Get ready to enjoy these sweet grilled peaches topped with a delicious blackberry sauce! The warm caramelized peaches and tangy sauce make a perfect summer treat.
My favorite part is how easy it is! Just toss the peaches on the grill and whip up the sauce. It’s a fancy dessert that feels like a picnic in your backyard! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or apricots can work too. Just make sure they’re similarly ripe for optimal sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth to the peaches. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup. Adjust to taste as these alternatives can be sweeter.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are ideal, but you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Frozen berries are also a great backup if fresh ones aren’t available; just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice works as a substitute, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Peaches?
Getting those perfect grill marks and soft peaches requires patience and a few key steps. Make sure your grill is heated to medium before placing the peaches. Here’s how to achieve the best results:
- Brush and Sugar: Lightly coat cut sides with olive oil, then sprinkle brown sugar. This creates a nice caramelization.
- Timing: Grill cut sides down for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This helps lock in the juices and gives that lovely mark. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes.
- Check Softness: The peaches should be slightly softened but not mushy. If they’re too firm, give them an extra minute or two.
How to Make Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the Blackberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need approximately 20 minutes to enjoy these delicious grilled peaches topped with a tangy blackberry sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium heat. This will prepare the perfect cooking surface for those delicious peaches.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This step helps to create a lovely golden color and adds flavor! Next, sprinkle the sugar evenly over the cut sides. The sugar will caramelize and create a sweet crust as they grill.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches start to soften. Flip them over and grill for another 2-3 minutes. They should be warm and flavorful!
4. Make the Blackberry Sauce:
While the peaches are grilling, it’s time to prepare the blackberry sauce. In a saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the blackberries break down into a lovely syrupy mixture.
5. Cool the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a sieve to remove the seeds. If not, feel free to keep it as is!
6. Serve the Peaches:
Once the peaches are done grilling, take them off the grill and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle the warm blackberry sauce over the peaches. It’s okay to be generous; it’s delicious!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for a colorful garnish. Serve your grilled peaches immediately and enjoy the sweet, tangy flavors of this fabulous dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve those nice grill marks without steaming the peaches.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar combined with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) or use coconut sugar for a similar flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftover Blackberry Sauce?
Store any leftover blackberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to use it again. It also makes a great topping for pancakes or yogurt!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While grilled peaches are best served fresh, you can prepare the blackberry sauce a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated, and rewarm it slightly before serving. Grill the peaches right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
