This sweet treat features juicy peaches grilled to perfection and drizzled with maple syrup. It’s paired with crunchy almond cookie crumbs that add a delightful twist.
Who knew grilling peaches could be so easy and so delicious? I love serving this as a fun summer dessert—it’s refreshing and always impresses my friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are vital for this recipe. They should be soft but not overripe! If peaches are out of season, try nectarines—they’ll grill up nicely too.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for an alternative, honey or agave syrup can work in a pinch, but they will change the flavor a bit.
Almond Cookies: Crushed almond cookies provide crunch and flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use graham crackers or even digestive biscuits; just add a bit of almond extract for flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a vegan butter could be great substitutes.
How Can I Grill Peaches Without Making Them Mushy?
Grilling peaches is simple, but achieving the right texture is key! For best results, choose ripe yet firm peaches. Here’s how to grill them so they maintain their shape and flavor:
- Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This prevents the peaches from cooking too quickly.
- Brush the cut side of the peaches with the maple syrup mixture generously to create a tasty glaze.
- Grill them cut side down for the first 4-6 minutes. This allows for great grill marks and caramelization.
- Flip them gently using tongs to avoid squishing them. Sprinkle with the almond cookie mixture and cover the grill to trap heat.
- Keep an eye on the peaches! Remove as soon as the topping is slightly toasted—overcooking can lead to mushiness.
How to Make Maple Grilled Peaches with Almond Cookie Crumb
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup almond cookies, crushed (or almond flour for a finer texture)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional for garnish)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need about 20 minutes before you can enjoy your fabulous grilled peaches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help achieve those lovely grill marks on your peaches while caramelizing their natural sugars.
2. Prepare the Maple Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir it well so that everything gets mixed together nicely.
3. Brush the Peaches:
Take the peach halves and brush the cut side generously with the maple syrup mixture. Make sure they are well-coated to absorb that sweet flavor during grilling!
4. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Cook them for about 4-6 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks and the peaches have softened a bit. This brings out the sweetness even more!
5. Make the Topping:
While your peaches are grilling, grab another bowl and combine the crushed almond cookies (or almond flour) and brown sugar. Mix it up to create a crumbly topping.
6. Add the Topping and Finish Grilling:
Once you’ve flipped the peaches (cut side up), sprinkle the almond cookie crumb mixture on top of each peach half. Close the grill lid and let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the topping is slightly toasted and golden.
7. Cool and Serve:
Carefully remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool slightly. They will be hot! Serve them warm, topped with sliced almonds and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’d like a little extra sweetness.
Enjoy!
Dig into your deliciously sweet and smoky grilled peaches. Enjoy this delightful dessert on a warm day!
## FAQ
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even pineapples. Just keep an eye on the grilling time, as different fruits may vary in cooking time. Aim for that nice char and slight softness.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Peaches?
Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or enjoy them cold as a tasty summer treat!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
What Can I Use Instead of Almond Cookies?
If you don’t have almond cookies, you can use graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile. For a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free cookies or oats mixed with almond flour. Just keep the sugar to help with the crumble texture!
