Elevate your outdoor cooking experience by adding a touch of sweetness! If you’ve never ventured into making dessert on the barbecue, prepare to be amazed. Grilling desserts is a fantastic way to cap off any meal, offering unique flavors and textures that conventional oven baking simply can’t replicate. Imagine the smoky aroma mingling with sweet caramelization, creating truly unforgettable treats. This guide will introduce you to some of the best BBQ recipes for desserts, ensuring your next cookout is a complete triumph from appetizers to the grand finale.
Summer means BBQ season, and what better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill for not just savory mains, but also some spectacular sweets? Forget traditional desserts that keep you stuck indoors; these recipes are designed for the open air, making them a fun addition to family gatherings and parties alike. Our collection features incredibly easy and incredibly delicious ideas, including unique takes on cupcakes, refreshing fruit, and classic campfire favorites. Get ready to impress your guests with these simple yet sensational barbecue dessert recipes.
Mastering Dessert on the Barbecue
Grilling desserts might sound unconventional, but it opens up a world of culinary possibilities. The radiant heat and smoky flavors from your barbecue infuse a distinctive character into sweets, creating something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting, these recipes are designed to be straightforward and enjoyable. We’ve hand-picked three of our absolute favorite, easy summer BBQ dessert recipes that are perfect for any occasion. These require minimal prep, are fun for kids to help with, and use ingredients readily available at your local grocery store.
Top Tips for Grilling Desserts
- Control Your Heat: For most desserts, you’ll want medium to low heat. If you’ve just cooked dinner, move your coals to one side or turn off a burner to create an indirect heat zone. This prevents burning and allows for even cooking.
- Use Foil or Bakeware: Many grilled desserts benefit from being cooked in foil packets, cast iron, or other grill-safe bakeware. This protects delicate items from direct flame and helps retain moisture.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Grills can vary in temperature. It’s always best to check your desserts frequently, especially if it’s your first time trying a new recipe.
- Prep Ahead: Most of the preparation for these desserts can be done in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests once the barbecue is lit.
1. Orange Zest Cupcakes on the Grill
These delightful orange zest cupcakes aren’t just delicious; they’re also an incredibly clever and eco-friendly way to enjoy a sweet treat on the grill. Using orange rinds as natural baking cups adds a subtle citrus aroma and makes for an impressive presentation. It’s a fantastic recipe to involve children in, teaching them about resourcefulness and the joy of outdoor cooking.
Ingredients for Grilled Orange Zest Cupcakes:
- Fresh oranges (count one half per person)
- Vanilla cake mix (boxed or homemade)
- Your favorite frosting (optional, for topping)
Instructions for Barbecue Orange Zest Cupcakes:
- Prepare the Oranges: Begin by cutting your oranges in half. Carefully use a sharp knife or spoon to cut around the edge and scoop out the pulp from each half. Be gentle to keep the rind intact. Don’t discard the fruit! You can save the pulp for a refreshing fruit salad or a morning smoothie.
- Mix the Batter: Prepare a batch of vanilla cake mix according to the package directions. While a simple boxed mix works perfectly for this easy BBQ recipe, feel free to use your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe if you prefer. For smaller batches, consider using a recipe for just 6 cupcakes.
- Fill the Rinds: This is a crucial step! Scoop the cake batter into the hollowed-out orange rinds, but only fill them about halfway. Overfilling can cause the batter to spill during cooking and make for a messy result.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the filled orange rinds directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Grills vary, so it’s essential to check on them halfway through, around the 5-minute mark. Look for the cake to be lightly browned on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve: Once done, carefully remove the orange rind cupcakes from the heat. You can serve them immediately while they’re warm, or let them cool down slightly. For an extra touch, fill a plastic baggie with frosting, snip off a corner, and let the kids swirl some on top for a fun, personalized finish.
2. Sweet and Smoky Grilled Peaches with Honey
When peaches are in season, there’s no better way to enjoy their natural sweetness than by grilling them. The heat of the barbecue caramelizes their sugars, creating a soft, warm, and wonderfully fragrant dessert that’s both healthy and indulgent. This simple grilled peach recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer.
Ingredients for Grilled Peaches:
- Ripe, firm peaches
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Instructions for Grilled Peaches:
- Select Your Peaches: Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. They should yield slightly when gently squeezed, but not be mushy. This ensures they hold their shape on the grill.
- Prepare the Peaches: Wash the peaches thoroughly. Slice each peach in half and carefully remove the pit. You can also cut them into thick wedges if you prefer smaller pieces.
- Grill Them Up: Lightly brush the cut sides of the peaches with a tiny bit of oil or simply place them directly onto clean, preheated grill grates, cut side down. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until beautiful char marks appear and the peaches are tender but still have a slight bite. The natural sugars will begin to caramelize, intensifying their flavor.
- Serve with Style: Once grilled, transfer the peach halves or chunks to a bowl. Drizzle generously with honey for an added touch of sweetness. For an ultimate summer treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can further enhance the flavors.
This dessert is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different toppings like Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, or even a dash of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated twist. If you love grilled peaches, you might also enjoy our air fryer peaches, which offer a similar warm, tender treat that can be made year-round indoors!
3. Irresistible S’mores Pies on the Barbecue
If there’s one dessert that embodies the spirit of outdoor cooking, it’s S’mores. But why limit yourself to individual roasting? These S’mores pies take all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of the classic campfire treat and turn it into an even easier, less messy, and utterly delightful barbecue dessert. They are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, earning a thumbs-up every single time!
Ingredients for BBQ S’mores Pies:
- Mini graham cracker pie crusts (ready-made)
- Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
- Mini marshmallows
- Optional: crushed nuts, fruit slices (e.g., banana)
Instructions for S’mores Pies:
- Gather Your Ingredients: Head to the baking aisle of your local grocery store to find ready-made mini graham cracker pie crusts. They often come in packs of four, making it easy to buy just the right amount for your gathering. Everyone gets one, so plan accordingly!
- Assemble the Pies: Fill each mini pie crust with a layer of chocolate chips, followed by a generous topping of mini marshmallows. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a few slices of banana or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts between the chocolate and marshmallows.
- Grill Until Golden: Carefully place the assembled S’mores pies directly on your barbecue grill grates. Keep a close eye on them; they don’t take long! The goal is to melt the chocolate and toast the marshmallows to a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes just a few minutes, so stay near the grill.
- Cool and Serve: Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted and the chocolate is gooey, remove the S’mores pies from the grill. Let them cool for a minute or two. They pop out of their tins easily, making them perfect for eating with your hands – the ultimate S’mores experience! If they’re still a bit too warm, a spoon works just as well.
For even more S’mores fun on the grill, don’t forget to try our incredible banana S’mores. They’re another fantastic way to enjoy this beloved dessert with a fruity twist!
4. Classic Grilled Banana S’mores
Beyond the classic S’mores pie, there’s another fantastic and equally simple way to enjoy S’mores on the barbecue: the grilled banana S’mores. This recipe introduces a wonderful fruity element, making it a slightly lighter but equally satisfying dessert. It’s incredibly easy to make and a fun twist on a beloved classic.
Ingredients for Grilled Banana S’mores:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Optional: crushed peanuts, walnuts, or almonds
Instructions for Grilled Banana S’mores:
- Prepare the Bananas: Choose bananas that are ripe, ideally with a few brown spots, as they are softer and sweeter. Slice each banana lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom peel. Gently squeeze the ends of the banana to open it up slightly, creating a pocket for your fillings.
- Fill with Goodness: Start by pushing the chocolate chips down into the bottom of the opened banana. Next, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips. If you love nuts, this is the perfect spot to add a layer of crushed peanuts, walnuts, or almonds between the chocolate and marshmallows for extra crunch and flavor.
- Secure the Fillings: Ensure all your fillings are snug and won’t fall out during grilling. Don’t overstuff the bananas; a good balance of ingredients is key.
- Grill and Melt: Once your savory meats are cooked and the grill heat has died down a bit (medium-low heat is ideal), carefully place the filled bananas directly on the grates. To prevent them from tipping over, you can use wads of aluminum foil on either side as stabilizers. Grill until the banana peel starts to brown and the chocolate and marshmallows are beautifully melted and gooey. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes, depending on your grill’s temperature.
- Serve Warm: Carefully remove the grilled banana S’mores from the barbecue. The contents will be hot and molten, so serve them carefully, perhaps with a spoon, and enjoy this warm, decadent treat!
And there you have it – four fantastic, easy, and utterly delicious BBQ dessert recipes to make your next outdoor gathering truly special! From the zesty kick of orange cupcakes to the caramelized sweetness of grilled peaches, and the nostalgic comfort of S’mores pies and banana S’mores, these recipes offer something for everyone.
Don’t let your barbecue simply be a place for savory dishes. Unleash its full potential and incorporate one of these delightful desserts into your menu. Grilling desserts adds an exciting element to any party and is sure to leave your guests talking long after the embers cool. So, the next time you’re in the grilling mood, remember to save some space on the grates for these incredible sweet treats!
BBQ Banana S’mores Recipe
Justine
10
6
4
Comment
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
1 barbecue grill
Ingredients
- 4 bananas
- 1/2 c chocolate chips
- 1 c mini marshmallows
Instructions
-
Slice each banana lengthwise and gently squeeze the ends to open it up a bit. It is best to find ones that are already slightly brown and softer for easier preparation.
-
Push the chocolate chips down into the bottom of the opened bananas. Then, add small marshmallows on top of the chocolate. If you’re a nut lover, consider adding a layer of crushed peanuts, walnuts, or almonds between the two layers.
-
Make sure all fillings are secure and won’t fall out; avoid overstuffing the bananas.
-
Place the bananas on the BBQ after your main course. Wait until the heat has died down to a medium-low temperature. You can use wads of foil on either side of the bananas to prevent them from falling over. Grill until they get really warm, the peel starts to brown, and everything inside melts into a gooey delight.
Nutrition
Calories: 258kcal,
Carbohydrates: 52g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 6g,
Saturated Fat: 3g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g,
Trans Fat: 0.04g,
Cholesterol: 3mg,
Sodium: 26mg,
Potassium: 423mg,
Fiber: 4g,
Sugar: 36g,
Vitamin A: 126IU,
Vitamin C: 10mg,
Calcium: 32mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Dessert
American
Tried this recipe?
Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!