Grilled peaches and cream is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the smoky flavor from the grill. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a sophisticated and delicious treat that is perfect for summer gatherings or a special weeknight dessert. The warm, caramelized peaches paired with cool, creamy whipped cream is a match made in heaven that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients for Grilled Peaches and Cream:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Grilled Peaches and Cream:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Peaches: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with the honey mixture.
- Grill the Peaches: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes, or until they have grill marks and are slightly softened. Flip the peaches and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Serve: Serve the grilled peaches warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are the star of this dessert. Grilling them caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and adding a smoky flavor.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps the peaches caramelize on the grill. It also adds a floral note that complements the peaches beautifully.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth and complexity to the flavor of the peaches, making them even more delicious.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is whipped into soft peaks and sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a rich and creamy topping for the grilled peaches.
Variations and Tips:
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or granola over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: For a more complex flavor profile, drizzle the grilled peaches with a balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Instead of whipped cream, serve the grilled peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Grilled peaches and cream is a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe peaches. The combination of warm, caramelized peaches and cool, creamy whipped cream is irresistible. Serve this dessert at your next summer gathering and impress your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make treat.