There’s something magical about grilling peaches. The heat of the grill caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and creating a juicy, warm, and irresistibly flavorful dessert. If you’ve never tried grilled peaches before, prepare to make this your new summer favorite!
Paired with a fresh, citrusy, and slightly tart balsamic vinegar and grapefruit reduction, these peaches become the ultimate summer dessert. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, along with the tender, slightly charred peaches, makes this dish a delightful treat. And for an extra indulgence, top it off with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream—pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this dessert comes together in no time, making it perfect for spontaneous summer gatherings.
- Vibrant Flavors: The sweet, juicy peaches combined with the tangy balsamic grapefruit glaze create a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Healthy & Refreshing: Grilled peaches are naturally low in calories and packed with vitamins, while the balsamic glaze adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
What You’ll Need
For the Balsamic Grapefruit Glaze:
- Balsamic Vinegar (1/2 cup): The rich, tangy base of the glaze that adds depth to the dish.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice (1/3 cup): Adds a citrusy zing that brightens up the glaze.
- Brown Sugar (4 Tbsp): Sweetens the glaze and helps it thicken to the perfect consistency.
- Grapefruit Zest (2 tsp): Enhances the citrus flavor and adds a subtle texture.
For the Grilled Peaches:
- Peaches (4, halved and pitted): The star of the dish, ripe and ready for grilling.
- Coconut Oil (1 Tbsp, warm): Helps to prevent sticking and adds a subtle tropical flavor.
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Sprinkled on the peaches for a hint of warm spice.
- Maple Syrup (2 tsp): Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the peaches.
- Fresh Blueberries (1/3 cup): A fresh, juicy topping that pairs perfectly with the peaches.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Grapefruit Glaze
- Prepare the Balsamic Grapefruit Glaze:
- In a medium-sized shallow saucepan, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of grapefruit zest.
- Simmer on low heat, occasionally whisking to prevent burning. The glaze will take about 12 to 14 minutes to reduce. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Once reduced, remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Peaches:
- In a small bowl, whisk together warm coconut oil and cinnamon.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an electric grill like a George Foreman, follow the manufacturer’s preheating instructions.
- Grill the Peaches:
- Lightly brush the cut side of the peaches with the cinnamon-oil mixture.
- Place the peaches flesh side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until light char marks appear. Flip the peaches and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Serve:
- Arrange the grilled peaches on your serving plates.
- Drizzle them generously with the balsamic grapefruit glaze and a bit of maple syrup.
- Top with fresh blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- For an extra treat, serve the peaches with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Peaches: Choose ripe but firm peaches for grilling. Overripe peaches can become too soft and mushy on the grill.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: Grapefruit zest adds a lot of flavor to the glaze. If you don’t have a fresh grapefruit, make sure to use a high-quality citrus extract as a substitute.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before drizzling over the grilled peaches.
- This Grilled Peaches with Sweet Balsamic Grapefruit Glaze recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and packed with summer’s best flavors. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any time you’re craving a light and refreshing dessert. Enjoy your summer nights with this delightful treat!
Equipment
- Grill*
Ingredients
- For the balsamic glaze:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice*
- 4 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp grapefruit zest*
- For the peaches:
- 4 peaches halved and pitted
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil, warm
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- In a medium-size shallow saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, grapefruit juice, brown sugar, and grapefruit zest.
- Simmer on low heat. Occasionally whisk it to prevent from burning. It will take approximately 12 to 14 minutes to reduce the glaze.
- When the reduced glaze coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the stove and allow it to cool.
- Next, in a small bowl, whisk warm coconut oil with and cinnamon.
- Preheat the grill.
- Lightly brush the peaches with oil mixture and place them on the flesh side down on the grill.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes or until light char grilled marks appear, flip and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Once done, arrange the peaches on your plates. Drizzled them with the balsamic glaze and maple syrup, top with fresh blueberries and serve immediately. You can always serve them with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice-cream.
Notes
Grill I used