These maple grilled peaches topped with almond cookie crumbs are a summer treat! The sweet, juicy peaches caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating a warm and juicy dessert.
I love serving these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s the perfect way to balance the sweet and nutty flavors. Trust me, you’ll want to make this all season long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for this recipe. They should be soft but not mushy. If peaches aren’t in season, try using nectarines or plums for a similar flavor and texture.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds depth. If you’re low on maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be good alternatives, but may change the flavor slightly.
Olive Oil: This helps in caramelizing the peaches. You could also use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil if olive oil isn’t available.
Almond Cookies: If you can’t find almond cookies, crushed graham crackers or any other type of cookie like vanilla wafers work well for the crumb topping.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can leave it out or substitute with allspice for a different twist.
How Can I Get Perfect Grill Marks on My Peaches?
The secret to those beautiful grill marks lies in how you prepare and grill the peaches. It’s all about getting the right heat and timing! Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat. This will help to caramelize the peaches without burning them.
- Brush the cut side of the peaches with your maple syrup mixture well before placing them on the grill.
- Place the peaches cut-side down and keep them still while they grill. Avoid moving them around for the best grill marks.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then flip them and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes. This way, they become tender and caramelized, enhancing their sweetness.
Enjoying grilled peaches is truly about patience and practice, but these tips should yield tasty results every time!
How to Make Maple Grilled Peaches with Almond Cookie Crumb
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Almond Cookie Crumb:
- 1 cup almond cookies, crushed into crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to grill the peaches, making a total of around 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delightful summer dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help create those beautiful grill marks and perfectly caramelize the peaches.
2. Prepare the Peach Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. This sweet and aromatic mixture will add amazing flavor to the peaches. Brush this coating generously onto the cut side of each peach half using a basting brush or a spoon.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach halves, cut-side down, directly on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until you see lovely grill marks and the peaches begin to soften. Then, flip them over gently and grill for another 2-3 minutes. This helps to enhance their natural sweetness.
4. Make the Almond Cookie Crumb:
While the peaches are grilling, it’s time to make the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed almond cookies with the melted butter. Mix well until all the cookie crumbs are evenly coated in the butter, creating a delightful and crunchy topping.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Once the peaches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and place them cut-side up on a serving plate. Sprinkle the almond cookie crumb mixture generously over each peach half for a delicious crunch. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy your sweet and smoky Maple Grilled Peaches with Almond Cookie Crumb!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can try this recipe with nectarines, plums, or even pineapple. Just adjust the grilling time as needed—some fruits may cook faster while others may take a bit longer to soften.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Cookies?
No worries! You can substitute almond cookies with any cookie you have on hand, such as sugar cookies or graham crackers. Just crush them into crumbs and mix with butter as directed for that delightful crumb topping!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Peaches?
If you have leftovers, let the peaches cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy them cold or gently reheat them on the grill or in a pan for a warm treat!
Can I Make the Cookie Crumb in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the almond cookie crumb ahead of time! Just mix the crushed cookies with melted butter and store in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to use it. This can save you time on the day you plan to enjoy your grilled peaches!
