Cookouts aren’t just about smoky meats and tangy sauces. The best ones end with a sweet treat that makes everyone smile.
These 20 dessert ideas are perfect for your next barbecue, offering fun, flavor, and a little flair. From chilled pies to grilled fruit, there’s something here to satisfy every guest.
1. Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Glaze
Thick pineapple rings hit the grill until caramelized and golden. A quick brown sugar glaze melts into every crevice with sticky sweetness.
The heat intensifies the fruit’s flavor, creating a smoky-sweet treat that tastes like summer on a skewer.
2. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Juicy strawberries alternate with cubes of buttery pound cake and marshmallows on skewers. A quick grill adds toast and char.
Drizzle with chocolate or whipped cream for extra fun. It’s dessert-on-a-stick that feels like a mini party.
3. No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie
Tart lemon filling rests inside a graham cracker crust, chilled until creamy and firm. Every bite is cold, sweet, and citrus-bright.
This Southern classic travels well and sets up perfectly in the cooler. A slice delivers sunshine straight from the fridge.
4. S’mores Dip
Melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows bubble together in a skillet, ready to be scooped with graham crackers. It’s warm, messy, and totally irresistible.
Serve straight from the grill or fire pit. This dip makes classic s’mores a group event.
5. Peach Cobbler In A Cast Iron Skillet
Fresh peaches bubble beneath a golden biscuit topping, cooked right on the grill. The aroma alone draws people in.
Scoop it warm with ice cream for the full experience. It’s rustic, nostalgic, and always a hit.
6. Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas
Frozen banana halves get dipped in melted chocolate, then rolled in crushed peanuts or sprinkles. They harden into creamy, crunchy treats.
Easy to grab and great for kids, these skewered sweets bring cool relief on hot days.
7. Grilled Pound Cake With Berries
Thick slices of pound cake sear on the grill until golden. The heat caramelizes the edges while the inside stays tender.
Top with whipped cream and fresh berries. Each forkful tastes like summer breakfast turned into dessert.
8. Banana Pudding Cups
Layers of vanilla pudding, banana slices, and Nilla wafers chill in individual jars. The cookies soften just enough to become cake-like.
It’s creamy, classic, and crowd-friendly. Perfect for make-ahead simplicity and old-school flavor.
9. Watermelon Pizza With Yogurt And Berries
A thick watermelon round becomes a “pizza” topped with yogurt, fresh berries, and mint. Slice into wedges for colorful handheld bites.
This one’s light, hydrating, and totally Instagram-worthy. A refreshing break from heavy sweets.
10. Campfire Apple Crisp Packets
Chopped apples tossed with cinnamon, sugar, and oats cook inside foil over hot coals. The fruit turns tender and syrupy.
Open carefully and top with whipped cream. It’s a personal-sized crumble with a campfire soul.
11. Ice Cream Sandwiches With Homemade Cookies
Ice cream sandwiches made with homemade cookies are a delightful end to any barbecue. Chewy cookies and creamy ice cream make the perfect pairing.
The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible. Customize the cookies and ice cream flavors to suit your taste.
These sandwiches are nostalgic and fun to eat. They promise a sweet finish that guests will love.
12. Grilled Peaches With Honey And Mascarpone
Halved peaches caramelize over flames, then get topped with a dollop of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. The contrast is heavenly.
The soft, warm fruit and cool, creamy topping feel fancy without the fuss. A perfect pairing of rich and fresh.
13. Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallow Pops
Marshmallows get skewered, dunked in chocolate, and sprinkled with toppings like crushed pretzels or toasted coconut. They’re simple, sweet, and fun to decorate.
Let them chill slightly so the coating sets. Ideal for kids—or anyone who wants a quick sugar fix.
14. Key Lime Pie Bars
Graham cracker crust, tart lime filling, and whipped topping come together in easy-to-slice bars. Chill until firm, then cut and serve.
Their zingy citrus bite and creamy texture bring tropical vibes to any backyard meal.
15. Cherry Hand Pies
Golden pockets filled with tart cherry filling bake until flaky and bubbling. They’re sweet, tangy, and totally handheld.
Eat them warm or room temperature. No plate or fork required—just grab and go.
16. Blueberry Cheesecake Jars
Creamy cheesecake filling layers with graham crumbs and blueberry compote inside small mason jars. Chill until set and ready to serve.
The mix of textures and temperatures makes each spoonful a delight. They look as good as they taste.
17. Fire-Roasted Cinnamon Apples
Apple halves sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar roast over open flame until tender. The natural juices bubble into syrup.
Serve with whipped cream or spoon straight from foil. They’re smoky, spiced, and deeply satisfying.
18. Frozen S’mores Pops
Marshmallow and chocolate layers get frozen around graham cracker crumbs in molds or cups. It’s cold, chewy, and chocolatey.
Kids love them, and they make s’mores a whole new experience. A freezer-ready summer treat.
19. Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Zesty lemon cupcakes with raspberry frosting bring a pop of color and tart-sweet flavor. Light, bright, and easy to share.
They travel well in a box and stay moist in the heat. Every bite feels like a celebration.
20. Grilled Donuts With Ice Cream
Halved glazed donuts char briefly on the grill, turning warm and golden. A scoop of ice cream melts into the center.
Sweet, sticky, and over-the-top, this dessert turns two treats into one showstopping finale.