15 Irresistible Barbecue Desserts Perfect For Your Next Cookout
Summer cookouts aren’t complete without something sweet to finish off all those smoky, savory flavors.
Firing up the grill or keeping things cool with no-bake treats, desserts can steal the show at any backyard gathering.
Grilled fruits dripping with caramel and frozen delights that beat the heat make barbecue desserts that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Discover sweet creations that are as fun to make as they are to devour.
1. Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze
Thick rings of golden pineapple sizzle on the grill until those gorgeous char marks appear, transforming ordinary fruit into something magical.
A simple brown sugar glaze melts into every crevice, creating pockets of caramelized sweetness that contrast beautifully with the fruit’s natural tang.
This dessert works as both a sophisticated finale and a casual crowd-pleaser.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream melting slowly over the top, or enjoy it straight off the grill for maximum smoky flavor.
2. No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
When the temperature climbs, this tangy lemon filling delivers instant refreshment without turning on the oven.
A buttery graham cracker crust cradles the creamy citrus center, which sets perfectly in the fridge while you’re prepping everything else.
Each forkful balances sweet and tart in a way that cleanses your palate after all those rich barbecue flavors.
Make it the day before your cookout and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
3. S’mores Dip
Forget fumbling with campfire sticks—this skillet version brings all the gooey goodness of s’mores without the hassle.
Chocolate chips melt into a velvety pool beneath a layer of marshmallows that toast to golden perfection under the broiler or on the grill.
Everyone gathers around, graham crackers in hand, ready to scoop up the warm, messy deliciousness.
You might need to make two batches because this communal dessert disappears in minutes!
4. Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet
Nothing says summer like fresh peaches bubbling beneath a buttery biscuit crust, especially when cooked right on the grill.
The cast iron distributes heat evenly, creating a crispy bottom and fluffy top that’s pure comfort food.
Your backyard fills with the aroma of cinnamon and caramelized fruit, drawing everyone to the dessert table like bees to honey.
Top each serving with vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cobbler for an experience that tastes like childhood memories.
5. Grilled Banana Boats
Split a banana lengthwise, stuff it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, then wrap it in foil and toss it on the grill.
What emerges minutes later is a warm, melty dessert that feels like a hug from the inside out.
The banana gets soft and sweet while the fillings transform into gooey perfection.
Eat it straight from the peel with a spoon, and don’t be surprised when guests start making their own custom combinations with different toppings!
6. Frozen Lemonade Pie
This icy creation combines the nostalgic taste of lemonade stands with the richness of cream cheese in a graham cracker crust.
Freeze it until solid, and you’ve got a make-ahead dessert that stays perfectly chilled even on sweltering afternoons.
Each bite delivers a sweet-tart punch that cools you down from the inside.
Cut it into wedges straight from the freezer and serve immediately—it’s like eating sunshine in pie form, no oven required!
7. Berry Trifle in Mason Jars
Layer crumbled pound cake with fresh berries, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream in mason jars for portable perfection.
Everyone gets their own serving, which means no fighting over who got the biggest piece.
The see-through jars show off those gorgeous layers, making them Instagram-ready before anyone takes a bite.
Prepare them hours ahead and keep them chilled until dessert time—they’re the ultimate stress-free sweet that looks impressive without requiring professional pastry skills!
8. Grilled Peaches with Honey and Mascarpone
Halve some ripe peaches, brush them with oil, and grill until caramelized for a dessert that tastes like pure summer elegance.
The heat concentrates the fruit’s natural sugars while adding smoky complexity.
Top each half with creamy mascarpone and a drizzle of golden honey for a combination that’s both simple and sophisticated.
This Italian-inspired treat proves that sometimes the best desserts come from just a handful of quality ingredients and a hot grill!
9. Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores
Why settle for graham crackers when you can sandwich toasted marshmallows and chocolate between two warm chocolate chip cookies?
Grill or warm the cookies slightly so they’re soft enough to squish around the melted fillings.
The result is a next-level s’more that combines three beloved desserts into one handheld masterpiece.
Fair warning: these are ridiculously rich, incredibly messy, and absolutely impossible to eat just one of—your guests will thank you for the indulgence!
10. Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake meets tangy key lime in portable bar form that’s easier to serve than a whole cake.
The graham cracker crust provides the perfect buttery foundation for the smooth, citrusy filling.
Chill them thoroughly so they’re refreshingly cool when you serve them at your cookout.
Cut them into neat squares and watch them disappear—the tropical flavors transport everyone to a beach vacation without leaving your backyard, making them instant crowd favorites!
11. Brownie S’mores Skillet
Bake a batch of fudgy brownies right in a cast iron skillet, then top them with marshmallows and return to the heat until golden.
The edges get crispy while the center stays gooey and rich.
Scatter graham cracker pieces on top for that s’mores connection everyone loves.
Bring the whole skillet to the table with spoons and let everyone dig in family-style—it’s messy, communal, and absolutely delicious in the best possible way!
12. Coconut Lime Popsicles
Blend coconut milk with fresh lime juice and a touch of sweetness, then freeze into tropical popsicles that taste like vacation.
The creamy coconut base balances the bright citrus perfectly, creating a refreshing treat that’s dairy-free and crowd-pleasing.
These frozen beauties are sophisticated enough for adults but fun enough for kids.
Make them a few days ahead and store them in the freezer, ready to hand out when the afternoon heat becomes unbearable at your cookout!
13. Cherry Dump Cake
This ridiculously easy dessert involves dumping cherry pie filling into a pan, sprinkling dry cake mix on top, and adding butter before baking.
Somehow this simple method creates a dessert with a crispy top and jammy fruit bottom that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
You can even make it on the grill in a covered pan for authentic outdoor cooking.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and prepare for compliments—nobody needs to know it took you five minutes to assemble!
14. Grilled Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Grab store-bought donuts, give them a quick grill for char marks, then toss them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm.
The heat caramelizes the sugar coating and adds smoky depth to the sweet dough.
They’re warm, crispy on the outside, and soft inside—like churros met donuts at a barbecue.
This unexpected treat takes minutes to prepare but feels special and fun, proving that sometimes the best desserts come from thinking outside the traditional recipe box!
15. Frozen Chocolate-Covered Banana Bites
Slice bananas into rounds, dip them in melted chocolate, add your favorite toppings, and freeze until solid.
These bite-sized treats are healthier than most desserts but taste just as indulgent.
The frozen banana provides creamy texture while the chocolate shell adds satisfying crunch.
Keep them in the freezer and bring them out when guests need a quick sweet fix—they’re portion-controlled, delicious, and disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”
