There’s nothing quite like a summer barbecue – the perfect blend of sunshine, sizzling burgers, and refreshing drinks. But let’s not forget the sweet treats that bring everyone together! To make your outdoor gatherings even more unforgettable, I’ve curated a selection of show-stopping BBQ desserts that are as easy to make as they are to devour.
S’mores Nachos
We’re starting strong by introducing a sweet twist on the classic snack: nachos! While ‘dessert’ might not typically be associated with this popular party food, we’re here to challenge your expectations. Imagine a creamy, indulgent dip that combines the best of s’mores – toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. To make it happen, simply submerge the crackers in the melted concoction and get ready for an unforgettable treat.
Vintage Strawberry Cake
This vintage-inspired strawberry cake is an absolute showstopper, boasting rich, dense layers and a tantalizing strawberry cream cheese topping that’s sure to leave everyone begging for more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a festive 4th of July gathering, this decadent dessert is guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A classic BBQ dessert, fruit salad is the epitome of refreshing indulgence. Its cooling effect provides a perfect respite from the rich flavors and dense textures of a main course on a sweltering summer day. The best part? This effortless treat requires minimal effort and natural sweetness, making it an ideal addition to backyard barbecues. Simple ingredients and a lack of fuss make this dessert a crowd-pleaser, allowing you to focus on the fun rather than culinary complexity.
Banana Cream Pie
The timeless allure of banana cream pie lies in its harmonious balance of textures: crunchy, crispy, and creamy all converging to create a truly delightful dessert experience. This classic recipe is sure to impress at any gathering, whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ or a family dinner. To simplify the process without sacrificing flavor, consider utilizing pre-made puff pastry for the crust, allowing you to focus on the rich banana filling.
Fresh Peach Pie
As summer’s warmth sets in, peaches come into their own, and what better way to savor their sweetness than with a classic baked peach pie? This recipe is designed to showcase the tender flesh and subtle floral notes of these stone fruits at their peak ripeness. Paired with a generous dollop of creamy ice cream, it’s the perfect treat to bring everyone together.
Vegan Orange Creamsicles
When catering to a crowd with diverse dietary needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, you can impress your guests by whipping up a batch of refreshing orange creamsicles that just happen to be vegan-friendly. The vibrant citrus flavor and creamy texture will surely win over even the most discerning palates, making them a great option for parties or gatherings where everyone’s needs are considered.
Traeger S’mores Dip
Imagine a world where every gathering, big or small, is elevated by a single, show-stopping dessert: the s’mores dip. This sweet masterpiece is a masterclass in textures and flavors, marrying velvety marshmallows, rich chocolate, and satisfying crunch into one delightful package that’s impossible to resist. And the best part? It’s a cinch to prepare! Simply arrange your ingredients on a baking sheet, let the magic unfold, and get ready for the dessert that’ll be the talk of the town for days.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
Indulge in a sweet escape to the tropics with this mouthwatering grilled pineapple spears recipe. The cinnamon sugar topping is the game-changer, caramelizing onto the fruit as it’s kissed by the grill’s heat. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful harmony of juicy freshness, deep sweetness, and refreshing zing – the perfect treat for a summer’s day. And if you’re looking for more tropical flavor adventures, be sure to check out these Hawaiian desserts that are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Traeger Smoked Apple Pie
There’s something about the combination of sweet and savory flavors at a barbecue that takes it to the next level. While traditional apple pies are delicious, smoked apples elevate the experience to new heights. The process of infusing them with a rich, woody flavor from the smoke adds a depth that’s hard to resist. When incorporated into a pie, the result is nothing short of addictive – and for some, even drool-worthy.
Brownie Blondies
When time is of the essence and you’re looking for a kid-friendly treat, look no further than these innovative brownie blondies. By combining the lightness of a blondie with the richness of a brownie filling, you’ll create a delightful dessert that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. These treats are characterized by their chewy texture, buttery flavor, and satisfying density, making them the ideal choice for following up a hearty main course.
BBQ Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Cake
The harmonious union of lemons and blueberries is nothing short of destiny. The tangy essence of the citrus and the rich sweetness of the berries are a match made in heaven. When combined in a buttermilk cake, the result is a masterpiece of texture and flavor – crumbly, buttery, and irresistibly addictive. This show-stopping dessert is sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering.
Lemon Brownies
While the notion of lemon brownies may seem like an incongruous concept, this sweet and tangy treat proves that the combination can be surprisingly delightful. The dense, fudgy brownies are incredibly moist and bursting with citrus flavor, making them a perfect choice for a warm summer day. Known to some as lemon icebox bars, this vintage recipe has stood the test of time due to its simplicity and ease of preparation.
Vegan Fudgesicles
Vegan fudgesicles have become a staple of summertime treats, and rightfully so – they’re a constitutional right! These indulgent popsicles boast rich, chocolatey flavors that pair perfectly with the sweltering heat of a hot day. But what truly elevates them is the satisfying crunch provided by toasted coconut flakes on the outside. This textural element adds a new dimension to an already irresistible snack, all while keeping dairy products at bay. The result is a treat that’s not only creamy and smooth but also indulgently rich.
No Bake Blueberry Lemon Ice Cream Pie with Coconut Walnut Crust
Transforming the world of dessert into a healthier haven doesn’t necessitate sacrificing flavor. Case in point: this no-bake lemon and blueberry pie that’s both nutritious and deliciously indulgent. The crust, crafted from coconut and walnuts, is remarkably simple to prepare, much like these 4-ingredient coconut macaroons with chocolate.
BBQ Dessert Cake with Cherries
Imagine a sweet and tangy dessert that’s not only delicious but also infused with the smoky flavor of a barbecue. That’s right, we’re taking traditional baking to the next level by cooking our cake on the grill! By harnessing the residual heat from the grill, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked cake with a unique twist. To take it up a notch, thread some juicy cherries onto skewers and grill them until they’re caramelized and bursting with flavor. The key to this summer treat is an abundance of whipped cream – think generous dollops and creamy swirls. This fresh cherry recipe is a game-changer for your next backyard bash!
Gluten Free Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze and Fresh Berries
Imagine indulging in a moist and flavorful bundt cake infused with the sweetness of summer berries, the zesty tang of citrus, and the creaminess of kefir – it’s a match made in heaven! This gluten-free delight is perfect for your next BBQ, whether you’re catering to guests with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a refreshing twist on traditional dessert. The bundt cake’s signature hole-in-the-middle design invites you to fill it to the brim with fresh berries, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Watermelon Dessert “Pizza.”
Evolution has led us from traditional pizzas to innovative dessert pizzas and finally, to the intriguing watermelon dessert pizza. This culinary journey wouldn’t have been possible without the countless steps that have shaped our relationship with food. The end result is a sweet and refreshing twist on a classic dessert, where watermelon takes center stage. This unique treat not only satisfies our cravings but also encourages children to consume fruits in a fun and engaging way.
Cast Iron Orange Olive Oil Upside Down Cake
Indulge in this decadent upside-down cake recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. This sweet and fragrant treat is the perfect companion for a cozy evening by the campfire or a rustic getaway in the woods. With its earthy undertones, it’s an ideal dessert to share with loved ones on a quiet night under the stars.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Indulge in the perfect blend of dark and sweet with these delectable cherry brownies that bring together two extremes of the baking world. As the baked cherries dry, they release their natural flavors, adding an extra layer of chewiness to each bite. Not only are these brownies a treat for the taste buds, but they also make for a fantastic dessert to share with friends – simply store them in a container and they’ll remain fresh and delicious until serving.
Grilled Peaches with Honey Whipped Mascarpone Cream
Savor the sweet essence of summer with a grilled peaches dessert that’s as effortless as it is indulgent. By grilling the peaches face down, you’ll coax out an even deeper sweetness that perfectly complements their natural flavor. The simplicity of this treat lies in its ability to be elevated by just one more component: a dollop of airy whipped mascarpone cream. This creamy accompaniment can be prepped ahead of time, making the overall preparation a breeze.
S’mores Pizza with Sweet Chocolate Cookie Crust
Imagine taking the classic campfire treat, s’mores, and elevating it to a whole new level by turning it into a pizza! This unique recipe is perfect for both kids and adults, as everyone can grab a slice of this sweet and gooey dessert. The combination of rich chocolate flavors, melted marshmallows, and crunchy crackers is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this fireside favorite in a new and exciting way.
Mixed Berry Cake
Summer barbecues wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant presence of mixed berries. Whether they’re infusing drinks with their sweetness or adding a pop of color to glazes, these luscious fruits are always in season during this time of year. To give them the spotlight they deserve, we’re celebrating their charm with a scrumptious mixed berry cake that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. The key to this showstopper is its light and airy texture, which allows the natural flavors of the berries to take center stage. With the option to prepare the cake ahead of time and assemble it just before serving, you’ll be free to focus on the party while still impressing your guests with a truly remarkable dessert.
Peach, Almond, and Coconut Galette
In the realm of French patisserie, the galette is often overlooked in favor of its more celebrated cousin, the tart. However, this understated pastry deserves recognition for its simplicity and versatility. Rather than being confined to traditional tin molds, a galette’s rustic charm lies in its use of thin fruit or vegetable slices, allowing bakers to get creative with their ingredients. This peach, almond, and coconut galette is a prime example of the beauty that can be achieved through this technique, boasting a satisfying crunch and delicate floral notes. As a quick and easy summer dessert option, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
No Bake Vegan Key Lime Bars
Layered bar recipes are ideal for casual gatherings like picnics, potlucks, and barbecues because they offer a convenient way to serve a crowd. Each bite-sized square is packed with flavor, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their share. This key lime version of the recipe stands out not only for its delectable taste but also because it’s vegan-friendly, meaning there’s no dairy in sight. As a result, these bars are surprisingly light and refreshing, making them an excellent choice as a final treat at your next outdoor gathering or barbecue.
S’more Meringue Cups
The endearing quality of equal portions of dessert is undeniable. This charm, along with other appealing aspects, contributes to the widespread popularity of s’more meringue cups. Not only do they delight taste buds, but their visual appeal makes them a stunning choice for spontaneous gift-giving during the holiday season.
Smoked Chocolate S’mores Cheesecake
Indulge in the unexpected delight of smoked chocolate, where the richness of its dark and mellow profile meets the subtle earthiness that elevates it to luxury status. Imagine this complex flavor profile infused into a decadent no-bake s’mores chocolate cheesecake, a true showstopper that will impress anyone seeking to make a lasting impression.
Passion Fruit Bars
Indulge in the sweet escapism of summer with these scrumptious tropical fruit bars that transport your taste buds to a lush paradise. Every morsel is a symphony of flavors, reminiscent of warm sunshine on a tropical island. With only five minutes of hands-on time required, preparation is a breeze. The remaining time is spent allowing the bars to bake and cool, resulting in a perfectly gooey texture that’s sure to tantalize your senses.
Banana Split Grilled Dessert Nachos
When it comes to desserts, few options delight kids and adults alike like nachos do. Their shareable nature makes them perfect for communal gatherings, such as backyard barbecues or family movie nights. What’s more, they can be easily customized to suit various tastes. This is precisely why I’m excited about this recipe that brings together the best of both worlds – sweet treats and savory barbecue flair. The grilled fruits, in particular, are a game-changer. They require minimal effort yet yield impressive results, perfect for warm-weather gatherings or when you’re short on time. If bananas happen to be your go-to fruit, consider exploring some of our favorite banana dessert recipes.
Ube Cheesecake Bars
Ube’s rich, earthy flavor adds a unique depth to both sweet and savory recipes. Its robust taste profile makes it an excellent addition to dishes where a little extra umami is desired. When paired with buttery cheesecake bars, the combination creates a match made in heaven. The vibrant purple-marbled swirl on top of these indulgent treats is the perfect finishing touch.
Paleo Vegan Berry Crisp
While embracing a paleo and vegan lifestyle can sometimes make social gatherings like barbecues challenging, having a delicious dessert option at the ready can make all the difference. This scrumptious treat is designed to satisfy your sweet tooth while delivering a delightful combination of textures that will keep you coming back for more. Its ease of preparation means you can quickly whip it up and enjoy every bite.
Vegan Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries
Forget traditional ice cream – there’s a fun and healthy alternative that kids will adore! This yogurt bark is a game-changer, packed with probiotics and fruit, offering a sweet and refreshing treat. It’s a genius invention that will have both kids and adults jumping on board. And the best part? You can enjoy it without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank.
With that, we’ve wrapped up our countdown of 31 BBQ dessert ideas you won’t need to spend all day cooking (or sacrificing your budget). Have any of these caught your eye?
Better yet, do you have a go-to BBQ dessert recipe that more people should know about? Let us know in the comments below! If you’re looking for more delicious meal ideas, be sure to check out the rest of All Nutritious.