BBQ Desserts

BBQ Desserts

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When you think of a backyard barbecue, smoky meats and grilled vegetables probably come to mind. But why let the fun stop at the main course? BBQ desserts bring smoky sweetness and fire-kissed flavor to the final course of your meal. From gooey grilled fruits to decadent s’mores dip, this guide covers a wide range of BBQ desserts you can enjoy fresh off the grill.BBQ Desserts

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Desserts

  1. Grill-Enhanced Flavor – The open flame caramelizes sugars and enhances fruit sweetness.

  2. Outdoor Fun – No need to run inside to bake—finish your meal outdoors.

  3. Easy & Quick Options – Most grilled desserts come together in minutes.

  4. Endless Creativity – Use your grill to create unexpected dessert favorites.

Essential Ingredients for BBQ Desserts

Before diving into the recipes, here are some commonly used ingredients to keep handy:

Fruits:

  • Pineapple rings

  • Peaches

  • Bananas

  • Apples

  • Berries

Toppings & Fillings:

  • Brown sugar

  • Cinnamon

  • Butter

  • Honey

  • Caramel sauce

  • Chocolate chips

  • Marshmallows

Bases:

  • Pound cake

  • Angel food cake

  • Graham crackers

  • Cookies

  • Pie dough

Timing & Servings

  • Prep Time: 10–20 minutes (varies by dessert)

  • Grill Time: 5–15 minutes

  • Total Time: Up to 30 minutes

  • Servings: Most recipes serve 4–6

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Desserts

1. Grilled Peaches with Honey and Cinnamon

Halve fresh peaches, remove the pits, and brush with melted butter and cinnamon sugar. Grill for 5 minutes, then drizzle with honey or serve with vanilla ice cream.

2. Banana Boats

Slice a banana lengthwise (with the peel on), stuff it with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. Wrap in foil and grill for 5–7 minutes.

3. Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze

Thick slices of pineapple caramelized on the grill and glazed with brown sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon. Perfect as-is or with coconut whipped cream.

4. S’mores Dip in a Cast-Iron Skillet

Fill a small skillet with chocolate chips and marshmallows, cover with foil, and grill until melty. Scoop with graham crackers or pretzels.

5. Grilled Pound Cake with Berries

Toast slices of pound cake on the grill for 1–2 minutes per side. Top with whipped cream, strawberries, and blueberries for a patriotic summer treat.

6. Campfire Cones

Fill waffle cones with mini marshmallows, peanut butter chips, and fruits. Wrap in foil and heat until gooey inside—like a handheld s’more.

7. Grilled Donuts

Halved glazed donuts get crispy edges and a caramelized coating after a minute or two on the grill. Serve with chocolate sauce or ice cream.

8. Grilled Apple Packets

Thinly sliced apples tossed with cinnamon, sugar, and a pat of butter—sealed in foil and grilled until tender. Add granola for crunch.

9. Peach Cobbler Foil Packs

Combine sliced peaches, oats, cinnamon, butter, and sugar in foil. Grill for 10–15 minutes until bubbling and golden.

10. Grilled S’mores Sandwich

Place chocolate and marshmallows between two cookies or slices of pound cake. Wrap in foil and grill until melted.

BBQ Desserts

Tools You’ll Need for Grilled Desserts

  • Grill (gas or charcoal)

  • Tongs and spatulas

  • Aluminum foil

  • Cast-iron skillet or grill-safe pans

  • Brush for butter or glaze

  • Grill basket (optional for small fruits)

Tips for Grilling Sweet Treats

Watch the Heat

Use medium to low heat when grilling desserts to avoid burning sugar.

Use Non-Stick Spray

Grease foil or grates to prevent fruits and cakes from sticking.

Cut Uniform Sizes

For even cooking, slice fruits and cakes into uniform thickness.

Don’t Walk Away

Desserts grill fast—keep an eye on them to avoid charring.

Grilled Dessert Pairing Ideas

With Ice Cream

  • Grilled fruits with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream

  • Grilled pound cake with a scoop of berry sorbet

With Sauces

  • Warm caramel or fudge drizzle

  • Honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup

With Crunch

  • Crushed nuts

  • Toasted coconut flakes

  • Granola clusters

Make-Ahead BBQ Desserts

Prep Beforehand:

  • Cut fruits and store in airtight containers

  • Pre-mix crumble toppings or cake slices

  • Assemble banana boats or foil packs ahead of time

Store Before Grilling:

  • Keep items in a cooler or fridge until grilling time

  • Prewrap foil packs and store on a tray for easy transport to the grill

Kid-Friendly BBQ Desserts

  • Mini s’mores cones – Great for small hands

  • Fruit skewers with marshmallows – Interactive and colorful

  • DIY grilled banana splits – Let kids choose toppings

  • Cinnamon sugar tortilla crisps – Quick and fun to eat

Healthier BBQ Dessert Options

Want lighter choices? These grilled desserts focus on fruit and natural sweetness:

  • Grilled watermelon with lime

  • Grilled mango with a touch of chili powder

  • Balsamic-glazed grilled strawberries

  • Grilled figs with goat cheese and honey

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Most BBQ desserts are vegetarian by default, and many can be made vegan:

For Vegans:

  • Use coconut oil instead of butter

  • Opt for dairy-free ice cream

  • Use dark chocolate or vegan marshmallows

International BBQ Dessert Ideas

Explore desserts inspired by global flavors:

  • Grilled Plantains (Latin America) – Drizzled with condensed coconut milk

  • Miso-Caramel Pineapple (Japan fusion) – A savory-sweet combo

  • Grilled Mango with Sticky Rice (Thailand) – Fire-roasted mango with sweet rice

  • Grilled Naan with Honey and Nuts (India fusion) – Toasted naan brushed with ghee and honey

FAQs

Can I use foil on a charcoal grill?

Yes, foil is great for wrapping desserts or protecting delicate fruits from direct heat.

What fruits work best for grilling?

Firm fruits like peaches, pineapples, apples, and bananas work best. Avoid very soft fruits like raspberries or kiwi.

Can I grill desserts on a stovetop grill pan?

Yes! A stovetop grill pan works well for pound cake, donuts, or fruit slices.

How long should I grill fruits?

Most fruits need just 2–5 minutes per side depending on their firmness and thickness.

What if my grill is dirty from meats?

Clean the grates thoroughly or use foil/cast iron pans to avoid unwanted savory flavors.

Conclusion

BBQ desserts bring a fun, unexpected twist to your cookout menu. From the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches to gooey, campfire-inspired s’mores dip, these treats will delight guests of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and tools, you can turn your grill into a dessert-making machine—perfect for summer nights, parties, or anytime you want to enjoy something sweet outdoors. So fire up the grill and end your next barbecue on a deliciously sweet note.