Your grill can be so much more than a place for burgers, steaks, and barbecue sauce—it can become your complete outdoor kitchen. From savory side dishes to sweet treats, grilling opens up endless possibilities, especially when it comes to dessert.
The next time you fire up the barbecue, skip heating up your oven and surprise your guests with irresistible grilled desserts that are simple, creative, and packed with flavor.
Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, camping with family, or just craving something sweet outdoors, these easy grilled dessert recipes are guaranteed to impress.
Marshmallow Banana Boats
A classic campfire-inspired treat that’s gooey, chocolaty, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium ripe bananas, unpeeled
- 4 teaspoons miniature marshmallows
- 4 teaspoons miniature chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Using a knife, carefully cut a slit lengthwise into each banana peel, about ½ inch deep, leaving about ½ inch uncut at both ends.
- Gently open the peel and fill each banana with 1 teaspoon marshmallows and 1 teaspoon chocolate chips.
- Wrap each banana securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Grill over medium-high heat with the lid closed for 8–10 minutes, or until the marshmallows and chocolate are melted.
- Carefully unwrap and enjoy warm with a spoon.
Fruity Campfire Cobbler
This warm, fruity dessert is a crowd-pleaser that tastes amazing topped with ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 5¼ cups raspberry pie filling
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1¼ cups water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, and water until smooth.
- Line a large grill-safe pan with heavy-duty foil.
- Spread the raspberry pie filling evenly in the pan.
- Pour the cake mixture over the filling.
- Grill over low heat with the lid closed for 20–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.
S’more Sweetstuff
Everything you love about s’mores in one rich, gooey grilled dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter in a bowl to create the crust.
- Line a grill pan with heavy-duty foil and press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and marshmallows on top.
- Grill over low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until the chips are melted and the marshmallows are golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Pineapple and Butterscotch Delight
Sweet, caramelized pineapple paired with creamy ice cream makes this dessert unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- 2 small pineapples, peeled, cored, and cut into spears
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup whipped cream
- ½ cup plus 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Dash of salt
Instructions:
- Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a saucepan and stir in sugar and nutmeg.
- Brush pineapple spears with the butter mixture.
- Grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly caramelized.
- For the butterscotch sauce, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and whipped cream, stirring constantly until boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the sauce over grilled pineapple and serve with vanilla ice cream.
Sweeten Up Your Next Barbecue
Grilled desserts are a fun and delicious way to transform your outdoor cooking experience. From gooey banana boats to fruity cobblers and caramelized pineapple, these recipes prove that your grill can handle dessert just as beautifully as dinner.
So next time you plan a barbecue, save room for something sweet—because once you try these easy grilled desserts, your oven might just get a break all season long.