Grilled Desserts: Sweet Endings from Your BBQ

Don't put away the grill after the main course—these desserts prove that your BBQ can create sweet magic too.

Why Grill Desserts?

• Caramelizes natural sugars
• Adds subtle smoky notes
• Creates impressive presentation
• Uses residual heat efficiently
• Unexpected and memorable

Grilled Fruit Favorites

1. Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• Vanilla ice cream
• Crushed amaretti cookies (optional)

Method:

1. Brush cut sides with butter
2. Grill cut-side down for 3-4 minutes
3. Flip and drizzle with honey
4. Grill 2 more minutes
5. Serve with ice cream

2. Caramelized Pineapple

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, cored and sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Coconut ice cream

Method:

1. Coat pineapple with sugar and cinnamon
2. Grill 3-4 minutes per side
3. Serve with coconut ice cream
4. Drizzle with rum (optional)

3. Grilled Watermelon

Yes, really! Grilling intensifies sweetness.

Serving ideas:

• With feta and mint
• With balsamic reduction
• With lime and chili powder

4. Grilled Banana Boats

Ingredients:

• Bananas (unpeeled)
• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed graham crackers

Method:

1. Slit banana lengthwise (don't cut through bottom peel)
2. Stuff with chocolate and marshmallows
3. Wrap in foil
4. Grill 5-8 minutes
5. Top with graham cracker crumbs

Grilled Pound Cake

Store-bought pound cake transforms on the grill.

Steps:

1. Slice pound cake 1-inch thick
2. Brush with melted butter
3. Grill 1-2 minutes per side
4. Top with grilled fruit and whipped cream

Grilled S'mores

Classic Method

• Toast marshmallows on skewers over flames
• Sandwich with chocolate and graham crackers

Upgraded Versions

Grilled Pizza Dessert

Dough preparation:

• Use store-bought pizza dough
• Stretch into small rounds
• Grill 2 minutes per side

Topping ideas:

Grilled Donuts

Yes, you can grill donuts!

Method:

1. Use store-bought glazed donuts
2. Brush with melted butter
3. Grill 30 seconds per side
4. The glaze caramelizes beautifully

Serve with:

• Ice cream
• Fresh berries
• Chocolate sauce

Foil Packet Desserts

Berry Crisp Packets

Per packet:

• 1 cup mixed berries
• 2 tbsp granola
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon

Seal in foil, grill 10-15 minutes.

Apple Cinnamon Packets

Per packet:

• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

Seal in foil, grill 15-20 minutes.

Grilling Tips for Desserts

Temperature

• Use medium to medium-low heat
• Sweet items burn quickly
• Residual heat after main course is perfect

Timing

• Fruit: 2-4 minutes per side
• Cake/bread: 1-2 minutes per side
• Foil packets: 10-20 minutes

Clean Grill

• Sweet items stick more
• Oil grates well
• Use a clean section of the grill

Dessert Grilling Timeline

Plan your BBQ dessert timing:

Plan Your Complete BBQ Menu

Use BBQ Menu AI to create a full menu including dessert suggestions that complement your main dishes!

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What's your favorite grilled dessert? Share your sweet creations in the comments!