Barbecue gatherings are often synonymous with savory meats, smoky flavors, and mouthwatering sides. However, no barbecue feast is complete without indulging in delicious desserts that complement the smoky richness of the main dishes. BBQ desserts offer a tantalizing contrast of sweet flavors and textures, providing the perfect finish to a hearty meal cooked over open flames. In this culinary journey, we explore a variety of BBQ desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave your guests craving for more.
Grilled Fruit Skewers: Grilled fruit skewers are a simple yet sophisticated dessert that adds a burst of sweetness and color to your barbecue spread. Choose an assortment of ripe fruits such as pineapple, peaches, strawberries, and mangoes, and thread them onto skewers. Grill the fruit skewers over medium heat until caramelized and tender, then serve with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. The heat of the grill enhances the natural sugars in the fruit, creating a deliciously caramelized crust that pairs perfectly with the smoky undertones of the barbecue.
BBQ Banana S’mores: Put a unique twist on the classic campfire treat with BBQ banana s’mores. Start by slicing ripe bananas lengthwise and placing them, cut side down, on the grill. Allow the bananas to cook until caramelized and slightly softened. Meanwhile, prepare your favorite s’mores ingredients, such as chocolate squares, marshmallows, and graham crackers. Once the bananas are grilled to perfection, top them with chocolate and marshmallows, then sandwich them between two graham crackers for a gooey, decadent dessert that combines the flavors of barbecue and classic s’mores.
Smoked Chocolate Brownies: Elevate traditional brownies to new heights with a touch of smoky flavor from the grill. Start by baking your favorite brownie recipe in a cast-iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan. Once the brownies are partially baked, place them on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid. Allow the brownies to smoke for 15-20 minutes, absorbing the aromatic flavors of the barbecue. The result is a rich, fudgy brownie with a subtle smokiness that adds depth and complexity to the classic dessert. Serve the smoked chocolate brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible sweet treat.
Grilled Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Give the classic pineapple upside-down cake a barbecue twist by grilling it over an open flame. Start by caramelizing slices of fresh pineapple on the grill until golden brown and caramelized. Arrange the grilled pineapple slices in the bottom of a greased cake pan or cast-iron skillet, then pour the cake batter over the top. Place the cake pan on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid, allowing the cake to bake until golden and set. The grill imparts a smoky sweetness to the pineapple, which pairs perfectly with the moist, tender crumb of the cake for a dessert that’s sure to impress.
BBQ Peach Cobbler: Peach cobbler is a quintessential summer dessert that gets a delicious makeover on the barbecue. Start by tossing ripe, sliced peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness. Transfer the peach mixture to a disposable aluminum pan or cast-iron skillet, then top with a buttery biscuit dough. Place the cobbler on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid, allowing it to bake until the peaches are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve the BBQ peach cobbler warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting and irresistible dessert.
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Mint and Feta: For a refreshing and unexpected dessert option, try grilling watermelon slices and serving them as a salad with fresh mint and crumbled feta cheese. Simply brush thick slices of watermelon with olive oil and grill them over high heat until lightly charred and caramelized. Arrange the grilled watermelon slices on a platter, then sprinkle with chopped fresh mint and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or honey for a touch of sweetness, then serve immediately. The smoky flavor of the grilled watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty tanginess of the feta cheese and the freshness of the mint, creating a light and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
Grilled Pound Cake with Berries and Whipped Cream: Put a gourmet spin on store-bought pound cake by grilling it to perfection and serving it with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream. Start by slicing store-bought pound cake into thick slices, then brush both sides with melted butter or olive oil. Grill the pound cake slices over medium heat until lightly toasted and grill marks appear, then transfer them to a serving platter. Top the grilled pound cake slices with a generous spoonful of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, then dollop with homemade whipped cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey for an elegant and irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
BBQ desserts offer a delicious and creative way to end your barbecue feast on a sweet note. Whether you’re grilling fruit skewers, smoking chocolate brownies, or serving up grilled watermelon salad, these mouthwatering desserts are sure to delight your guests and leave them craving for more. So fire up the grill, get creative with your desserts, and treat yourself to sweet endings that are as unforgettable as the main course.
