20 Best BBQ Desserts For Your Next Successful Cookout
Nothing rounds out a perfect backyard barbecue like a sweet treat that captures the spirit of outdoor cooking.
When the savory smoke clears and the burgers are gone, your guests will be looking for something to satisfy their sweet tooth.
That is why I’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering desserts that are perfect for your next cookout – from grilled fruits to campfire classics with a twist.
1. Grilled Peaches with Honey and Cinnamon
Fresh peaches transform into caramelized perfection when kissed by grill flames. The natural sugars concentrate and create an almost candy-like exterior while maintaining that juicy interior.
I discovered this gem at my family’s annual Fourth of July bash when Uncle Mike, our resident grill master, wanted to prove grills weren’t just for meat.
A sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey elevate this simple fruit to dessert royalty.
2. S’mores Cookie Cups
Cookie cups create the perfect vessel for that classic s’mores flavor without the mess. Imagine chocolate chip cookie dough baked in muffin tins until the edges are crisp but the center remains soft.
Press in a square of chocolate while still warm, then top with a toasted marshmallow. These portable treats eliminate sticky fingers but keep all the campfire charm that makes s’mores a backyard favorite.
3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Skewers
Pineapple rings threaded onto skewers transform into caramelized delights when grilled. The heat intensifies the tropical sweetness while adding those beautiful char marks everyone loves.
Last summer, I served these at my daughter’s graduation party with pound cake chunks and maraschino cherries. The skewers disappeared faster than the burgers!
The portable nature makes them perfect for mingling guests who want dessert but don’t want to sit down with plates and forks.
4. Chocolate Banana Packets
Bananas become magical when wrapped in foil with chocolate chips and marshmallows. The residual heat from your dying grill coals is perfect for melting everything into a gooey, spoonable treat.
Kids absolutely love slicing open their own packet to discover the melted treasure inside. The aluminum foil doubles as both cooking vessel and serving dish, making cleanup a breeze after a long day of outdoor entertaining.
5. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
Plump strawberries paired with angel food cake cubes create the perfect sweet skewer. The contrast of bright berries against fluffy cake makes these as pretty as they are delicious.
I started making these when my nephew couldn’t eat dairy – they’re perfect with or without the whipped cream dip on the side.
The assembly can happen well before guests arrive, and the portable nature means folks can grab one while continuing backyard games or conversation.
6. Grilled Pound Cake with Berry Compote
Store-bought pound cake develops an irresistible toasty exterior when placed directly on clean grill grates. Those beautiful grill marks add a subtle smokiness that elevates this humble cake to gourmet status.
The warm slices become the perfect canvas for macerated berries that create their own sweet sauce. The contrast between warm cake and cool berries makes this simple dessert feel special without requiring baking skills or fancy equipment.
7. Campfire Cones
Waffle cones stuffed with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and other goodies create personalized dessert packages. Wrapped in foil and nestled in dying coals, everything melts together into a portable s’mores alternative.
The first time I brought these to our neighborhood block party, parents thanked me for the no-mess dessert option!
Create a stuffing station where guests can customize their own cones with different fillings like peanut butter chips, banana slices, or crushed cookies.
8. Mason Jar Mud Pies
Individual chocolate pudding desserts layered with crushed cookies create the perfect make-ahead BBQ sweet. The portable containers keep dessert intact while guests mingle around the yard.
My son’s baseball team demolished two dozen of these after their championship game last summer! The jars can be prepared days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for hosts who want to focus on grilling rather than last-minute dessert prep.
9. Grilled Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches
Store-bought glazed donuts develop a caramelized exterior when briefly pressed on a clean grill. The heat transforms the sugar coating into a crackly shell while warming the interior to a heavenly softness. Sliced horizontally and filled with ice cream, these create the ultimate cookout indulgence.
The warm donut against cold ice cream creates a temperature contrast that delights everyone from kids to grandparents. Pro tip: freeze the ice cream scoops on a sheet pan beforehand for quick assembly.
10. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
Cast iron dutch ovens capture campfire magic in cobbler form. The heat surrounds the vessel, creating a perfectly cooked dessert with crisp edges and a tender fruit filling.
During our annual camping trip, my cobbler became legendary when I forgot plates and everyone ate straight from the dutch oven with long spoons!
The communal nature of sharing this dessert brings people together around the fire as the day winds down. Fresh peaches work best, but canned fruit makes this possible year-round.
11. Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas
Frozen bananas on sticks dipped in melted chocolate offer a refreshing counterpoint to hot BBQ fare. The chocolate shell hardens instantly on contact with the frozen fruit, creating a satisfying crack with each bite.
Set up a toppings bar with chopped nuts, sprinkles, and coconut for guests to customize their treats. These can be made hours before the party and stored in the freezer, ready to serve when the main meal concludes.
12. Rum-Soaked Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple slices marinated in rum and brown sugar develop an almost candy-like exterior when grilled. The marinade caramelizes instantly, creating a gorgeous glaze that tastes like tropical vacation memories.
I learned this recipe from a Hawaiian friend who insisted proper grilled pineapple needs at least four hours of marination time. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a complex flavor that even kids can enjoy.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm fruit creates the perfect temperature contrast.
13. Berry Shortbread Trifle Cups
Individual trifle cups layer crumbled shortbread cookies with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant portable dessert. The clear cups showcase the beautiful layers while keeping portions perfect for outdoor dining.
These can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until serving time. The cookies soften slightly from the berry juices, creating a cake-like texture that contrasts with the fresh fruit and cream.
For adult gatherings, a splash of liqueur in the berries adds sophisticated flavor.
14. Grilled Apple Crisp Foil Packets
Sliced apples tossed with cinnamon sugar and topped with a buttery oat crumble cook to perfection in foil packets placed on the grill. The sealed environment steams the fruit while the top layer gets crispy from the heat.
My camping buddies begged for the recipe after I made these during our annual fishing trip. Each person gets their own packet, eliminating serving hassles and dish washing.
A drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving takes these over the top.
15. No-Bake Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Hollowed strawberries filled with sweetened cream cheese create bite-sized dessert jewels. The bright red berries provide the perfect edible vessel for the tangy-sweet filling. These impressive-looking treats require minimal effort but always draw compliments.
A sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top completes the cheesecake experience. Prepare these a few hours ahead and refrigerate until serving time for a cool contrast to hot-off-the-grill main dishes.
16. Grilled Chocolate Quesadillas
Flour tortillas filled with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and sliced bananas create a dessert quesadilla that crisps beautifully on the grill. The heat melts everything into gooey perfection while adding subtle smoky notes.
When I first made these for my niece’s birthday, the adults ended up eating more than the kids! Cut into triangles for easy sharing, these hand-held treats continue the casual dining vibe of a cookout while satisfying chocolate cravings.
A dusting of powdered sugar adds a special finishing touch.
17. Root Beer Float Popsicles
Frozen root beer with vanilla ice cream swirls captures the nostalgic flavor of a classic float in convenient popsicle form. The frozen treats provide welcome relief on hot days when traditional ice cream would melt too quickly. Preparation requires freezing time, so plan ahead.
The two-toned appearance creates visual appeal while the familiar flavor combination appeals to both kids and adults. These refreshing pops can be enjoyed while still mingling around the yard without worry about melting bowls of ice cream.
18. Toasted Coconut Rum Balls
No-bake rum balls rolled in toasted coconut offer a sophisticated flavor that’s perfect for adult gatherings. The portable, bite-sized treats can be enjoyed while standing and socializing.
I created these for my beach-themed BBQ last year, and they disappeared within minutes! The combination of chocolate, rum extract, and coconut evokes tropical vacation vibes.
Make these a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex taste experience.
19. Skillet Cookie with Ice Cream
Giant chocolate chip cookies baked in cast iron skillets create the ultimate shareable dessert. The edges get perfectly crisp while the center remains delightfully gooey, especially when served hot off the grill.
The communal nature of digging into one giant cookie brings people together. My teenagers and their friends always hover around waiting for this to come off the grill!
Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake for a stress-free dessert option.
20. Churro Chips with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Flour tortillas cut into triangles, brushed with butter, and tossed in cinnamon sugar transform into churro-inspired chips when grilled. The heat caramelizes the sugar coating while crisping the edges.
During my daughter’s graduation party, these simple treats outshined the fancy bakery desserts! Served with warm chocolate sauce for dipping, they provide the perfect sweet ending that doesn’t require utensils.
The familiar cinnamon-sugar flavor appeals to picky eaters while still feeling special enough for celebrations.