Perk and Plate

Are you planning a delightful barbecue gathering with friends and family? While grilling savory dishes is the highlight of any BBQ, it’s important not to overlook the sweet treats that can elevate your outdoor feast to the next level. From refreshing fruit-based desserts to indulgent grilled sweets, this article will guide you through a variety of mouthwatering desserts that perfectly complement your BBQ spread. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these delectable BBQ desserts!

Introduction

A BBQ is incomplete without a delightful array of desserts to satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings. Whether you prefer fruity and refreshing treats or rich and indulgent creations, there is a dessert option that will leave everyone smiling. Let’s explore some scrumptious desserts that will take your BBQ experience to new heights.

Fruit Delights

Grilled Pineapple with Caramel Drizzle

One of the most beloved grilled fruits for a BBQ dessert is pineapple. The natural sweetness of pineapple becomes even more pronounced when grilled, creating a caramelized and juicy delight. To enhance its flavors, serve grilled pineapple slices with a luscious caramel drizzle. The combination of smoky pineapple and gooey caramel is a match made in heaven.

Mixed Berry Skewers with Yogurt Dip

For a lighter and refreshing dessert option, prepare mixed berry skewers. Thread fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries onto skewers for a vibrant and colorful treat. Serve these fruity skewers with a creamy and tangy yogurt dip. The tartness of the yogurt perfectly balances the sweetness of the berries, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Watermelon Granita

Watermelon is the epitome of summer freshness, and it makes for a delightful BBQ dessert. Prepare a watermelon granita by blending fresh watermelon chunks with a splash of lime juice and a hint of honey. Freeze the mixture and then scrape it with a fork to create a fluffy, icy treat. The cool and invigorating taste of watermelon granita is a perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Classic Favorites

S’mores Galore: Gourmet Marshmallow Sandwiches

When it comes to classic BBQ desserts, s’mores hold a special place in our hearts. Elevate this childhood favorite by using gourmet marshmallows in flavors like toasted coconut, salted caramel, or even chocolate-dipped. Sandwich the marshmallows between graham crackers and a layer of high-quality dark chocolate. Toast the s’mores over the grill until the marshmallows are perfectly melted and gooey. Indulge in the irresistible combination of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty goodness.

Grilled Banana Split

Put a BBQ twist on the beloved banana split dessert by grilling the bananas to enhance their natural sweetness. Slice the bananas lengthwise and grill them until they develop char marks. Serve the grilled bananas with scoops of vanilla ice cream, drizzles of hot fudge and caramel sauces, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. This grilled version of a classic dessert will surely impress your guests.

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Nothing beats the nostalgic joy of a homemade ice cream sandwich. Bake a batch of soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies and let them cool. Scoop your favorite ice cream flavor onto one cookie and top it with another, creating a delectable ice cream sandwich. For an extra touch, roll the edges of the sandwich in colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is pure bliss.

Unique Twists

Balsamic Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Put a unique twist on the traditional strawberry shortcake by grilling the strawberries and adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Thread grilled strawberries onto skewers and alternate them with fluffy shortcake cubes. Serve these delightful skewers with a dollop of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of balsamic reduction. The sweet and tangy flavors will tantalize your taste buds.

Grilled Peach Melba

Peaches are a summer delight, and grilling them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky touch. Prepare a grilled peach melba by serving grilled peach halves with a scoop of raspberry sorbet and a drizzle of raspberry coulis. The combination of warm grilled peaches, cool sorbet, and tangy raspberry sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Cinnamon Sugar Grilled Plantains

If you’re looking for a unique and exotic BBQ dessert, consider grilling plantains. Slice ripe plantains lengthwise and grill them until they become caramelized and tender. Sprinkle the grilled plantains with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a delightful burst of flavors. Serve them as a side dish to your main BBQ spread or as a standalone dessert.

Decadent Chocolate Delights

Molten Lava Cake on the Grill

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert by grilling molten lava cakes. These individual-sized cakes have a gooey chocolate center that oozes out when you take a bite. Place the ramekins with the cake batter on the grill and let them cook until the edges are set but the center is still liquid. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a unique twist to this already irresistible dessert.

Chocolate-Stuffed Grilled Pound Cake

Transform a simple pound cake into a show-stopping BBQ dessert by grilling it and stuffing it with gooey chocolate. Slice the pound cake into thick slices and grill them until they develop grill marks. Place a few pieces of your favorite chocolate between two grilled pound cake slices and press them together. The heat from the grilled cake will melt the chocolate, creating a heavenly treat.

Grilled Nutella and Banana Quesadillas

Combine the irresistible flavors of Nutella and bananas in a grilled quesadilla. Spread Nutella on a tortilla and layer slices of ripe banana on one half. Fold the tortilla in half and grill it until it becomes crispyand the Nutella is melted. Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve it warm. The creamy Nutella, paired with the sweet and soft banana, creates a delightful combination that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Cool and Creamy

Lemon-Lime Frozen Yogurt

Cool down your BBQ gathering with a refreshing lemon-lime frozen yogurt. Mix together fresh lemon and lime juice with Greek yogurt, honey, and a touch of zest. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn it until it reaches a creamy consistency. The tangy citrus flavors of this frozen treat will provide a zesty contrast to the smoky flavors of the grilled dishes.

Grilled Pineapple Coconut Parfait

Create a tropical-inspired dessert by layering grilled pineapple chunks with creamy coconut yogurt and crunchy granola. Grill the pineapple until it caramelizes, bringing out its natural sweetness. In a glass or bowl, alternate layers of grilled pineapple, coconut yogurt, and granola. Repeat the layers and finish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to a sunny beach paradise.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Pie

Impress your guests with a homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream pie. Crush chocolate sandwich cookies and mix them with melted butter to create a crust. Press the mixture into a pie dish and freeze it until it solidifies. In a separate bowl, combine mint ice cream with chocolate chips. Pour the ice cream mixture into the frozen crust and freeze until firm. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a visually stunning and delicious dessert.

Conclusion

Completing your BBQ feast with delectable desserts is the key to a truly memorable gathering. From grilled fruit delights to classic favorites and unique twists, there are endless possibilities to satisfy your sweet tooth. These desserts not only add a touch of indulgence but also provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the grilled dishes. So, make sure to save room for dessert and treat your guests to a sweet finale that will leave them craving more.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Q: Can I grill other fruits apart from pineapple?
   • A: Absolutely! Fruits like peaches, watermelon, and bananas are great options for grilling and can be used in various dessert recipes.
2. Q: Can I use store-bought ice cream for the ice cream-based desserts?
   • A: Yes, you can use store-bought ice cream for convenience, but making your own ice cream allows for customization and experimenting with flavors.
3. Q: Are there any gluten-free options for the desserts?
   • A: Yes, you can easily find gluten-free cookies or substitute the crust with a gluten-free alternative like almond meal or crushed gluten-free graham crackers.
4. Q: Can I make these desserts ahead of time?
   • A: Some desserts can be prepared in advance, but for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to grill fruits and assemble the desserts shortly before serving.
5. Q: How can I adapt these recipes for dietary restrictions like vegan or dairy-free?
   • A: For vegan or dairy-free alternatives, you can use plant-based yogurts, sorbets, and dairy-free ice creams to replace the dairy ingredients in the recipes.

Remember, these desserts are meant to be enjoyed and shared with loved ones. So, fire up the grill, get creative, and delight your guests with these scrumptious BBQ desserts that will leave everyone with a sweet taste of summer.