This Grilled Peach Crumble is summer dessert perfection on a plate! Juicy peaches caramelized on the grill, topped with a buttery cookie crumble, and served with creamy vanilla ice cream. The best part? It’s completely gluten-free and ready in just 15 minutes! The warm peaches against the cold ice cream create that magical temperature contrast that makes dessert truly special. Your friends will never believe how simple it was to make something this impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Simple: From start to finish in 15 minutes with minimal prep work – perfect for impromptu summer gatherings.
- Naturally Sweet: The grilling process caramelizes the peaches’ natural sugars, enhancing their flavor without needing tons of added sweetener.
- Impressive Presentation: These grilled peaches look like they came from a fancy restaurant, but require almost no effort.
- Dietary-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free (with the right cookies), making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Versatile: Works as a light dessert after dinner or even as a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peaches: Select ripe but firm peaches for grilling – they should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy. The star of the show that provides natural sweetness and juicy texture.
- Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and creates a cohesive crumble without gluten. The fine texture helps bind everything together.
- Coconut Sugar: Offers a caramel-like flavor that complements the peaches perfectly. It caramelizes beautifully during grilling.
- Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to both the peaches and crumble topping. The quintessential partner to any fruit dessert.
- Gluten-Free Cookies: Creates the bulk of our crumble topping with minimal effort. Choose ones with a flavor profile you enjoy – shortbread or snickerdoodle types work wonderfully.
- Butter: Enriches the crumble and helps the peaches caramelize on the grill. The fat carries flavor and creates that irresistible buttery taste.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy contrast to the warm, grilled peaches. It melts slightly into the warm fruit, creating a luscious sauce.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Make It Vegan
Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and pair with your favorite dairy-free ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
Add Some Crunch
Mix chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into your crumble mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
Spice It Up
Experiment with different spice combinations – try adding a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to the cinnamon for complexity.
Berry Addition
Add some fresh berries to the peach cavities before topping with the crumble mix for a mixed fruit experience.
How to Make Grilled Peach Crumble
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Warm your grill to medium heat. If using a grill pan indoors, place it over medium heat and allow it to warm up completely.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and crushed cookies. Mix until well combined. Add the small pieces of butter and work them into the dry mixture with your fingers until you achieve a coarse crumb texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Peaches
Halve the peaches and remove the pits, creating a small cavity in each half. Brush the cut sides with melted butter, then sprinkle with coconut sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Step 4: Grill the Peaches
Place the peaches cut-side down directly on the grill grates. Cover and cook for about 4 minutes, until distinct grill marks form and the sugar begins to caramelize.
Step 5: Add the Crumble
Carefully flip the peaches over. Spoon about a tablespoon of the crumble mixture into the cavity of each peach half, mounding slightly if needed.
Step 6: Finish Grilling
Cover the grill again and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the crumble is warm and the peaches are tender but not mushy.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the peaches to serving plates and top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve immediately while warm.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook: Peaches can go from perfectly tender to mushy very quickly. Test with a knife – it should slide in easily but the peach should still hold its shape.
- Peach Selection: Choose freestone peaches if possible; the pit removes more easily, leaving a perfect cavity for the crumble.
- Grill Temperature: Keep the grill at a consistent medium heat. Too hot and the sugars will burn before the peaches soften.
- Work Quickly: Have all your ingredients prepped before starting the grill so you can work efficiently once the cooking begins.
- Indoor Option: No grill? Use a grill pan on your stovetop, or even broil the peaches for a similar effect.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
The classic pairing is vanilla ice cream, but consider trying:
- A dollop of mascarpone or Greek yogurt for tanginess
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves as a garnish for color and freshness
Elegant Presentation
For dinner parties, serve on small plates with the ice cream melting into the warm peach. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a small sprig of mint makes for a beautiful presentation.
Breakfast Twist
Skip the ice cream and serve with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a decadent breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing Components Ahead
The crumble topping can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storing Leftovers
Grilled peaches are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture won’t be quite the same, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Reheating
Gently warm leftover peaches in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 30-45 seconds until just warm.
Note: The crumble topping won’t stay as crisp after refrigeration, but will still taste wonderful.
FAQs
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Can I make this dessert without a grill?
Absolutely! You can achieve similar results by broiling the peaches in your oven. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet, add the toppings, and broil for 5-8 minutes until caramelized and soft.
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How can I tell if my peaches are ripe enough for grilling?
The perfect peach for grilling should give slightly when gently squeezed but not be mushy. It should smell fragrant, and the skin should have vibrant color. Too firm and they won’t soften properly; too soft and they’ll fall apart on the grill.
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Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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What other fruits work well with this grilling method?
This technique works beautifully with nectarines, plums, apricots, and even pineapple. Adjust cooking times based on the firmness of the fruit – softer fruits will need less time.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Peach Crumble is summer simplicity at its finest. It transforms ordinary peaches into an extraordinary dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The contrast of caramelized fruit, buttery crumble, and cool ice cream creates magic in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick dessert after a family dinner, these grilled peaches are sure to impress. The best recipes don’t always require hours in the kitchen – sometimes they just need fresh ingredients and a little fire!
PrintGrilled Peach Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Peach Crumble is a delicious and easy summertime dessert featuring juicy grilled peaches topped with a crunchy, gluten-free crumb and served with ice cream. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect sweet treat for outdoor gatherings or a quick family dessert.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
- 1 tablespoon almond flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup crushed gluten-free cookies
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Grilled Peaches:
- 6 large peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (or substitute oil/vegan butter)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Warm your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking of the peaches.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and crushed gluten-free cookies. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Prepare the Peaches: Brush the cut sides of the peaches with melted butter (or oil/vegan butter). Sprinkle each peach half with coconut sugar and cinnamon for added flavor.
- Grill the Peaches: Place the peaches cut side down on the preheated grill. Cover and cook for about 4 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches begin to soften.
- Add the Crumble and Finish Grilling: Turn the peach halves over. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each peach half. Cover and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the crumb is golden and the peaches are tender with grill marks.
- Serve: Remove the peaches from the grill and serve them warm, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a vegan option.
- Use your favorite gluten-free cookies for the crumb; gingersnaps or vanilla wafers work well.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the crumble loses its crunch if left sitting.
- Try with non-dairy ice cream for a fully vegan dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peach half with crumble and ice cream
- Calories: Approx. 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 16mg