17 Irresistible Grilled Desserts for Outdoor Entertaining
Transform your next cookout with 17 simple, mouthwatering grilled desserts—perfect for every outdoor celebration or cozy campfire.
Grilled desserts capture the nostalgic magic of the campfire and offer an easy way to delight your guests at any outdoor gathering. From sticky-sweet fruits to gooey chocolate creations, these recipes highlight just how simple and creative dessert can be when thrown on the grill. Below, you’ll find 17 crowd-pleasing desserts that belong at every barbecue, bonfire, or lazy summer night.
Why Grill Dessert?
- Unique flavors: Smoke and char add a subtle complexity to sweets and fruit.
- Minimal prep: Many recipes use few ingredients and come together in minutes.
- Interactive fun: Great for parties and families—everyone can get involved.
- Seasonal variety: Fresh summer fruits are perfect for grilling, but most recipes work year-round.
Grilled Dessert Recipes
1. Beyond-Simple Oreo Cookie Skillet
Think of this as the ultimate comfort dessert for the outdoors: Oreos baked into a single skillet, served warm, and scooped into bowls with a huge dollop of ice cream. The edges caramelize, while the center remains oozy and irresistible. Don’t wait for the topping to turn golden—serve hot for the best texture.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat.
- Pair with vanilla or cookies-n-cream ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream or a scoop of peanut butter for extra decadence.
2. Campfire Rice Krispies Treats
Upgrade your classic crispy treat by giving it a smoky twist. Skewer thick slices and toast over open flames for crunchy, caramelized edges and a soft, gooey center.
- Press treats tightly into your baking dish before slicing.
- Double-pronged skewers keep slices secure during grilling.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt or chocolate drizzle.
3. Grilled Peaches with Honey and Ice Cream
Grilled peaches become incredibly juicy, caramelized, and aromatic—a perfect base for sweet toppings. Drizzle with honey or olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for summer perfection.
- Halve ripe peaches and remove pits.
- Grill cut side down on a medium-hot grill until charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Finish with a drizzle of honey, a pinch of sea salt, and cinnamon.
- Serve immediately with ice cream or Greek yogurt.
4. Campfire Fruit Cobbler
Bubbling cobbler is almost impossible to get wrong. Toss fresh berries, peaches, or apples into a skillet with sugar and a biscuit topping; grill until the fruit is syrupy and the crust is golden and crisp.
- Use mixed berries, sliced peaches, or apples with cinnamon.
- For topping, use a simple biscuit dough or premade mix.
- Cook uncovered over a medium grill, rotating as needed.
- Let cool slightly—the crust will firm up as it rests.
5. Grilled Apple Pie Foil Packs
Individual apple pies are a simple twist on the classic, perfect for a crowd. Sliced apples tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and butter are wrapped in foil with a piece of pie crust and grilled for a bubbling, handheld dessert.
- Use tart apples for balance.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream before serving.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and nuts for crunch.
6. Reese’s Cones
Take s’mores to the next level: Fill waffle cones with peanut butter, Reese’s cups, marshmallows, and Reese’s pieces. Wrap in foil and grill until everything melts into a sticky, rich treat.
- Use mini candies and marshmallows for even melting.
- Seal cones tightly in foil for best results.
- Unwrap and devour—no plates needed.
7. Campfire S’mores Skillet
No more waiting for skewers or burned marshmallows: Layer chocolate and marshmallows in a skillet, grill until bubbly, then scoop onto graham crackers for gooey perfection.
- Start with a graham cracker base for extra crunch.
- Add chocolate chips and marshmallows in generous layers.
- Serve directly from the skillet for communal fun.
8. Grilled Pineapple Rings
Sweet and tart pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Brush rings with brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon, then grill until marked and juicy.
- Try with coconut ice cream or a splash of rum for a tropical twist.
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped mint.
9. Grilled Stuffed Bananas
Split bananas in half and fill with chocolate chips, nuts, and marshmallows. Wrap in foil and grill until oozy.
- Top with peanut butter or caramel sauce.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for maximum indulgence.
10. Grilled Pound Cake Strawberry Shortcake
Slices of buttery pound cake crisp up when grilled, making them an ideal base for macerated strawberries and whipped cream. The warmth brings out the cake’s flavor and lets the berries’ juices soak in.
- Brush cake slices lightly with butter before grilling.
- Top with fresh or grilled strawberries and whipped cream.
11. Grilled Berry Skillet Crisp
Use a cast-iron skillet to combine berries, oats, and a crunchy brown sugar topping. The grill will infuse the fruit with a subtle smokiness and leave the topping crispy.
- Add nuts for extra texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla yogurt or ice cream.
12. Grilled Caramelized Plums
Plums take on a deep, jammy flavor with grilling. Dust halves with sugar and cinnamon and grill until bubbling, then top with mascarpone or whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with nuts for crunch.
- Try a drizzle of balsamic reduction for sophistication.
13. Gooey Grilled Chocolate Sandwiches
Chocolate and marshmallows sandwiched between sweet bread or brioche and grilled for melty, crispy handheld desserts.
- Use thick bread slices for best results.
- Add sliced strawberries or bananas for a twist.
14. Campfire Cinnamon Biscuits
Biscuit dough grilled in foil, finished with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and maybe a little honey. Tear apart and eat with fingers—best enjoyed warm.
- For a shortcut, use refrigerated biscuit dough.
15. Grilled Doughnuts with Glaze
Day-old doughnuts freshen up when grilled—warm and smoky, served with a quick glaze or dipped in melted chocolate.
- Brush lightly with melted butter before grilling.
- Top with sprinkles or crushed nuts.
16. Grilled Mango Slices
Mango’s sweetness intensifies on the grill. Slice thick, brush with lime juice and grill until charred, then toss with chili powder or cinnamon.
- Serve with Greek yogurt or coconut ice cream.
17. Campfire Strawberries and Plums in Foil
Wrap whole strawberries and plums with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of sugar in foil and grill until bubbling. The fruit syrups are perfect spooned over cake or ice cream.
- Finish with lemon zest for brightness.
- Try with shortbread cookies on the side.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Desserts
- Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking and transfer subtle flavors.
- Use indirect heat for delicate or sugary items that can burn quickly.
- Foil packets keep ingredients together and simplify serving, especially for fruit recipes.
- Pair flavors: Use fresh herbs (mint, basil), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), or spirits for complex taste.
- Have ice cream or whipped cream ready for topping most desserts.
Popular Variations & Ingredient Swaps
| Base Ingredient | Swap Ideas | Topping Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Peaches | Plums, nectarines | Cinnamon sugar, honey, ice cream |
| Berries | Mangos, cherries | Oat crumble, lemon zest, whipped cream |
| Bread/cakes | Pound cake, brioche, donuts | Fresh fruit, syrup, glaze |
| Chocolate | Nutella, caramel sauce | Marshmallows, nuts, fruit |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you grill desserts on any type of grill?
Yes, both gas and charcoal grills work—just adjust for direct or indirect heat depending on the recipe.
What fruits are best for grilling?
Peaches, plums, pineapples, apples, bananas, and strawberries are ideal for grilling due to their sugar content and sturdy texture.
How do I keep desserts from burning on the grill?
Use medium heat and check regularly. Foil packets and cast-iron skillets help moderate direct flames.
Can grilled desserts be prepared ahead of time?
Many can: prep ingredients and foil packets; cook fruit and cobblers just before serving for optimal texture.
Are there easy grilled desserts for large groups?
Skillet s’mores, cobblers, and apple pie foil packs are perfect for feeding crowds—make multiple batches if needed.
Final Thoughts: Make Dessert the Centerpiece of Your Cookout
Outdoor entertaining isn’t complete without a smokey, caramelized dessert brought straight off the grill. These 17 recipes showcase just how easy—and surprisingly sophisticated—grilled sweets can be. Whether you’re new to grilling or looking for a fresh twist on an old favorite, these tips and recipes put the “wow” into dessert without fuss.
Gather your ingredients, light up the grill, and watch guests gather around for seconds—and thirds.
