Simple Desserts You Can Make with a Grill
When most people think about grilling, they imagine burgers sizzling, steaks searing, or skewers of veggies roasting over the flames. Dessert usually doesn’t come to mind. But what if I told you that your grill is secretly one of the best tools for whipping up sweet, mouthwatering treats? That’s right—desserts don’t have to stay in the kitchen. With a little creativity, you can turn out grilled sweets that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.
Grilled desserts are simple, fun, and full of flavor. The heat of the grill adds a smoky edge that you just can’t get from an oven. Even better, most of these desserts need only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time. Whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard cookout, or just want to try something different, the grill has your back when your sweet tooth calls.
Let’s take a tour of the many desserts you can create right over the coals.
The Magic of Grilling Fruit
Fruit is one of the easiest and most delicious things you can put on the grill. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, turning everyday fruit into a rich and flavorful treat.
Take pineapple, for example. Slice it into rings or spears, toss it lightly with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon, and place it on the hot grates. In just a few minutes, the edges turn golden, and the fruit becomes tender and juicy. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and voila– you’ve got a dessert that tastes like it belongs at a fancy restaurant, but took less than ten minutes to make.
Bananas work just as well. Slice them lengthwise, leave the peel on, and grill them until the insides are soft and gooey. Add a drizzle of chocolate or a spoonful of peanut butter, and you’ve created a sweet snack that feels both comforting and indulgent.
And don’t forget peaches, plums, or nectarines. Grilled stone fruits develop a smoky, jam-like flavor that pairs beautifully with whipped cream or yogurt. If you want an extra sweet flavor, you can even drizzle a little honey over the top.
Campfire-Style Grilled S’mores
You know, can enjoy s’mores without a campfire! Your grill can handle the job just fine. All it takes are graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars.
Build your s’mores sandwiches, then wrap them in foil. Place the foil packets on the grill for a few minutes until the chocolate melts and the marshmallows turn gooey. The result? Perfect s’mores without having to roast marshmallows one by one.
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chocolate bar for peanut butter cups, caramel squares, or even a layer of fruit jam. The grill adds a hint of smokiness that makes this classic dessert taste brand new. It’s one of the best snacks you can enjoy at home or while camping!
Foil Packet Desserts
One of the best tricks for grilling dessert is the humble foil packet. Just toss your ingredients inside, seal it up, and let the grill do the work.
You can make a banana boat by slicing a banana down the middle, stuffing it with chocolate chips and marshmallows, and wrapping it in foil. After a few minutes on the grill, the chocolate melts, the marshmallows puff up, and the banana becomes warm and creamy. Scoop it out with a spoon, and you’ll see why this classic is a camp favorite.
Another foil packet idea is grilled apple crisp. Slice apples, sprinkle them with oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, and seal them in foil. In about ten minutes, you’ll have a gooey, cinnamon-scented dessert that tastes just like apple pie filling.
Skewered Sweet Treats
Skewers aren’t just for meat and veggies. They’re also perfect for desserts.
Try threading cubes of pound cake, strawberries, and marshmallows onto skewers. Place them on the grill just long enough for the marshmallows to get golden and the cake to toast. A quick drizzle of chocolate sauce afterward makes them even better.
You can also create fruit kebabs with pineapple, peaches, or melon. A little brush of honey before grilling gives the fruit a glossy finish and adds a touch of sweetness. These skewers are fun to eat and even more fun to make.
Grilled Chocolate Goodness
Chocolate and heat are best friends, and your grill is the perfect place to melt and blend it into dessert magic.
Try making stuffed tortillas filled with chocolate chips, bananas, or peanut butter. Fold them into quesadilla-style pockets, brush them with butter, and grill until the outside is crispy and the inside is oozing with melted chocolate. Cut them into wedges, and you’ve got a dessert quesadilla everyone will fight over.
You can also grill cookies in a cast-iron pan right on the grates. Just press cookie dough into the skillet, set it on the grill, and let it bake slowly until it’s soft in the middle and crisp at the edges. Add a scoop of ice cream on top for a grilled version of a cookie skillet sundae.
Tips for Success with Grilled Desserts
Grilling dessert is simple, but a few tricks will help you get the best results.
First, always make sure your grates are clean. You don’t want your pineapple tasting like last night’s steak. Lightly oiling the grates or brushing fruit with a bit of melted butter will help prevent sticking.
Second, keep an eye on the heat. Desserts usually need medium to low heat since sugar burns quickly. Foil packets are a safe bet if you’re worried about things cooking too fast.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Almost any sweet can be adapted for the grill. If you like it baked, roasted, or toasted, chances are it’ll taste even better with a little smoke and char.
Wrapping It Up
Dessert doesn’t belong only in the oven. With a grill, you can create sweets that are simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. From caramelized fruit to gooey foil packets, from chocolate quesadillas to smoky s’mores, the possibilities are endless.
Next time you fire up the grill for burgers or ribs, don’t stop when the main course is done. Keep those coals glowing and treat yourself—and everyone around you—to something sweet. Because when dessert comes off the grill, it’s more than just food. It’s a surprise, a delight, and the perfect ending to a meal under the open sky.
