Sizzling Summer Sweets: The Ultimate Guide to Grilled Desserts
Elevate your backyard cookout by moving beyond burgers and steaks to explore the sweet side of the grill. Grilling fruit and cakes caramelizes natural sugars and adds a delightful smoky depth to your favorite summer treats. These recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and the perfect conclusion to any warm-weather gathering.
Grilled Peaches with Honey and Mascarpone
Juicy peach halves charred to perfection and topped with creamy mascarpone and a sweet honey drizzle.
Ingredients
- •4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- •1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- •2 tablespoons honey
- •1/4 cup crushed pistachios
- •Fresh mint leaves
Method
- 1
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- 2
Place peach halves cut-side down on the grates and grill for 4 to 5 minutes until grill marks appear.
- 3
Flip the peaches and grill for another 2 minutes until softened.
- 4
Remove from heat and place on a serving platter.
- 5
Top each half with a dollop of mascarpone, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of pistachios.
Cinnamon Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Tropical pineapple rings coated in a warm cinnamon sugar glaze and grilled until caramelized.
Ingredients
- •1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings
- •1/2 cup brown sugar
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- •Cooking spray
Method
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger.
- 2
Coat each pineapple ring generously with the sugar mixture.
- 3
Lightly spray the grill grates with oil and heat to medium.
- 4
Grill pineapple rings for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.
- 5
Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of coconut sorbet.
Grilled Chocolate S'mores Pizza
A fun twist on the classic campfire treat using pre-made pizza dough on the grill.
Ingredients
- •1 pound pizza dough
- •1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- •1 cup mini marshmallows
- •1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- •2 tablespoons melted butter
Method
- 1
Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- 2
Brush one side with melted butter and place buttered-side down on a medium-heat grill.
- 3
Grill for 3 minutes until the bottom is set and charred.
- 4
Flip the dough and quickly spread with hazelnut cocoa spread and top with marshmallows and graham crackers.
- 5
Close the grill lid and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until marshmallows are toasted and chocolate is melted.
Caramelized Grilled Banana Splits
Bananas grilled in their skins to create a naturally sweet and creamy base for a decadent sundae.
Ingredients
- •4 ripe bananas
- •1/2 cup chocolate chips
- •1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- •Vanilla ice cream
- •Maraschino cherries
Method
- 1
Slit the banana skins lengthwise through the top curve, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom skin.
- 2
Gently pull the peel back and stuff the opening with chocolate chips and walnuts.
- 3
Wrap the bananas loosely in foil and place on a medium-heat grill.
- 4
Grill for 8 to 10 minutes until the banana is soft and the chocolate is melted.
- 5
Serve directly in the peel topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cherry.
Lime Grilled Watermelon Steaks
A refreshing and unexpected dessert where the heat of the grill intensifies the sweetness of the watermelon.
Ingredients
- •1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick wedges
- •2 tablespoons lime juice
- •1 tablespoon honey
- •1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- •Fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
- 1
Whisk together lime juice, honey, and chili powder in a small bowl.
- 2
Brush both sides of the watermelon wedges with the lime mixture.
- 3
Place wedges on a hot grill for 2 minutes per side until light grill marks appear.
- 4
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- 5
Serve immediately while warm and juicy.
Grilled Pound Cake with Fresh Berries
Buttery slices of pound cake toasted on the grill and topped with a fresh macerated berry sauce.
Ingredients
- •1 store-bought or homemade pound cake, sliced
- •2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- •2 tablespoons sugar
- •1 tablespoon lemon juice
- •Whipped cream
Method
- 1
In a bowl, toss the berries with sugar and lemon juice; let sit for 20 minutes to create a syrup.
- 2
Place pound cake slices on a medium-heat grill.
- 3
Grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly toasted and warm.
- 4
Place a slice of cake on a plate and top with a generous spoonful of the berry mixture.
- 5
Finish with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Grilled Apple Crisp Foil Packets
Individual portions of spiced apples and crunchy oat topping cooked perfectly in foil on the grill.
Ingredients
- •4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- •1/2 cup rolled oats
- •1/4 cup brown sugar
- •4 tablespoons butter, chilled and cubed
- •1 teaspoon cinnamon
Method
- 1
Divide sliced apples onto four large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- 2
In a bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon; cut in the butter until crumbly.
- 3
Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
- 4
Fold the foil to create sealed packets.
- 5
Place on the grill over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes until apples are tender.
Grilled Strawberry Balsamic Skewers
Sweet strawberries enhanced by a tangy balsamic glaze and a hint of black pepper.
Ingredients
- •20 large strawberries, hulled
- •1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- •1 tablespoon honey
- •1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- •Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Method
- 1
Thread 4 to 5 strawberries onto each skewer.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix balsamic glaze, honey, and pepper.
- 3
Brush the strawberries with half of the balsamic mixture.
- 4
Grill skewers over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once.
- 5
Remove from heat, drizzle with the remaining glaze, and serve warm.
Grilled Honeyed Apricots with Cream
Sweet and tangy apricots grilled until soft and served with a zesty citrus cream.
Ingredients
- •8 apricots, halved and pitted
- •2 tablespoons honey
- •1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- •1 tablespoon orange zest
- •Fresh thyme leaves
Method
- 1
Brush the cut side of the apricots with honey.
- 2
Place apricots cut-side down on a medium-hot grill for 3 minutes.
- 3
Flip and grill for another 1 minute.
- 4
Mix the Greek yogurt with orange zest in a small bowl.
- 5
Serve the warm apricots with a spoonful of the yogurt mixture and a sprinkle of thyme.
Grilled Pears with Cinnamon and Walnuts
Elegant pear halves grilled with warm spices and topped with crunchy toasted walnuts.
Ingredients
- •4 firm pears, halved and cored
- •2 tablespoons melted butter
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- •Maple syrup for drizzling
Method
- 1
Brush the cut sides of the pears with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- 2
Place pears cut-side down on the grill over medium heat.
- 3
Grill for 5 to 6 minutes until the fruit is tender and caramelized.
- 4
Turn the pears over and sprinkle the hollowed centers with walnuts.
- 5
Grill for 2 more minutes, then remove and drizzle with maple syrup.
Grilled Cherry Skillet Cobbler
A rustic cherry cobbler cooked in a cast-iron skillet directly on the grill for a smoky finish.
Ingredients
- •4 cups pitted sweet cherries
- •1/2 cup sugar
- •1 tablespoon cornstarch
- •1 cup biscuit mix
- •1/2 cup milk
Method
- 1
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, toss cherries with sugar and cornstarch.
- 2
Place the skillet on the grill over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes until the juices thicken.
- 3
In a bowl, stir together biscuit mix and milk until a dough forms.
- 4
Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the hot cherry mixture.
- 5
Cover the grill and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the topping is golden and cooked through.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are hosting a large party or a quiet family dinner, these grilled desserts are sure to impress. Fire up the grates and enjoy the perfect end to a warm summer day with these smoky and sweet creations.