I’m not usually the one saving room for dessert at a BBQ, but that all changed once I tried grilling some peaches.
Suddenly, the grill wasn’t just for burgers and corn anymore!
It became my go-to for turning out sweet, smoky treats that somehow taste even better under the sun.
There’s just something extra satisfying about pulling a caramelized dessert off the grill while everyone’s still licking BBQ sauce off their fingers.
These recipes are simple, a little unexpected, and perfect for feeding a bunch of hungry, happy people.
Most of them come together fast and don’t require a lot of fuss.
You can prep while the main course is cooking or toss them on once the meat comes off.
I’ve got a few favorites that always get eaten faster than I expect, and I’m excited to share them!
Grilled Apples
Core a few apples and slice them into thick rings or wedges (whatever feels right).
Brush each piece with a mix of melted butter, a little brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Grill over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, until soft with nice char marks.
They’re great as-is or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.
S’Mores Bars
I love a classic s’more, but I’m not always in the mood to juggle sticks and marshmallows.
For these bars, I mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press it into a foil-lined pan.
On go the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, and I set the whole thing on the grill over indirect heat until the top gets melty and golden.
You can slice them warm or let them firm up.
Either way, they’re gone fast!
Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
Here’s the recipe that started it all!
Cut ripe peaches in half and remove the pits, then brush the cut sides with melted butter and sprinkle on brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon.
Place them cut-side down on the grill and cook until they’re soft and caramelized, about 4–5 minutes.
Flip them for just a minute to warm the skins.
The sugars bubble and create a kind of peachy glaze that smells as good as it tastes.
If you’re serving a crowd, set out some whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side.
Grilled Doughnuts Strawberry Shortcake
Slice glazed doughnuts in half like little burger buns and grill them cut-side down until they’re golden and slightly crisp.
While those are working, toss sliced strawberries with a spoonful of sugar so they get juicy.
When the doughnuts come off, stack them with berries and a big dollop of whipped cream.
The grilled glaze gives it a light crunch that’s pure magic!
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet
I first made this one on a whim after realizing I had pineapple and not much else.
I sliced it into thick rings, brushed them with maple syrup, and grilled each side until they had deep char lines.
While they were still warm, I added a scoop of coconut sorbet right in the middle.
It melted just enough to run down the edges, and I swear I almost didn’t share!
Grilled Apple Galette
Start with a store-bought pie crust and layer thinly sliced apples tossed in sugar and cinnamon right in the center.
Fold the edges over the filling, leaving the middle open, and brush the crust with a bit of egg wash.
Set the galette on a cast iron pan or foil-lined grill tray and cook over indirect heat with the lid closed until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Serve it warm right off the pan with nothing but a spatula and some eager forks.
Blueberry Cobbler on the Grill
Grab a cast iron skillet and fill it with fresh blueberries tossed in a little sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough right on top (store-bought works if you’re short on time).
Cover with foil and place it on the grill over medium heat, letting it cook until the berries bubble and the topping turns golden.
The whole thing puffs up and smells like a bakery!
Campfire Cinnamon Roll Ups
These are a childhood favorite I never really grew out of!
I take refrigerated crescent dough, roll each triangle around a wooden skewer, and coat it with a cinnamon-sugar mix.
They get grilled low and slow, turning every couple of minutes until they puff and brown.
Then I drizzle them with a quick icing made of powdered sugar and milk.
The outside gets a little crisp, the inside stays nice and gooey.
Brownie Grill Bites
Bake your favorite brownies ahead of time and cut them into sturdy squares once they’re cool.
Thread them onto skewers between chunks of marshmallow or strawberries, depending on your crowd.
Set them on the grill just long enough for the marshmallows to toast and the brownie edges to warm up and soften.
Don’t forget to oil the grill grates lightly or use foil, so you don’t lose any chocolate soldiers in battle.
Rum-Soaked Grilled Pineapple
Slice pineapple into wedges and soak them in a mix of dark rum, brown sugar, and a splash of lime juice for at least 30 minutes.
Once they’ve had their boozy bath, grill them over medium heat until they’ve got those lovely charred edges.
The rum caramelizes just a bit, giving the fruit a deeper, almost smoky sweetness!
You can sprinkle on a little extra sugar while grilling if you want more crisp edges.
Grilled Lemon Pound Cake with Peaches and Cream
This one happened by accident when I overbought pound cake at the farmer’s market!
I sliced it thick and grilled each piece until the edges toasted up.
Then I layered it with grilled peach slices and spooned whipped cream on top.
The lemony cake gets this light crunch that plays so well with the soft fruit and cream.
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberry
Cut angel food cake into chunky slices and give each one a quick toast on the grill (it only takes a minute or two per side).
For the topping, toss chopped strawberries with sugar and let them get nice and syrupy.
Stack it all together with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt.
The cake gets just a little crispy on the outside while staying soft and spongy inside!
Grilled Peach & Serrano Upside-Down Cake
This BBQ dessert has an amazing blend of sweet and spicy!
Slice a serrano pepper thin and layer it with peach slices in the bottom of a buttered cast iron pan.
Pour a simple vanilla cake batter over the top and grill with the lid closed over indirect heat.
The peaches caramelize, the serrano adds just a whisper of heat, and the cake rises golden above it all.
Flip it out once it cools a bit, and you’ve got a spicy-sweet surprise that feels totally backyard-appropriate.
Grilled Mango with Honey Kabobs
Mangoes are slippery little suckers, but I’ve found if you slice them thick and thread them onto skewers, they hold up beautifully on the grill.
I drizzle them with honey and lime juice before grilling, then again right after.
The edges get just a little charred, and the heat makes them even juicier.
I usually eat one right off the skewer while I’m still grilling the rest!
Grilled Banana Dessert
Leave the peel on and slice a banana lengthwise, then stuff the center with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers or cookies.
Wrap the whole thing in foil and grill for 8–10 minutes until everything inside melts into a gooey mess.
Open the foil carefully (it’s hot and steamy!) and dig in with a spoon.
You can switch up the fillings depending on what’s in the pantry.
More BBQ Desserts
Still looking for more BBQ desserts?
Here are some more of my faves!
Grilled watermelon slices are surprisingly tasty and all you need to do is brush them with a little honey and lime juice before tossing them on for a quick char.
Foil packet berry crisps are a fun way to let everyone make their own mix with blueberries, raspberries, and a scoop of crumble topping.
A s’mores skillet dip is super easy too! Just layer chocolate and marshmallows in a cast iron skillet and let it bubble while you gather the graham crackers.
Grilled cinnamon peaches with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt make for a lighter, still-satisfying option.
And Campfire cones are a blast for kids! Fill waffle cones with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and sliced banana, then wrap them in foil and heat until everything melts.
Or try some banana split skewers: chunks of banana, strawberry, and pineapple drizzled in chocolate and grilled until warm.
Grilled pound cake trifles are an easy build-your-own option with layers of cake, fruit, and whipped cream in cups or jars.
And if you’re really going for it, grilled chocolate-stuffed raspberries on skewers make a tiny, poppable treat no one sees coming!
Sweet Endings, Straight Off the Grill
Turns out, the grill isn’t just for meat and veggies!
It’s a full-on dessert station if you let it be.
I’ve had way too much fun experimenting with these recipes, and honestly, it’s kind of become my summer party flex.
Once you try one or two, it’s hard to go back to store-bought cookies!
