaches over thick, tangy Greek yogurt. The contrast of warm fruit and cool yogurt is delightful.
- Over Salads: Toss mixed greens with a mild vinaigrette and creamy blue cheese. Dot with grilled peach halves and finish with pecans for crunch.
- With Pancakes or French Toast: Use grilled peaches as a sunny, summery replacement for syrup on your favorite morning stacks.
- On Crostini: Layer toasted baguette slices with creamy ricotta and grilled peach slices. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Customizing Your Grilled Peaches
While the maple syrup–pecan–ice cream trio is a classic, don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this easy dessert:
- Swap the nuts: Try toasted almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup: Especially good with a sprinkle of sea salt or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Add spices: Sprinkle cut sides with ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom before grilling.
- Play with toppings: Garnish with whipped cream, mascarpone, shaved dark chocolate, or fresh basil for a gourmet touch.
- Make it savory: Skip the syrup and serve peaches atop burrata and prosciutto, or toss with arugula and balsamic reduction.
Step-by-Step Visual Guide
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Halve & Pit | Slice peaches, twist to separate, and remove pit with a spoon. |
| 2. Brush with Syrup | Coat cut sides with maple syrup using a brush for flavor and gloss. |
| 3. Grill | Grill cut side down over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes; flip and finish skin side down for 2-3 minutes. |
| 4. Top & Serve | Brush with more syrup, add ice cream or yogurt, sprinkle with pecans, and drizzle with extra syrup. |
Storing and Making Ahead
- Store leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently or enjoy them cold over yogurt or oatmeal.
- Pecans can be toasted up to a week in advance and kept in a sealed jar.
- Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I grill peaches if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely. Use a stovetop grill pan: heat over medium-low, smear with butter, and proceed as outlined above. You’ll get beautiful grill marks and the same caramelized flavor.
Do I need to peel the peaches?
No peeling required. The skin softens and adds gorgeous color and flavor. If you strongly prefer skinless peaches, blanch briefly and peel before grilling, but it’s not necessary for most people.
What if my peaches are very ripe or clingstone?
If your peaches are extremely ripe, take extra care when halving to keep the fruit intact; using a spoon to gently scoop around the pit can help. Clingstone varieties may not separate perfectly, but even imperfect halves will taste delicious when grilled.
Can I use other stone fruits?
Yes! Nectarines, plums, and apricots work beautifully—just adjust grilling time as needed for smaller or larger fruits.
How do I toast pecans?
To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until fragrant and golden.
Are there dairy-free or vegan options?
Certainly. Use a non-dairy butter or neutral oil for grilling, opt for plant-based ice cream or yogurt, and ensure your maple syrup is pure.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 170 (not including ice cream or yogurt)
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Sugar: 25 g
Celebrate Summer’s Best with Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches capture everything that’s magical about summer: vibrant colors, decadent aromas, and flavors made for sharing. Whether you serve them as a simple picnic dessert, an easy grilled treat at a backyard barbecue, or an unexpected addition to salads and breakfast bowls, their natural sweetness and pleasing presentation will surprise and delight. Give this recipe your own spin, experiment with toppings, and savor every fragrant bite while peaches are at their best!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a44301314/grilled-peaches-recipe/
- http://holly-pinklady.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-pioneer-womans-grilled-peaches.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43967410/drumsticks-with-grilled-peach-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11377/grilled-nectarine-salad/
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