Grilled Peaches And Cream Ice Cream – A Luscious Summer Obsession

If summer had a single flavor, this peaches and cream ice cream, with its unique grilled twist, would be it.

Imagine ripe peaches, sizzling on the grill until they’re smoky and syrupy, then folded into a vanilla base so creamy it practically melts on contact. This isn’t just dessert—it’s nostalgia with an edge. Of all the summer recipes I’ve created, this is the one my friends and family request again and again.

It’s sweet, smoky, and ridiculously smooth. Whether you’re scooping it poolside or piling it high after dinner, this is the bold summer twist your classic peaches and cream ice cream has been waiting for.

Why You’ll Fall for This Recipe

• An Unbeatable Flavor Combo: Grilling the peaches unlocks a rich, caramelized flavor that takes this dessert beyond your standard peaches and cream ice cream.
• Silky, Perfect Texture: Whether you use an ice cream maker or our no-churn method, the result is a smooth and scoopable dessert every time.
• Impressive Yet Doable: This recipe uses a smart technique to achieve pro-level flavor without a complicated custard base.
• Built for Creativity: Consider this your base for genius. A splash of bourbon? A swirl of caramel? This recipe is your canvas.

🥄 Ingredients for a Perfect Peaches and Cream Ice Cream

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches that are still firm. If they’re too soft, they’ll turn to mush on the grill.
• Dairy: The dairy is key. This recipe relies on both heavy cream and whole milk to create its signature luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Bourbon: This is optional, but it adds a layer of warm complexity that beautifully complements the smoky fruit.
• Vanilla: A quality vanilla extract harmonizes the rich dairy and the charred peaches.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Peaches

Lightly coat the cut surfaces of the peaches with brown sugar. Place them face-down on a hot grill or grill pan and cook for 3–4 minutes. Sear the other side for another minute. Let them cool completely, then dice into small, bite-sized pieces.

• Pro Tip: Let the diced peaches rest on a paper towel. This wicks away excess moisture, a critical step for preventing ice crystals in your peaches and cream ice cream.

Step 2: Make the Cream Base

Begin by combining the heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Place it over gentle heat, stirring the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved, then take the pan off the burner. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional bourbon.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Allow the liquid base to cool on the counter until it’s no longer hot. Add the diced grilled peaches to the cooled cream mixture, folding them in gently. The mixture now needs to chill thoroughly. Pour it into a sealed container and place it in the fridge for a minimum of four hours, though an overnight chill yields the creamiest texture.

• ❄️ Don’t rush this step! A warm base freezes unevenly, resulting in a gritty texture—not the creamy perfection this peaches and cream ice cream deserves.

Step 4: Churn or Freeze

• If Using an Ice Cream Maker:
  Pour the cold mixture into your machine and churn until it reaches a thick, soft-serve consistency (typically 20–25 minutes). Transfer to a freezer-safe container to firm up.
• For the No-Churn Method:
  Pour the base into a metal loaf pan. Every 30 minutes, scrape the frozen edges into the center and stir vigorously with a fork. After about 3 hours, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful peaches and cream ice cream without any special equipment.

💡 Expert Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Peaches: Look for fruit that is fragrant but still firm to the touch.
• A Thorough Chill is Non-Negotiable: Your base must be completely cold for the smoothest possible result.
• Go Light on Mix-Ins: Let the grilled peach flavor be the star of your peaches and cream ice cream.
• A Pinch of Salt is Key: Salt doesn’t just cut the sweetness; it actually intensifies the smoky notes.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Caramel Swirl: During the last minute of churning, drizzle in ¼ cup of your favorite caramel sauce.
• Spiced Peach: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the brown sugar before grilling.
• Bourbon Pecan: For a Southern-inspired classic, add the bourbon to the base and fold in ½ cup of toasted chopped pecans.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🍑 Craving More Sweet Magic? Try These Next:

Easy Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits meet juicy strawberries and whipped cream in this classic summer treat.

Grilled Pineapple with Honey Butter Glaze
Caramelized, tropical, and kissed by flame—this one’s perfect if you love that grilled fruit vibe.

Lemon Raspberry Loaf Cake
Bright lemon and juicy raspberries folded into a tender crumb. It’s sunshine in slice form.

Want to see how I use this Grilled Peaches and Cream Ice Cream in real time?

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