Imagine savoring a burst of sweet and smoky flavors as you bite into a perfectly grilled dessert. The combination of a charred exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior creates a culinary delight that is truly irresistible. From grilled peaches drizzled with honey to caramelized pineapple skewers, the world of grilled desserts offers a plethora of delightful surprises. So, if you’re a dessert lover looking to embark on a delicious adventure, get ready to explore a selection of mouthwatering grilled treats that will undoubtedly leave you craving for more. Who knew that the grill could be used for more than just burgers and hot dogs? If you’re looking to add a sweet and smoky twist to your dessert repertoire, why not give grilled desserts a try? Grilling fruit not only enhances their natural flavors, but also adds a delightful caramelized touch. From grilled fruit skewers to decadent grilled chocolate brownies, we’ve got you covered with a variety of grilled dessert ideas. So grab your skewers and fire up the grill, because it’s time to explore the world of grilled desserts!
Grilled Fruit Skewers
Let’s start with a simple and customizable option – grilled fruit skewers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing the fruits for your skewers. Opt for a variety of fruits like pineapple, mango, watermelon, strawberries, and grapes. The key is to select fruits that are firm and can withstand the heat of the grill without turning mushy.
Once you have your fruits selected, it’s time to prepare the skewers. First, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Then, carefully thread the fruits onto the skewers, alternating between different varieties for a colorful presentation.
To enhance the flavor of the fruits, consider marinating them before grilling. Create a simple marinade using ingredients like honey, lime juice, and a pinch of cinnamon. Brush the marinade onto the skewered fruits, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow the fruits to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Now that your fruits are ready, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the fruit skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop grill marks and are slightly softened. Be sure to keep a close eye on them, as the grill time may vary depending on the size and type of fruit.
Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving. Grilled fruit skewers are a delightful and healthy dessert option that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Grilled Banana Splits
If you’re a fan of bananas and classic desserts, then grilled banana splits are a must-try. To begin, select ripe yet firm bananas for grilling. You want them to be soft enough to develop a sweet caramelized flavor, but not too mushy that they fall apart on the grill.
Before grilling the bananas, it’s important to prep them properly. Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them in half lengthwise. You can also opt to keep them in their peels and make a slit lengthwise, similar to a classic banana split presentation. This will help the bananas stay intact during grilling.
Once the bananas are prepped, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates. Place the bananas directly on the grill, cut side down, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop grill marks and soften slightly. The heat of the grill will help bring out the natural sweetness of the bananas, creating a caramelized crust.
After grilling, it’s time to assemble the split. Place the grilled bananas in a dish or on a plate, and scoop your favorite ice cream flavors over the top. Get creative with toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, nuts, or fresh berries. Grilled banana splits are a delicious twist on a classic dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Grilled Pound Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that is both simple and elegant, grilled pound cake is the perfect choice. Start by selecting a high-quality pound cake from your local bakery or grocery store. Opt for a denser pound cake that will hold up well on the grill without falling apart.
To grill the pound cake, preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the cake slices directly on the grill and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they develop grill marks and become slightly crispy. The heat of the grill will add a delightful smoky flavor to the cake while maintaining its moistness.
Once grilled, you have various serving options for your grilled pound cake. Keep it simple by serving the slices on their own or add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a touch of freshness. For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the grilled pound cake with chocolate sauce or caramel and top it off with a scoop of ice cream. Grilled pound cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Grilled Peach Cobbler
Do you love the sweet and juicy taste of peaches? Then you’ll adore grilled peach cobbler. To prepare the peaches for grilling, start by slicing them in half and removing the pits. The goal is to have flat sides to place directly on the grill.
After preparing the peaches, it’s time to make the cobbler topping. You can either make a classic biscuit-like topping or opt for a crumbly streusel topping, depending on your preference. Whichever option you choose, be sure to prepare the topping before grilling the peaches.
To assemble the cobbler, place the grilled peach halves in a baking dish or cast iron skillet, cut side up. Sprinkle the cobbler topping evenly over the peaches, ensuring they are fully covered. For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Now it’s time to grill the cobbler. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the baking dish directly on the grates. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp. It’s important to keep an eye on the cobbler during grilling to avoid burning the topping.
Once grilled to perfection, remove the cobbler from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving. Grilled peach cobbler pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of smoky grilled peaches and buttery topping is a match made in dessert heaven.
Grilled Pineapple Sundae
If you’re a fan of tropical flavors, grilled pineapple sundaes are a deliciously refreshing treat. To prepare the pineapple for grilling, start by removing the tough outer skin and slicing the pineapple into rings or spears. The key is to have enough surface area for the grill marks to develop.
Once the pineapple is prepped, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the pineapple directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the pineapple becomes tender and juicy. Grilling the pineapple enhances its natural sweetness and adds a hint of smokiness.
After grilling, it’s time to assemble the sundae. Place the grilled pineapple in a bowl or on a plate, and top it with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream. Get creative with sauces like caramel or chocolate, and finish off with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped macadamia nuts. Grilled pineapple sundaes are a tropical delight that will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
Grilled Chocolate Brownie
Calling all chocolate lovers! Grilled chocolate brownies are a decadent treat that will take your love for chocolate to new heights. To make the brownie batter, you can either use your favorite homemade recipe or opt for a store-bought mix for convenience.
Once the brownie batter is prepared, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet, ensuring it is spread evenly.
Place the baking dish directly on the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the brownies are cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The grill imparts a smoky flavor and adds a slight crust to the brownies, resulting in a unique twist on this classic dessert.
After grilling, let the brownies cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, top the grilled brownies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Grilled chocolate brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Grilled Watermelon with Honey
Watermelon is the epitome of summertime refreshment, and grilling it takes its flavor to a whole new level. To prepare the watermelon, start by cutting it into thick slices or wedges. Leave the rind on for grilling, as it helps the watermelon hold its shape.
Once the watermelon is prepped, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the watermelon slices directly on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the watermelon becomes slightly softened.
After grilling, transfer the watermelon slices to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the grilled watermelon with honey to enhance its natural sweetness and add a touch of decadence. For a finishing touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or crumbled feta cheese for a unique twist.
Grilled watermelon with honey is a refreshing and unexpected dessert option that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The combination of smoky grilled watermelon and sweet honey creates a flavor profile that is both light and indulgent.
Grilled Apple Crisp
When it comes to fall-inspired desserts, grilled apple crisp is a must-try. Start by selecting your favorite apple varieties for grilling. Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape during grilling.
After selecting the apples, it’s time to make the crisp topping. Prepare a crumbly mixture using ingredients like oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. The crisp topping adds a delightful crunch to the tender grilled apples.
To assemble the crisp, slice the apples and place them in a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, ensuring they are fully coated. Optional additions include a sprinkle of brown sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Now it’s time to grill the crisp. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the baking dish directly on the grates. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The heat of the grill will melt the butter in the topping and create a delicious caramelization on the apples.
Once grilled to perfection, remove the crisp from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving. Grilled apple crisp is best enjoyed warm, pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and is the quintessential dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. But have you ever considered grilling the shortcake for an extra layer of flavor? Start by selecting ripe and juicy strawberries for grilling. Opt for strawberries that are bright red and have a sweet aroma.
To prepare the shortcake, you have two options: using store-bought shortcakes or making your own from scratch. Whichever option you choose, make sure the shortcakes are sturdy enough to withstand grilling.
Once you have your shortcakes ready, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the shortcakes directly on the grill and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the shortcakes become slightly toasted.
After grilling, it’s time to assemble the dessert. Slice the grilled shortcakes in half horizontally and layer them with sliced strawberries and whipped cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some strawberry sauce or balsamic reduction over the top. Grilled strawberry shortcake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey.
Grilled S’mores
Last but certainly not least, we can’t forget the ultimate grilled dessert – s’mores! Made with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, s’mores are a nostalgic treat that is loved by all. Grilling the s’mores adds a unique smoky twist and takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
To gather the ingredients, you’ll need graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Break the graham crackers in half to create the base and top for the s’mores. Place a piece of chocolate on one half of the graham cracker and top it with a marshmallow.
Now it’s time to build the s’mores. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the assembled s’mores directly on the grates and close the lid. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey.
After grilling, carefully remove the s’mores from the grill and let them cool slightly before indulging. Make sure to have napkins handy, as they can get messy! If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with alternative fillings like peanut butter, sliced bananas, or caramel sauce. Grilled s’mores are a fun and delicious dessert that will bring out your inner child and create memories to cherish.
With these delicious grilled dessert ideas in your repertoire, you’re ready to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. From sweet and smoky fruit skewers to decadent grilled brownies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So fire up the grill, get creative with your favorite fruits and sweets, and savor the delightful flavors of grilled desserts.