These maple grilled peaches are a sweet summer treat! The juicy peaches get a smoky flavor while being drizzled with rich maple syrup and topped with crunchy almond cookie crumbs.
Honestly, who would have thought fruit could taste so indulgent? I love enjoying them warm, straight off the grill. Perfect with a dollop of cream or just as they are—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture. If peaches are not in season, you can try nectarines or apricots, which also grill well.
Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup adds a wonderful sweetness. If you’re looking for a substitute, agave syrup or honey works too, but they will slightly alter the flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is great, but if you want to change things up, you could try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different twist!
Almond Cookies: While crushed almond cookies provide a nice crunch, almond flour can replace them if needed. You could also use any other type of cookie you like, such as graham crackers or even chocolate cookies for a fun variation.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best in this recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute will work just fine!
How Do I Grill Peaches without Burning Them?
Grilling peaches can be tricky, so here are some tips. First, always preheat your grill to medium heat. This ensures even cooking without burning. When you brush the peaches with the maple mixture, make sure to coat them evenly but not too thickly.
- Place peaches cut-side down on the grill to get those char marks and great flavor.
- Keep an eye on them while grilling. After 4-5 minutes, check for softness. They should have nice grill marks but still hold their shape.
- Remember to turn them carefully using tongs to avoid losing the juices.
Perfectly grilled peaches can really elevate your dessert, so don’t rush the process!
How to Make Maple Grilled Peaches and Almond Cookie Crumb
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
For the Almond Cookie Crumb:
- 1/2 cup almond cookies, crushed (or almond flour)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional for Serving:
- Ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 15 minutes to prepare and grill. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a sweet treat after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help to get those lovely grill marks on the peaches and warm them perfectly.
2. Prepare the Maple Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, melted butter, and cinnamon until everything is well combined. This sweet glaze will enhance the flavor of the peaches!
3. Brush the Peaches:
Take the halved peaches and gently brush the cut sides with the maple mixture you just prepared. This will add sweetness while grilling.
4. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they have beautiful grill marks and are slightly softened. Take a peek after a few minutes to check how they’re doing!
5. Make the Almond Cookie Crumb:
While the peaches are grilling, let’s make the almond crumb. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed almond cookies, slivered almonds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined. This will give a nice crunch to your dessert!
6. Drizzle and Sprinkle:
Once the peaches come off the grill, drizzle the remaining maple mixture over the top. Then, generously sprinkle the almond cookie crumb over the freshly grilled peaches to add texture and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled peaches warm. For an extra treat, add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, grilled peaches and crunchy almond goodness!
Can I Use Other Types of Fruit for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, you can also try this recipe with nectarines, plums, or even pineapple for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the grilling time as needed based on the fruit’s firmness.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Cookies?
No problem! You can substitute the almond cookies with any other type of cookies you have on hand, or use granola for a different texture. If you want to stick with the almond flavor, almond flour is a great option too—just mix it with a bit of sugar to achieve a crumbly texture.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, keep the almond cookie crumb separate until you’re ready to eat. You can reheat the peaches gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold!
Can I Make the Cookie Crumb Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the almond cookie crumb a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will be ready to sprinkle on the grilled peaches right before serving. This helps save time when you’re ready to enjoy your dessert!
