When it comes to a BBQ, the focus is often on the main course, but no meal is complete without a dessert. If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or attending one, bringing a delicious dessert can be a great way to impress your guests.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know what to bring. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top 15 best desserts to bring to a BBQ.
From classic favorites like brownies and cupcakes to more unique options like grilled fruit and s’mores dip, there’s something for everyone on this list.
These desserts are not only delicious, but they’re also easy to transport and can be made ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party.
Classic Summer BBQ Desserts
When it comes to BBQ desserts, classic options never go out of style. Here are two classic BBQ desserts that are sure to please any crowd.
1- Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are a great option for a refreshing and healthy dessert. Simply cut up your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers.
Some great options include pineapple, watermelon, strawberries, and kiwi. For added flavor, you can brush the skewers with a mixture of honey and lime juice before grilling them for a few minutes. The heat from the grill will caramelize the honey and give the fruit a delicious smoky flavor.
2- Grilled Fruit Kabobs With Key Lime Yogurt Dip
Skewer a variety of fruits like pineapple, watermelon, and strawberries, grill them for a caramelized touch, and serve for a refreshing treat.
3- Frozen Fruit Salad
4- Grilled Banana Splits
Banana splits are a classic dessert that is always a hit at BBQs. To give this dessert a unique twist, try grilling the bananas before assembling the split.
Simply cut the bananas in half lengthwise and grill them for a few minutes on each side until they are caramelized and slightly charred. Then, assemble the banana split with your favorite ice cream flavors, whipped cream, and toppings like chocolate syrup and chopped nuts.
Frozen Treats To Bring To BBQ
When it comes to BBQ desserts, frozen treats are a must-have. They are refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for hot summer days. Here are two frozen dessert options that are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
5- Homemade Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream is a classic summer Dessert to Bring to a BBQ that everyone loves. It’s creamy, rich, and can be customized to your liking. There are countless ice cream flavors to choose from, so you can get creative and make something unique.
Making homemade ice cream requires an ice cream maker, but it’s worth the investment. You can find affordable ice cream makers online or at your local home goods store.
I like the Cuisinart ice maker it is affordable and compact. Once you have an ice cream maker, you can start experimenting with different flavors and mix-ins.
Some popular ice cream flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip. You can also add mix-ins like cookie dough, brownie chunks, or fresh fruit.
6- Frozen Yogurt Barks
If you’re looking for a healthier light dessert for BBQ, frozen yogurt bars are a great choice. They are low in calories and fat but still taste delicious. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
To make frozen yogurt bars, you’ll need a silicone ice cube tray or popsicle mold. Fill each compartment with your favorite flavor of yogurt, then add fresh fruit, granola, or nuts.
Freeze the bars for a few hours until they are solid, then pop them out of the mold and serve.
Some popular frozen yogurt flavors include strawberry, blueberry, and peach. You can also add honey, agave, or maple syrup for extra sweetness. These frozen yogurt barks are a refreshing and healthy dessert option that everyone will love.
Baked Desserts For BBQ
When it comes to BBQ desserts, baked goods are always a crowd-pleaser. They are easy to transport and serve, and they are perfect for sharing. Here are my top two picks for baked goods to bring to a BBQ:
7- Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a classic dessert that is perfect for a summer BBQ. It’s sweet, fruity, and has a crispy topping that everyone loves. To make a delicious peach cobbler, you’ll need fresh peaches, sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat.
8- Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert that everyone loves. They are easy to make and transport, and they are perfect for sharing.
To make delicious smoked chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and chocolate chips. You can also add nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor.
9- S’mores Brownies
Just layer brownies with marshmallows and chocolate, then pop them on the grill for a gooey, irresistible s’mores experience.
10- Lemon Chiffon Cake
Add a touch of citrusy delight to your BBQ party with Lemon Chiffon Cake. This feather-light and moist cake is infused with the zesty essence of fresh lemons, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
The airy texture of chiffon cake makes it an ideal dessert to enjoy after a hearty BBQ food.
11- Fruit Pizza
Use cookie dough or puff pastry as the base, top with ricotta cheese, fruit slices, and a drizzle of honey.
No-Bake Desserts For BBQ Party
When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. That’s why no-bake desserts are the perfect solution for a summer BBQ. Here are two no-bake delights that are sure to impress your guests.
11- Lemon Berry Parfaits
This is a simple light dessert for BBQ that is easy to put together. Layer mixed berries with yogurt or whipped cream in individual cups for a refreshing and colorful dessert.
12- No Bake Cheesecake Jars
Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser, but it can be difficult to transport. That’s where these cheesecake jars come in. They’re easy to make, easy to transport, and easy to eat.
Start by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Layer the graham cracker crumbs, cheesecake mixture, and berries in small jars. Top with whipped cream and more berries.
These cheesecake jars are not only delicious, but they’re also Instagram-worthy. Your guests will love them.
13- Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a classic dessert that everyone loves. They’re also incredibly easy to make and transport. Plus, you can customize them with different mix-ins to make them your own.
Melt the marshmallows and butter together in a large pot. Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and mix-ins. Press the mixture into a greased baking dish and let it cool. Once it’s cooled, cut it into squares and serve.
Rice Krispie treats are a nostalgic dessert that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they’re easy to make and transport, making them the perfect dessert for a summer BBQ.
Refreshing Beverages
When it comes to BBQs, you can’t go wrong with some refreshing beverages to wash down all that delicious food. Here are a couple of my favorite picks:
14- Lemonade Slushies
Lemonade slushies are the perfect drink to cool down on a hot summer day. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients.
Simply blend some ice, lemonade, and a splash of your favorite spirit (optional). Serve in a tall glass with a straw and garnish with a slice of lemon.
15- Iced Tea Infusions
Iced tea infusions are a great way to add some flavor to your regular iced tea. You can use any tea you like and add some fresh fruit or herbs to create a unique flavor. Simply brew your tea as normal, add some fresh fruit or herbs, and let it steep for a few hours in the fridge. Serve over ice and enjoy!
These refreshing beverages are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ. They are easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day.
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!