Grilled peaches are earning their stripes and capturing the summer's essence with every bite. This grilled peach recipe pairs perfectly with a lusciously rich vegan mascarpone topping. And for that extra texture, sprinkle on some pistachios to tie it all together.
I know...what can be better than a fresh peach. My answer has to be that few things are better. But grilling them has to be a close second. You get that perfect sweet, grilled flavor, and the texture is just so juicy.
It's really easy, too. Many people add butter and brown sugar, but I think it's just as delicious by simply brushing with a little maple syrup.
Serve them with some vegan mascarpone whose creaminess pairs flawlessly with the grilled peaches, creating a tasty treat that gives off major "chef vibes" without requiring much time. Impress without the stress, I say!
Pair them with Grilled Vegan Kebabs and Chipotle Black Bean Burger for a complete grilled meal perfect for cookouts, tailgating, and camping.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- If you can't use an outdoor grill, you can easily substitute it with a grill pan or cast iron.
- Taking out the pit creates a perfect little 'bowl' for stuffing the warm, tender, grilled peaches with the creamy, vegan mascarpone, creating a delicious texture you'll want to make over and over.
- This delectable peach dessert is an ideal treat at any time of day, whether as an appetizer, snack, or delightful dessert, and is great for vegans, vegetarians, or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
With a few easy ingredients, you can enjoy grilled peaches in minutes. See the recipe card for details.
Grilled Peaches - Although peaches can be found year-round in several places, they are predominantly in season during the summer months, generally spanning from late spring to early fall.
How to Know When a Peach is Ripe
Determining when a peach is ripe involves a few sensory cues.
- First, gently squeeze the peach. It should yield slightly without being too soft or mushy.
- Ripe peaches emit a sweet, fruity fragrance, so give it a sniff near the stem.
- Look for vibrant colors, mainly yellow or creamy, with a reddish or orange blush. Check for uniform color across the surface.
- If it feels slightly heavier than expected for its size and yields when pressed near the stem, it's likely ripe. Of course, a taste test can confirm it's sweet, juicy, and enjoyable.
- You can ripen slightly firm peaches at home in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.
Variations
- While using maple syrup is delicious, don't hesitate to get creative with your seasonings. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to add different dimensions to your grilled peaches.
- Alternatively, you can top it with almonds, granola, hazelnuts, or crumbled vegan cookies.
- Elevate your presentation by garnishing your dessert with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Skip the vegan mascarpone if you want. Instead, go for a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a delicate drizzle of balsamic reduction to complement it.
- If you happen to have leftovers, consider incorporating them into breakfast. Top your morning oatmeal or yogurt with grilled peach slices and mascarpone for a delightful and nutritious start to the day.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Vegan Mascarpone Cheese
The instructions below for the grilled peaches apply if using an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan, or cast iron pan. While the flavors and appearance differ slightly with a non-stick pan, it can also be an alternative. See below for using an air fryer. See the recipe card for details.
Step 1 - Preparation of Vegan Mascarpone: Begin with soaked cashews. Combine the soaked cashews with coconut cream, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once done, set it aside in the refrigerator or place in the freezer to chill faster.
Step 2 - Preheat the Grill or Pan: Aim for medium-high heat here - about 375-400°F. Ensure the grill grates are clean to ensure those beautiful grill marks on your peaches. If using a grill pan, spray it with an oil spray to prevent any sticking and ensure it's preheated before placing the peaches.
Step 3 - Cut Peaches: Prepping peaches for the grill is a breeze. Begin by selecting ripe but firm peaches. Slice them in half and remove the pits.
Step 4 - Prep Peaches: Brush them on the cut sides with maple syrup or the sweetener of your choice.
Step 5 - Grilling Time: Place the peach cut side down on a preheated grill or pan using tongs. Let them sit for 5-6 minutes until you peek and see those desirable grill marks. Refrain from turning the peaches so they get the pretty, striped grill marks. I only grill them on the cut side.
Step 6 - Serving: Once your peaches are beautifully grilled, serve them on a plate, dollop a generous spoonful of the vegan mascarpone on top, and maybe even drizzle a bit more maple syrup if you're feeling indulgent. Finish them by scattering pistachios.
Top Tips
- Begin by preparing the vegan mascarpone, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator or the freezer for quicker chilling. You won't need the entire mascarpone for this recipe, but you can explore other delicious ways to enjoy the remaining portion by visiting Vegan Mascarpone Cheese Recipe or making this Easy Vegan Tiramisu.
- Opt for peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm. Overly ripe peaches can become mushy on the grill, which I don't mind, but some people do.
- Before you start grilling, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. This prevents the peaches from sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. The same goes for your grill pan or cast iron.
- For grill marks, let the peaches sit without constant rotation. Place them down and leave them. Messing with them might reduce the pretty char marks that form in one uniform pattern on the surface of the peach.
- Prepare the mascarpone and chill in the freezer for about 45 minutes to an hour for a thick consistency. If you like a less thick consistency, just chill it in the fridge while you prep and grill the peaches.
- If you don't want to use vegan mascarpone, drizzle with more maple syrup or use Homemade Vegan Banana Ice Cream for a delicious topping.
- For the mascarpone, it's important to have thoroughly soaked cashews for good consistency. For detailed instructions on different methods to soak cashews for mascarpone, please refer to the Guide to Soaking Cashews.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven
If you have to use an oven, you can make grilled peaches by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and brush each peach half lightly with the maple syrup. Face the peaches cut down and bake for 15-20 minutes until the peaches are softened and lightly browned around the edges.
Air Fryer
You can also air-fry peaches! Start by preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Brush the maple syrup on the cut sides and position the peaches skin down inside the air fryer basket. Then, air fry them for approximately 5 minutes. Check the peaches to make sure they are not burning. Continue air frying for an additional 5 to 6 minutes if needed, allowing the peaches to achieve a delightful caramelization.
Recipe FAQS
Fresh peaches are ideal for grilling due to their texture and flavor. I do not recommend using canned or frozen peaches.
If you don't have maple syrup, agave nectar is an excellent substitute that provides a touch of sweetness and caramelization. You can also use brown sugar or no sweetener at all.
Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before grilling. This helps prevent sticking and ensures those beautiful grill marks.
Store any leftover grilled peaches and vegan mascarpone separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They can be enjoyed the next day or repurposed into breakfast or snacks. Part of what makes this dish delicious is the warm peaches with the chilled mascarpone, so reheat the peaches before adding the chilled mascarpone for the best taste.
Peeling the peaches is not necessary. In fact, leaving the skin adds a pleasant texture and visual appeal to the dish. Grilling the peaches with their skin on can also help them hold their shape and prevent them from becoming too soft during the grilling process.
White peaches are excellent for grilling, just like their yellow counterparts. They have a delicate, sweet flavor and tender flesh that grills beautifully.
More Delicious Vegan Recipes
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate these Grilled Peaches with Vegan Mascarpone Cheese. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Grilled Peaches with Vegan Mascarpone Cheese
Ingredients
For the peaches
- 4 ripe peaches halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup for brushing
- pinch of salt
Garnish
- chopped pistachios substitute with hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, or granola
- maple syrup optional
- mint optional
For the vegan mascarpone
- 1 cup cashews soak overnight or for at least four hours, see Guide to Soaking Cashews for quicker alternatives
- ½ cup coconut cream solid top part of the can
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or other sweetener
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegan Mascarpone: Begin with the cashews. After soaking them, drain and rinse well. Combine the soaked cashews with coconut cream, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You're looking for that luscious mascarpone texture. Once done, set it in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill or in the freezer for about 45 minutes to thicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Get your grill or grill pan ready. We're aiming for a medium-high heat here. And if you're using a charcoal grill, it is even better for that extra smokiness. Ensure the grill grates and pan are clean to ensure those beautiful grill marks on your peaches. Spray a little oil on your pan to ensure the peaches don't stick.
- Prep the Peaches: Brush the halved peaches with maple syrup and sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on them. This might sound odd, but the salt will enhance the sweetness.
- Grilling Time: Place the peach cut side down on the grill. Let them sit for 4-6 minutes until you see those enviable grill marks. Don't mess with turning them too much so they get beautiful, even grill marks.
- Serving: Once your peaches are grilled, serve them on a plate, dollop a generous spoonful of the vegan mascarpone on top, and maybe even drizzle a bit more maple syrup if you're feeling indulgent.
- Garnish: Garnish with finely chopped pistachios or other types of nuts. You can also consider adding fresh mint for an aesthetically pleasing touch.
Trey says
Easy but looks super fancy and perfect for the Fall
Regi Pearce says
I'm so thrilled to hear that you found the grilled peaches with vegan mascarpone to be both easy and fancy-looking! Making something that's straightforward but impresses your guests is always a win in my book.