If you are searching for a dessert that feels like summer on a plate, then this Easy Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy peaches transform into caramelized delights on the grill, kissed by warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar, creating a simple yet indulgent treat. It’s quick to prepare, uses just a handful of ingredients, and impresses every time with its captivating flavor and irresistible aroma. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a sweet finish to any meal, this recipe is here to shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing its own flavor, texture, or visual appeal to the dish. Together, they create an effortless dessert that’s as tasty as it is stunning.
- 4 large ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are just ripe for the perfect balance of sweetness and firmness to grill without falling apart.
- 2 tablespoons of neutral oil: This helps to create beautiful caramelized grill marks and prevents sticking without overpowering flavors.
- ¼ cup of brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that perfectly caramelizes on the peach surface.
- ½ cup of walnuts or pecans, chopped: Brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts with the soft peaches.
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice: Infuses warm, cozy notes that complement the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon of salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and boosting the nuttiness.
- Plant-based vanilla ice cream (optional): A creamy, cool topping that elevates the dessert to decadent perfection.
How to Make Easy Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Peaches
Start by heating your grill or a grill pan over medium heat. While it warms up, halve and pit your peaches. It’s important to use peaches that are ripe but still firm so they hold up well on the grill and caramelize beautifully without turning mushy.
Step 2: Mix Oil and Brown Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the neutral oil and brown sugar. This mixture will be generously brushed onto the peach halves, helping create those gorgeous caramelized grill marks that make every bite taste so special.
Step 3: Grill the Peaches
Brush the cut side of each peach half with your oil and sugar mixture. Place them cut side down on your hot grill or grill pan. Resist the urge to move them around; leave them undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop caramelization and grill marks that elevate both flavor and presentation.
Step 4: Add the Nut and Spice Topping
Once grilled, transfer the peaches cut side up onto a serving plate. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped walnuts or pecans with cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) and salt. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture over the warm peaches to add texture, flavor, and a little bit of crunch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
If you want to go the extra mile, top each grilled peach half with a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess balances the warmth and sweetness perfectly, creating an unforgettable dessert experience.
How to Serve Easy Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of honey can add a refreshing contrast or an extra hint of sweetness. For those who like a little texture, toasted coconut flakes or a few chocolate shavings work wonderfully as garnishes as well.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with simple, light sides such as a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette or even a small cheese plate featuring mild cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone. The grilled peaches also shine alongside grilled meats as a sweet complement for a savory meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more decadent presentation, serve the grilled peaches atop a bed of creamy yogurt or vegan yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for contrast. Alternatively, arrange the peach halves in a circle on a dessert platter with edible flowers for a stunning visual that’s perfect for entertaining. The versatility here is endless, and presentation can be as simple or as fancy as you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled peaches, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed chilled or gently brought back to room temperature before serving again.
Freezing
Grilled peaches generally don’t freeze well because their texture becomes mushy once thawed. For best results, enjoy this Easy Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Recipe fresh and avoid freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the peaches gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for about 20 seconds just until warmed through. Avoid overheating as this can make the peaches overly soft and affect the delicate caramelization.
FAQs
Can I use other types of stone fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, or apricots can all be grilled using this same method. Just be sure to pick fruits that are ripe yet firm to hold their shape on the grill.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
You can use a regular skillet or cast-iron pan on the stovetop. Just make sure it’s hot and well-oiled to help mimic the caramelized effect of grilling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Simply use plant-based vanilla ice cream or skip the ice cream altogether to keep the recipe entirely vegan-friendly while enjoying all the natural sweetness of the peaches.
Can I make this recipe sweeter or spicier?
Feel free to adjust the brown sugar amount to your preference and experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. The recipe is flexible and welcomes your personal twist.
How do I choose the best peaches for grilling?
Look for peaches that are ripe but firm with a slight give when gently pressed. Overly soft peaches will become too mushy and might fall apart on the grill, while underripe peaches won’t caramelize as well or offer enough sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Recipe is honestly one of those simple yet show-stopping desserts that you’ll want to make again and again. It embraces the natural sweetness of peaches elevated with just a few pantry staples, turning an everyday fruit into a gourmet treat. I can’t wait for you to discover how effortlessly delicious summer can taste when wrapped up in warm spices, crunch, and a hint of caramelization. Give it a try and watch this become a recipe you share with friends all season long.
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Easy Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious summer dessert with these easy grilled peaches, perfectly caramelized with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with crunchy nuts and optional plant-based vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Peaches
- 4 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted (not overly ripe)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Topping
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional
- Plant-based vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the neutral oil and brown sugar until combined.
- Brush peaches: Generously brush the cut side of each peach half with the oil and brown sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating for caramelization.
- Grill the peaches: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill or hot grill pan. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until grill marks appear and the peaches begin to caramelize.
- Plate the peaches: Remove the peaches from the grill and place them cut side up on a serving plate.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts or pecans, cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), and salt.
- Sprinkle topping: Evenly sprinkle the nut and spice mixture over the warm grilled peaches.
- Serve: Optionally top each peach half with a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use just ripe peaches that are firm to avoid them falling apart while grilling and to get the best caramelization.
- Preheat the grill thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure peaches cook evenly.
- Grill peaches undisturbed to develop nice grill lines and caramelization.
- For pan grilling, using a cast-iron grill pan yields the best results mimicking outdoor grilling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
