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Perfect Grilled Peach Bourbon Caramel Sundae

grilled peach bourbon caramel sundae - featured image

Smoky grilled peaches, rich bourbon caramel, and cold vanilla ice cream come together in this quick and easy summer dessert that’s perfect for backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peaches: Wash and dry peaches. Cut each in half along the natural seam, twist apart, and remove pit. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Brush mixture over cut sides of peach halves. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Clean grates and lightly oil them.
  3. Grill peaches: Place peach halves cut-side down on hot grill. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deep golden-brown marks appear. Flip and cook skin-side for 2-3 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make bourbon caramel sauce: Place granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully without stirring until edges start to melt. Swirl pan occasionally until all sugar is melted and turns deep amber (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat. Add butter pieces; mixture will bubble. Whisk until butter is fully incorporated. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking continuously. Whisk until smooth. Whisk in bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly (2-3 minutes).
  5. Toast nuts (optional): Place nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (3-4 minutes). Remove from pan immediately.
  6. Assemble sundaes: Place two grilled peach halves in each serving bowl, cut-side up. Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center. Drizzle warm bourbon caramel sauce over everything. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and garnish with mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip resting time after brushing peaches with butter mixture. Watch caramel closely to avoid burning. Use room temperature butter and cream for caramel sauce. Make extra caramel sauce for later use. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and coconut cream. For non-alcoholic, substitute bourbon with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract mixed with 1 tablespoon water.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled peaches, bourbon caramel, sundae, summer dessert, peach dessert, grilled fruit, ice cream sundae