Grilling isn’t just for savory meals; it’s the secret to creating some truly unforgettable desserts! This collection of 11 sweet and smoky treats combines the rich flavors of grill-kissed fruits, decadent cakes, and creative twists on classic recipes. From caramelized peaches to chocolate s’mores with a smoky twist, these desserts are all about harnessing that unique char and depth of flavor, making your weekend cooking feel extra special. Get ready to fire up the grill and satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious recipes!
Grilled Pineapple with Rum Caramel Sauce
Grilled pineapple with rum caramel sauce is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with a rich, buttery caramel. The grilling process enhances the pineapple’s natural sugars, giving it a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced rum caramel. This dessert is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making it perfect for a weekend gathering.
Imagine biting into a juicy slice of pineapple topped with a luscious caramel sauce that has a hint of rum. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that will leave your guests wanting more. Plus, it takes just a few minutes to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the pineapple slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the fruit is slightly caramelized.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in the rum and vanilla extract, then add a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the caramel sauce from heat and drizzle it over the grilled pineapple slices.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve warm.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers are a fun twist on the classic dessert. Juicy strawberries are grilled to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding a hint of smokiness. Paired with soft cake and whipped cream, these skewers are a delightful treat that’s simple to make and perfect for any gathering.
This recipe is not only easy but also a great way to impress your friends and family. Just thread the strawberries onto skewers, grill them up, and serve with slices of cake and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a sweet and smoky dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 loaf pound cake, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, toss the hulled strawberries with olive oil to coat them lightly.
- Thread the strawberries onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each berry.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the strawberries are slightly softened.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly.
- Serve the grilled strawberries with slices of pound cake and a generous scoop of whipped cream.
Smoky Vanilla Bean Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are a delightful treat that perfectly blend sweet and smoky flavors. This recipe is super simple, making it a great choice for a weekend dessert. The natural sweetness of the peaches shines through, enhanced by the smoky char from the grill and the rich notes of vanilla bean.
These grilled peaches are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a fantastic addition to any summer gathering. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a refreshing dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, and cinnamon.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with the mixture.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear.
- Flip the peaches and grill for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Remove from the grill and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream on top.
Smoky Maple Bacon Brownies
These Smoky Maple Bacon Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky notes of maple and crispy bacon. It’s a simple recipe that will impress your friends and family, making it a must-try for your weekend gatherings.
Each bite offers a unique combination of sweet and savory that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your weekend!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon and maple syrup. If using, add the chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your sweet and smoky treat!
Smoky Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Get ready to enjoy a warm, gooey dessert that combines the classic chocolate chip cookie with a smoky twist! This Smoky Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet is perfect for sharing, and it’s super easy to whip up. The rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of smokiness makes it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Imagine digging into a warm skillet filled with melted chocolate chips and a perfectly baked cookie base, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. It’s a simple recipe that anyone can make, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon smoked sea salt (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and smoked sea salt if using.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in a cast-iron skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.
Smoky Chocolate Banana S’mores
Smoky Chocolate Banana S’mores are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat. The combination of melted chocolate, grilled bananas, and toasted marshmallows creates a sweet and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is simple and perfect for a weekend gathering or a cozy night in.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these s’mores in no time. The smoky notes from grilling add a unique depth to the dessert, making it a fun and tasty option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 4 squares of chocolate (milk or dark)
- 4 large marshmallows
- 4 graham crackers
- Butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Slice the bananas in half lengthwise, leaving the peel on. Place them cut-side down on the grill for about 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear.
- While the bananas are grilling, place a square of chocolate on each graham cracker.
- Once the bananas are done, carefully remove them from the grill and scoop the grilled banana onto the chocolate squares.
- Toast the marshmallows over the grill until golden brown and gooey.
- Place the toasted marshmallows on top of the bananas, then top with another graham cracker to create a sandwich.
- Enjoy your smoky chocolate banana s’mores while they’re warm and melty!
Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Mint
Grilled watermelon with feta and mint is a refreshing treat that combines sweet and savory flavors. The juicy watermelon gets a smoky char from the grill, while the creamy feta adds a delightful saltiness. Topped with fresh mint, this dish is not only easy to make but also a real crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or a simple weekend treat. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and grill, making it a quick option for dessert or a light snack. You’ll love the contrast of flavors and textures!
Ingredients
- 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into wedges
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the watermelon wedges lightly with olive oil.
- Place the watermelon on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear.
- Remove from the grill and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if using, and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.
Grilled Cherries with Balsamic Reduction
Grilled cherries with balsamic reduction are a delightful treat that combines sweet and smoky flavors. This simple recipe highlights the natural sweetness of cherries while adding a rich, tangy twist from the balsamic reduction. Perfect for a summer evening, these cherries are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
The grilling process caramelizes the cherries, giving them a warm, juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the bold balsamic. Whether served on their own or as a topping for ice cream, this dessert is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Grill the Cherries: Preheat your grill to medium-high. In a bowl, toss the pitted cherries with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place cherries on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are slightly charred and tender.
- Serve: Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the grilled cherries and enjoy warm. They can be served alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Grilled Peaches with Honey and Cinnamon
Grilled peaches are a simple yet delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of ripe fruit with a hint of smokiness. The warm, caramelized edges combined with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. This recipe is perfect for a weekend dessert, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare!
Whether you enjoy them on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these grilled peaches are sure to impress. They are easy to make, and the grilling adds a unique twist that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Get ready to enjoy a sweet and smoky dessert that’s perfect for summer!
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil.
- Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened.
- Flip the peaches over and drizzle honey over the cut sides. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Grill for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Remove from the grill and serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and garnished with fresh mint if desired.
Grilled Coconut Lime Tart
This Grilled Coconut Lime Tart is a delightful treat that combines the tropical flavors of coconut and lime. The tart crust is perfectly crispy, while the creamy filling offers a refreshing zing. It’s simple to make, making it a great choice for your weekend gatherings.
With a balance of sweet and tangy, each bite is a taste of summer. Plus, grilling gives it a unique smoky flavor that elevates this dessert to a whole new level. You’ll impress your friends and family with this easy yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Additional toasted coconut for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the crust on a baking sheet and grill for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let cool.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, eggs, and lime zest until smooth. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
- Grill the Tart: Return the tart to the grill, close the lid, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the filling is set. Remove from the grill and let cool completely.
- Whip the Cream: In a bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled tart and garnish with toasted coconut.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious grilled coconut lime tart!
Smoky Peach and Berry Crumble
Smoky Peach and Berry Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the tartness of mixed berries. The smoky flavor adds a unique twist, making this dish a standout at any gathering. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, perfect for a relaxed weekend treat!
This crumble is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of warm fruit and a crunchy topping, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, mixed berries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat the fruit.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.
- In a grill-safe baking dish, spread the fruit mixture evenly. Top with the crumble mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it on the grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the grill, let it cool slightly, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.