As an experienced barbecue pitmaster, I’ve had the privilege of honing my skills over the years, from perfecting my dry rubs to mastering the art of low-and-slow smoking. But you know what they say – you can’t have a truly memorable backyard BBQ without an equally tantalizing dessert to cap off the feast. That’s why I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite grilled dessert recipes that are sure to leave your guests craving more.
Elevating the Finale: Grilled Desserts That Wow
One of the most underrated aspects of a backyard barbecue is the grand finale – the dessert course. Too often, it’s an afterthought, with hosts hastily throwing together a store-bought pie or hastily prepared cobbler. But as any seasoned pitmaster knows, the dessert is the last impression you leave on your guests, and it deserves just as much care and attention as the main course.
That’s why I’m a firm believer in incorporating grilled desserts into the backyard BBQ lineup. There’s just something about the smoky, caramelized flavors that pair so beautifully with sweet, indulgent treats. Plus, it’s a surefire way to wow your guests and leave them talking about your backyard bash long after the last embers have died down.
Mastering the Art of Grilled Desserts
Now, I know what you’re thinking – grilling desserts? Isn’t that a bit of a stretch? But trust me, once you’ve tried your hand at these irresistible recipes, you’ll be hooked. The key is to approach grilled desserts with the same level of care and attention as you would your smoked meats or sizzling veggies.
First and foremost, it’s all about temperature control. Just like with any other grilling endeavor, you need to find that sweet spot where the outside is caramelized and charred to perfection, while the inside remains soft, gooey, and bursting with flavor. It takes some practice, but once you nail the technique, the results are nothing short of magical.
Another important consideration is the choice of ingredients. When it comes to grilled desserts, you want to select items that can withstand the direct heat of the grill without turning into a sticky, melted mess. Fruits, like bananas, pineapples, and peaches, are natural candidates, as their natural sugars caramelize beautifully under the flames.
But don’t stop there! You can also explore grilled breads, pound cakes, and even marshmallows, each offering their own unique flavor profile and textural experience. The key is to experiment and have fun with it – after all, that’s what backyard BBQing is all about, right?
12 Irresistible Grilled Dessert Recipes
Ready to take your backyard BBQ to the next level? Here are 12 of my favorite grilled dessert recipes that are sure to delight your guests and leave them begging for more:
1. Grilled Banana Boats
These ooey-gooey banana boats are the perfect way to kick off your grilled dessert spread. Simply hollow out ripe bananas, stuff them with a decadent blend of chocolate, marshmallows, and perhaps a drizzle of caramel, then grill them to perfection. The result is a warm, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying treat that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
2. Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon-Sugar Dusting
Pineapple is a natural choice for the grill, as its natural sugars caramelize beautifully under the intense heat. Simply slice the fruit into thick, juicy rounds, thread them onto skewers, and grill until lightly charred. Finish them off with a dusting of cinnamon-sugar for an extra layer of warmth and sweetness.
3. Grilled Peach Shortcake
Elevate the classic strawberry shortcake by swapping in grilled peach slices. Grill the peach halves until they’re soft and charred, then layer them between fluffy biscuits and a dollop of whipped cream. The smoky, caramelized notes of the peaches perfectly complement the buttery, tender biscuits.
4. Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Berries
Who says pound cake has to be served cold? Grill thick slices of pound cake until they’re crisp on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, then top them with a vibrant medley of macerated berries. The contrast of the charred, crunchy cake and the juicy, sweet berries is simply heavenly.
5. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges with Cinnamon-Maple Glaze
Don’t limit your grilled desserts to just fruits and cakes – sweet potatoes also make a surprisingly delightful option. Cut them into thick wedges, grill them until tender and caramelized, then toss them in a cinnamon-maple glaze for a sweet and savory treat that’s sure to delight.
6. Grilled Marshmallow S’mores
Is any backyard BBQ complete without s’mores? Take this classic campfire dessert to new heights by grilling the marshmallows until they’re perfectly charred and gooey, then sandwiching them between graham crackers and squares of rich, melted chocolate.
7. Grilled Pineapple Sundae
Who needs ice cream when you’ve got grilled pineapple? Slice the fruit into thick rounds, grill them until caramelized, then top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. It’s a tropical twist on a summertime favorite.
8. Grilled Banana Split
Speaking of ice cream, why not take it up a notch with a grilled banana split? Slice ripe bananas lengthwise, grill them until they’re soft and charred, then top them with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, along with all the classic toppings like whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate syrup.
9. Grilled Fruit Skewers with Honey-Lime Glaze
For a lighter, healthier grilled dessert option, try your hand at fruit skewers. Thread a variety of your favorite fruits, like pineapple, watermelon, and mango, onto skewers, then grill them until they’re slightly charred and caramelized. Finish them off with a drizzle of honey-lime glaze for a refreshing and flavorful treat.
10. Grilled Cinnamon-Sugar Tortilla Chips with Fruit Salsa
Who says dessert has to be sweet? These grilled cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips are the perfect vehicle for a vibrant, fruit-forward salsa. Grill the tortilla wedges until they’re crisp and golden, then toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Serve alongside a zesty fruit salsa made with diced pineapple, mango, and berries for a sweet and savory finale.
11. Grilled Cheesecake Bites
Cheesecake may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of grilled desserts, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. Cut thick slices of cheesecake, grill them until they’re lightly charred and caramelized, then serve them with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
12. Grilled Chocolate-Stuffed Apples
Last but not least, we have these decadent grilled chocolate-stuffed apples. Core out the centers of crisp, tart apples, then stuff them with a mixture of melted chocolate, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Grill them until the apples are tender and the chocolate is oozing out, creating a truly irresistible dessert.
Bringing it All Together: Backyard BBQ Bliss
These 12 grilled dessert recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to elevating your backyard BBQ experience. As an experienced pitmaster, I’ve learned that the key to a truly memorable feast is in the details – and that includes the grand finale.
By incorporating these grilled treats into your backyard spread, you’ll not only wow your guests with their unique flavors and textures, but you’ll also leave them with a lasting impression of your culinary prowess. After all, what better way to end a fantastic barbecue than with a dessert that’s been kissed by the flames and infused with the smoky essence of the grill?
So the next time you’re planning a backyard BBQ bash, don’t forget to save room for dessert. With these 12 irresistible grilled recipes in your arsenal, you’re sure to send your guests home with full bellies and happy hearts – and a newfound appreciation for the art of backyard barbecuing.
And of course, if you’re ever in the mood to indulge in some of the best barbecue around, be sure to visit us at Creekside BBQ. We’ll be more than happy to share our expertise and help you take your backyard BBQ game to the next level.
