Grilled peaches drizzled with sweet blackberry sauce are a tasty treat for summer! The warm, juicy peaches paired with the tangy sauce make for a perfect dessert or snack.
I love how easy it is to throw these on the grill. Plus, they make my kitchen smell amazing without any fuss. Who knew grilling fruit could be so fun and delicious? 🍑✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are key for this dish. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or apricots can work well too; they’ll give a slightly different flavor but still taste great on the grill.
Olive Oil: I prefer using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you want a more neutral taste, avocado oil is a good substitute. Canola oil works fine too if you’re in a pinch.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are best when available. If they’re out of season, frozen blackberries are perfectly fine to use. You can also try other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce, but if you want healthier options, use honey or maple syrup instead. Just remember that they might alter the sauce’s texture a bit!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce. You can swap it for lime juice, or if you don’t have either, a little vinegar can add a tangy touch.
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches can be tricky; you want them to caramelize without turning mushy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil. This helps to prevent sticking and promotes beautiful grill marks.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes until they have grill marks and start to soften.
- Flip them over for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
For even better flavor, let the peaches sit for a minute after grilling to soak in the smoky goodness before serving. Enjoy your sweet treat!
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 blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a few minutes preparing the peaches and blackberry sauce, and then it only takes a short time to grill the peaches. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the peaches will grill perfectly and develop those lovely grill marks.
2. Prep the Peaches:
Next, brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This will help prevent the peaches from sticking to the grill and add a nice flavor.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches start to soften a bit. Then, flip them over and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Make the Blackberry Sauce:
While the peaches are grilling, grab a saucepan and put it over medium heat. Add the blackberries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together as you heat it up. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. You want to cook it until the blackberries break down, which should take about 10 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Once the blackberries are nice and soft, stir in the lemon juice and the vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Let this cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens just a bit. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool down.
6. Serve It Up:
After the peaches are done grilling, place them on a serving plate. Drizzle your delicious blackberry sauce over the top. For an extra treat, you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your sweet creation!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but they may release more moisture and not get those nice grill marks. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and pat them dry before grilling. Adjust the grilling time as needed since frozen peaches can take a little longer to soften.
How to Adjust the Sweetness of the Blackberry Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with half the amount of sugar and taste as you cook. You can always add more sugar if desired. For a natural sweetness, consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the blackberry sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve it, and add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Grilled Peaches?
Grilled peaches are delicious served warm with the blackberry sauce. For an extra touch, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top, along with some chopped mint for a refreshing finish. They also pair well with yogurt for a healthy dessert option!
