Mastering the Art of Sweet Smoke
As an experienced barbecue pitmaster, I’ve honed my craft over the years, perfecting the balance of savory and sweet when it comes to outdoor cooking. While most folks associate grilling with juicy burgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and smoky brisket, I’m here to let you in on a little secret – the grill can be your best friend when it comes to creating mouthwatering desserts too.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – grilled desserts? Isn’t that just asking for a sticky, charred mess? Not if you know the right techniques. With a little finesse and the right equipment, you can transform everything from fresh fruit to decadent cakes into showstopping grilled treats that will have your guests begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Grill-Kissed Fruit Skewers
Let’s start with the basics – grilled fruit. Now, I’m not talking about those sad, limp pineapple rings you might find at a generic backyard BBQ. I’m talking about vibrant, caramelized fruit bursting with concentrated flavor. The key is to choose fruits that can stand up to the heat of the grill, like pineapple, peaches, nectarines, and even watermelon.
Start by cutting your fruit into thick, even slices or wedges. Brush them lightly with a bit of melted butter or neutral oil, then sprinkle on a dash of brown sugar or cinnamon. Skewer them up, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. Grill them over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until you see those beautiful grill marks and the fruit starts to soften and caramelize.
Serve these grilled fruit skewers on their own as a refreshing palate cleanser, or try topping them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist. The contrast of the warm, smoky fruit and the cool, creamy ice cream is simply divine.
Grilled Peach Shortcake
Speaking of peaches, let’s take things up a notch with a grilled peach shortcake. This is the perfect summertime dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Start by halving and pitting your peaches, then brush them with a bit of melted butter. Grill them cut-side down over medium-high heat until they’re soft and charred around the edges.
While the peaches are grilling, whip up a batch of homemade shortcake biscuits. You can use your favorite recipe or cheat a bit and use a store-bought mix. Grill the biscuits directly on the grates, flipping once, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.
To assemble, place a grilled biscuit on a plate and top it with a warm grilled peach half. Finish it off with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. The combination of the buttery, crumbly biscuit, the juicy, caramelized peach, and the cool, creamy whipped cream is simply divine.
Grilled Pound Cake with Berries
If you really want to impress your guests, try your hand at grilled pound cake. Now, I know what you’re thinking – pound cake on the grill? Isn’t that just asking for a disaster? With the right technique, it can be an absolute showstopper.
Start by slicing your pound cake into thick, sturdy slices, about 1-inch thick. Brush them lightly with melted butter on both sides, then grill them over medium-high heat, flipping once, until you’ve got those beautiful grill marks and the cake is warmed through.
Serve the grilled pound cake slices warm, topped with a mound of fresh, juicy berries – think strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mix. Finish it off with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
The grilled pound cake takes on a delightful caramelized crust, while the berries provide a burst of fresh, juicy flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to have your guests raving.
Grilled Banana Splits
Now, let’s talk about something a little more playful – grilled banana splits. This is a surefire way to bring out the kid in all of us. Start by slicing ripe bananas lengthwise, then brush them with a bit of melted butter or coconut oil. Grill them over medium-high heat until they’re soft and caramelized on the outside.
Arrange the grilled banana halves on a platter, then let your guests have fun topping them with all their favorite sundae fixings. Think scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzles of rich chocolate sauce, sprinkles of chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries on top.
You can even get creative with your toppings, incorporating some smoky, savory elements to balance out the sweetness. Try a drizzle of bourbon-infused caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The combination of the warm, gooey grilled banana, the cold, creamy ice cream, and the array of sweet and salty toppings is simply irresistible.
Grilled Stuffed Peaches
Let’s revisit those magnificent grilled peaches, but this time, let’s take things up a notch. Grilled stuffed peaches are the ultimate summer dessert, bursting with flavor and texture.
Start by halving and pitting your peaches, then use a small spoon to scoop out a little well in the center of each half. Fill this well with a mixture of chopped nuts, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. You can even get creative and add a dollop of mascarpone or ricotta cheese for an extra creamy filling.
Grill the stuffed peach halves over medium-high heat, cut-side down, until they’re soft and caramelized. Serve them warm, with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of the warm, juicy peach, the sweet and crunchy filling, and the cool, creamy accompaniment is simply out of this world.
Grilled Chocolate-Stuffed Bananas
Last but not least, let’s indulge in something truly decadent – grilled chocolate-stuffed bananas. This is the ultimate fusion of barbecue and dessert, and it’s sure to leave your guests in awe.
Start by slicing ripe bananas lengthwise, then use a small spoon to carefully scoop out a little trench down the center of each half. Fill this trench with a generous amount of chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips. You can even get fancy and use a high-quality chocolate bar, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Grill the stuffed banana halves over medium-high heat, cut-side down, until the chocolate is melted and the bananas are soft and caramelized. Serve them warm, with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
The combination of the warm, gooey chocolate, the sweet, caramelized banana, and the optional toppings is simply out of this world. It’s a dessert that will have your guests wondering how they ever lived without grilled sweets in their lives.
So, there you have it, my fellow barbecue enthusiasts – six show-stopping grilled desserts that are sure to wow your guests at your next backyard bash. Remember, the grill is not just for savory dishes; it can be your best friend when it comes to creating sweet, smoky masterpieces that will have everyone clamoring for more.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, be sure to check out the Creekside BBQ website for a wealth of barbecue tips, recipes, and insights from our team of experienced pitmasters. Happy grilling, and bon appétit!
