This yummy dessert features juicy grilled peaches drizzled with sweet maple syrup and paired with crunchy almond cookie crumbs. It’s like summer on a plate!
Who knew grilling fruit could taste this good? I love to serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream. Talk about a crowd-pleaser! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are the star of this dish. Their sweet, juicy nature makes them perfect for grilling. If peaches aren’t in season, try using nectarines or plums instead. They offer a similar flavor and texture.
Maple Syrup: This sweet ingredient adds depth to the peaches. If you’re out of maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be good substitutes. However, keep in mind that each alternative will add its unique flavor.
Olive Oil: Using olive oil gives a nice finish to the peaches. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, melted butter works beautifully too. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil; it adds a light tropical twist.
Almond Cookie Crumbs: You can buy these crumbs or make your own by crushing almond cookies. If allergies are a concern, graham cracker crumbs or even crushed oats can work as substitutes.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Grilled Peaches?
Grilling peaches can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat; too hot, and you’ll burn the peaches quickly. Brush the cut sides with oil and syrup to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill initially to get those beautiful char marks.
- Keep an eye on them while grilling. Cook for about 4-5 minutes; flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender, but not mushy.
- Let them cool a bit before serving to enjoy the flavors without burning your mouth.
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 olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Almond Cookie Crumb:
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup almond cookie crumbs (store-bought or homemade)
For Serving (optional):
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of grilling time. In total, plan for about 20 minutes to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. A good hot grill will give your peaches those lovely char marks and a nice caramelized flavor!
2. Prepare the Peach Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil (or melted butter) with maple syrup and cinnamon. This will add a delicious flavor to your peaches. Use a brush to apply this mixture generously to the cut sides of the peach halves. Make them shiny and tasty!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes until beautiful char marks appear. Flip them over and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until they’re soft and juicy.
4. Mix the Almond Crumb:
While your peaches are grilling, prepare the almond cookie crumb. In a bowl, mix the almond cookie crumbs with the slivered almonds. This will give your dessert a nice crunch!
5. Cool the Peaches:
Once the peaches are done grilling, carefully remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle and enhance the flavors.
6. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, place each grilled peach half on a plate. Generously sprinkle the almond cookie crumb mixture over the top. If you like, drizzle any remaining maple syrup over everything for extra sweetness!
7. Optional Toppings:
If you want to make it extra special, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a fresh touch, garnish with mint leaves before serving. Enjoy your delicious maple grilled peaches with almond cookie crumb!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can swap peaches for other stone fruits like nectarines, apricots, or plums, which grill similarly. Just ensure they are ripe for the best flavor and texture.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Cookie Crumbs?
No worries! You can easily make your own by crushing almond biscotti or almond shortbread cookies in a food processor. Alternatively, any buttery cookie such as graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookies can work for a different flavor twist!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled peaches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While they might lose some of their original texture, they can be enjoyed cold or warmed gently in the microwave. Just be sure to keep the cookie crumb mixture separate to maintain its crunch!
Can I Make the Cookie Crumb Mixture Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the almond cookie crumb mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to enjoy the dish!
