Treat yourself with these Buttery Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches. Ripe Summer peaches are brushed with butter and brown sugar and grilled until lightly charred & tender. Finish the off with brown sugar whipped cream for a caramelized and smoky indulgent summer treat!
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about a heated conflict of opinion between those who “like” and “don’t like” cooked fruit. If I had to pick a team, I’d battle with “team cooked,” namely because I love grilled fruit, especially grilled peaches. What’s not to love?! The caramelization of sugars, the smokey char from the grill, and the tender, juicy bite of ripe summer fruit. I mean, really, it just doesn’t get much better than that!
This recipe for simple buttery brown sugar grilled peaches is sure to make even the most adamant hater of grilled fruit a convert. The peaches are grilled until they are lightly charred and tender and then finished off with a dollop of brown sugar whipped cream. It is the perfect summer indulgence!
If you are team “cooked fruit,” — here are a few more delicious fruity desserts you should try! >>>> Very Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Dump Cake, Strawberry Cornbread Skillet Cobbler, Bourbon Peach Cobbler
How To Pick The Perfect Peaches For Grilling
When it comes to grilled fruit, freshness is key. Peach season in the United States typically runs from May to September. However, local peach availability can vary depending on the state.
When purchasing peaches, look for peaches that are fragrant and avoid peaches that are bruised. You want to make sure that your peaches are ripe but not too ripe. If they are too ripe, they will fall apart on the grill. And if they aren’t ripe enough, they will be difficult to slice and won’t have that signature juiciness that makes grilled peaches so delicious.
To test for ripeness, gently press on the peach. It should give slightly but still feel firm. Once you’ve found the perfect peaches, it’s time to get grilling!
Did You Know: There are 3 main types of peaches: freestone, clingstone, and semi-freestone. The type indicates how easy (or difficult) it will be to pit. The most common store variety is freestone peaches, which are my favorite for grilling because their flesh does not cling to the pit when ripe.
Key Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make these brown sugar grilled peaches at home.
- Peaches: Make sure to use fresh peaches for this grilling recipe. You want to choose peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch.
- Melted Butter: Melted butter enhances the richness and delicious flavors of this perfect summer dessert and, in my opinion, is essential.
- Brown Sugar: This sweetens the brown sugar whipped cream and also helps to caramelize the peaches while they cook on the grill. That brown sugar topping is truly perfection, so don’t skip it!
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This serves as the base for our homemade whipped cream. While you can use half and half to make lighter whipped cream, it doesn’t whip as well and deflates pretty quickly.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor that tastes amazing with grilled peaches. Besides, we all know that brown sugar and cinnamon are a match made in heaven!
- Kosher Salt: Adding salt to both the grilled peaches and brown sugar topping helps to enhance the flavors for an even dreamier final dish.
Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches Recipe
Follow the simple steps below to make these mouthwatering brown sugar-grilled peaches.
Step 1: Make Brown Sugar Whipped Cream
In a large bowl, using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk or an electric hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip together heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute.
Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate if not used immediately.
Step 2: Preheat Grill and Cut Peaches
Clean the cooking grates and lightly brush with a little oil. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill fire for direct grilling over medium-high heat (450°F). Then, wash and dry the fresh peaches. Cut into halves, then remove the pit.
Step 3: Coat Peaches with Brown Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter and vanilla. Brush the peaches with the butter mixture. Dip the cut side of each peach into the brown sugar mixture and rub the brown sugar into the butter so it sticks.
Step 4: Make Grilled Peaches
Place peaches cut side down on the grate directly over the heat and lightly press for better contact. Grill for 3 minutes. (If the fire gets too hot, move the peaches to a cooler side of the grill until you see desired grill marks.)
Flip and lightly sprinkle each peach with the remaining brown sugar mixture. Cook until the sugar melts and peaches are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches
Top the grilled peaches with brown sugar whipped cream and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips and Variations For Grilled Peaches
These are my top cooking tips and variation ideas to help you make the best brown sugar grilled peaches:
- Always clean your grill grates before adding your ripe peaches to the grill. The last thing you want is for your brown sugar grilled peaches to come out tasting like the hot dog you ate for dinner the other night.
- While I typically serve this summer dessert simply with whipped cream, other toppings work well too. Some great options include chopped nuts, vanilla ice cream, fresh mint, caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of apple pie spice.
- Making grilled peaches for a salad? Skip the brown sugar whipped cream and leave out the vanilla extract, brown sugar, and cinnamon. You can add a pinch of brown sugar to the peaches for caramelization purposes if desired.
- If you cut your peaches into quarters, grill the other cut side for 2 to 3 minutes.
More Delicious Grilled Favorites For The Summer
- Grilled Peach Salad
- Grilled Avocado & Carne Asada Salad
- Grilled Watermelon Pizza
- Grilled Peaches with Salted Caramel
- Grilled Peach Panini
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Looking to store leftover peaches? If you choose to make these grilled peaches ahead of time, you’re in luck. Grilled peaches store incredibly well in the fridge and will last for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Store the brown sugar and cinnamon whipped cream separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
I don’t recommend storing grilled peaches in the freezer unless you want to wind up with mushy fruit later. If you plan on freezing grilled peaches to enjoy in a smoothie, go right ahead!
Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most popular questions about brown sugar grilled peaches:
Can You Grill Peaches in a Pan?
If you don’t have a grill, you can grill peaches in a grill pan or cook them in an air fryer. While you won’t get those glorious grill marks in an air fryer, the flavors will still be on point. Keep in mind that if you’re using an air fryer to make grilled peaches, you may need to cook the fruit in batches to keep them from touching while they cook.
Does grilling peaches make them sweeter?
You bet! The heat from the grill not only softens the peaches but also intensifies the natural sugars and makes the fruit even more delicious. I love grilling peaches when I’m looking for a simple dessert during the summertime.
What to serve with grilled peaches?
My favorite way to serve grilled peaches is with brown sugar whipped cream because the flavors complement one another beautifully. However, grilled peaches are incredibly versatile and can be served in oatmeal, yogurt bowls, salsa, and even salads. For a more indulgent dessert, you can’t go wrong with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Should peaches be ripe to grill?
Yes. Peaches are probably my favorite summer fruit since the summertime is when they’re at their peak ripeness. You shouldn’t have much difficulty finding ripe peaches at the grocery store, but be sure to choose peaches that aren’t overly ripe. If the fruit is too soft, it won’t hold up well on the grill.
How To Get Started (Mise En Place)
Chefs usually refer to recipe preparation as “mise en place”. Yep, that’s french and sounds super cheffy, which I am not. However, I firmly believe it is easier to follow a recipe when you prep in advance. Here are a few things I would ensure to have and do before the cooking begins.
- Read through the recipe. This is the first time making a particular recipe; take a couple of minutes to read it through from start to finish. It’s always frustrating to find out mid-preparation that a sauce needs to simmer for 45 minutes when you plan to have dinner on the table in 20 minutes.
- Gather Your Tools:
- Recipe Prep:
- Remove peach pits
- Step 1: Position knife along the seam and cut peach until you hit the pit. Continue to slice along the seam all the way around the fruit until it is cut in half.
- Step 2: Hold each side of the peach with both hands and twist the halves in opposite directions, then pull them apart.
- Step 3: If the pit doesn’t pull away from the flesh easily, carefully cut under the pit by circling its perimeter, then pull it away from the flesh of the fruit.
- Remove peach pits
- Clean/oil the cooking grate and preheat your grill
- Measure out all your ingredients as per the recipe
- Make whipped cream ahead of grilled peaches & refrigerate. The chilled whip cream is the perfect contrast to the warm and caramelized grilled peaches.
- Remove peach pits
Now you’re ready to get started!
Serving Suggestions
You’re gonna want to check out this list of recipes that pair well with these Buttery Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches:
- Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese
- Grilled Peach Panini
- Summer Stone Fruit Salad
- Grilled Peaches with Salted Caramel
Buttery Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches (With Brown Sugar Whip)
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Bowl Set
- Standing Mixer
- Weber Master Touch Grill
- Grill Brush
Ingredients
Grilled Peaches:
- 4 peaches, halved & pitted
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted & divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Brown Sugar Whipped Cream
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Brown Sugar Whipped Cream
- In a large bowl and using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk or an electric hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip together heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate if not used immediately.
- Grilled Peaches:
- Clean and oil cooking grate. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill fire for direct grilling over medium-high heat (450°F).
- Wash and dry the peaches. Cut into halves, then remove the pit.
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter and vanilla.
- Brush peaches with butter mixture. Dip the cut-side of each peach into the brown sugar mixture and rub the brown sugar into the butter, so it sticks. Place peaches cut-side down on grate directly over the heat and lightly press for better contact. Grill for 3 minutes. (If the fire gets too hot, move peaches to a cooler side of the grill until you see desired grill marks.)
- Flip over and lightly sprinkle each peach with the remaining brown sugar mixture. Cook until sugar melts & peaches are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Top each with brown sugar whipped cream and serve.
