Grilled Summer Berry Cobbler: Easy BBQ Dessert Recipes for Outdoor Cooking Fans

Grilled Summer Berry Cobbler: The Perfect BBQ Dessert Recipe

Looking for amazing bbq dessert recipes to complete your outdoor gathering? This Grilled Summer Berry Cobbler brings together the smoky flavors of your barbecue with sweet, juicy berries and a buttery crust that will have your guests begging for the recipe. It’s the perfect way to utilize your grill for the entire meal, from appetizers to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Berry Dessert

There’s something magical about cooking dessert on the grill. The gentle smoky essence infuses into the berries, creating complex flavor notes you simply can’t achieve in an oven. Plus, keeping your cooking outdoors means you won’t heat up your kitchen on those hot summer days when you’re already hosting a barbecue!

What You’ll Need for This BBQ Dessert

• 4 cups mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Kitchen Tools

• 10-inch cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Aluminum foil
• Grill with lid

How to Make Grilled Summer Berry Cobbler

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (approximately 350-375°F). Position the grill for indirect cooking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the berries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Gently toss until the berries are evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to your cast iron skillet.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the berry mixture, leaving some gaps for the berries to peek through.
7. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the dough topping.
8. Cover the skillet loosely with aluminum foil and place on the grill over indirect heat.
9. Close the grill lid and cook for about 30-35 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Remove from the grill and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
11. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Expert Tips for BBQ Dessert Success

• Maintain consistent heat: Try to keep your grill at a steady temperature throughout the cooking process. This ensures even cooking of both the berries and topping.
• Fruit substitutions: Don’t have berries? This recipe works beautifully with peaches, plums, or cherries when in season.
• Cast iron is key: The even heat distribution of cast iron makes it perfect for grilled desserts. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use a disposable aluminum pan.
• Make ahead: Prepare the berry mixture and topping separately up to a day ahead, then assemble and grill when you’re ready for dessert.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Spiced Berry: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the berry mixture for a warm spice profile.
• Lemon-Blueberry: Use all blueberries and add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the topping for a bright, citrusy note.
• Bourbon-Peach: Substitute peaches for berries and add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the fruit mixture for a grown-up twist.
• Coconut Crunch: Add 1/3 cup toasted coconut to the topping for tropical flair and extra texture.

Serving Your Grilled Berry Cobbler at a BBQ

This dessert is best enjoyed while still warm from the grill. For an extra special presentation at your barbecue, bring the entire cast iron skillet to the table and serve directly from it. The rustic presentation fits perfectly with the outdoor cooking vibe!

A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates the perfect hot-and-cold contrast. As the ice cream melts into the warm berries and buttery topping, it creates a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. For adults, consider offering a splash of bourbon or amaretto to drizzle over their serving.

Why Grilled Desserts Complete Your BBQ Experience

When planning your next cookout, don’t forget that your grill is perfect for creating stunning desserts that complement your savory barbecue dishes. This Grilled Summer Berry Cobbler is just one of many amazing bbq dessert recipes that will elevate your outdoor cooking game and impress your guests with your culinary versatility!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes