Grilled peaches are a wonderful treat, warm and juicy, with a bit of smokiness. Paired with a sweet blackberry sauce, this dessert is both fresh and tasty!
I love how simple it is to make—just grill the peaches and whip up the sauce. It’s perfect for warm days or impressing guests at a cookout. Who wouldn’t want a dish that smells like summer? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are the star of this dish. Look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use nectarines for a similar taste and texture.
Olive Oil: While olive oil adds a nice flavor, you can substitute it with melted butter or coconut oil if you prefer. Both will also keep the peaches from sticking to the grill.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries provide a tangy flavor. If they are hard to find, try using blueberries or raspberries for the sauce instead. You could also use frozen blackberries—just ensure to thaw and drain them first.
Granulated Sugar: You can adjust the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Both will give a lovely flavor to the blackberry sauce.
Lemon Juice: If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. You can also use lime juice if that’s handy—it’ll add a different twist!
How Do I Grill Peaches Without Burning Them?
Grilling peaches is easy with a few simple steps. The right temperature is key to getting that perfect char without burning them. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This ensures even cooking.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking. Don’t skip this step!
- Place peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks.
- Once flipped, let them grill for another 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Remove them once they’re slightly softened but still hold their shape.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly grilled peaches every time! Enjoy this sweet treat warm with that delicious sauce.
How to Make Grilled Peaches With Blackberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Blackberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should set aside about 25 minutes to prepare and enjoy these delightful grilled peaches with a fruity blackberry sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Begin by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures the peaches will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks!
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take your ripe peaches and cut them in half to remove the pits. Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This will help prevent them from sticking to the grill.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches start to soften. Then, flip the peaches and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
4. Make the Blackberry Sauce:
While your peaches are grilling, grab a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add the blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently as everything heats up.
5. Cook the Sauce:
Keep cooking the mixture while stirring until the blackberries break down and the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a fork or potato masher to crush any remaining berry pieces. Remove the sauce from heat.
6. Serve the Peaches:
Once the peaches are done grilling, take them off the grill and arrange them on a serving plate. They should be warm and slightly caramelized at this stage.
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Generously drizzle the warm blackberry sauce over your grilled peaches. For an extra touch, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves if you’d like. Serve immediately and enjoy these sweet, warm treats!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but it’s best to thaw them completely first. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight, or set them in a sealed bag under cool running water for about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that frozen peaches may not hold their shape as well when grilled, so they might be more suitable for the sauce than directly on the grill.
What If I Don’t Have Blackberries?
No worries! You can substitute blackberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the berries you choose, as some need more or less sugar to balance the tartness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled peaches and blackberry sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Peaches can stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the sauce will last about a week. Reheat the peaches gently in the oven or microwave, and warm the sauce on the stove for the best flavor!
Can I Make the Blackberry Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the blackberry sauce a day in advance. Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove over low heat before drizzling over the grilled peaches when you’re ready to serve.
