Save Room for This: 15+ BBQ Desserts for Your Grill and Smoker
On August 01, 2025
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Fruity, chocolatey, even savory: this collection of BBQ desserts is sure to help you finish the cookout in style when that sweet tooth hits.

BBQ Desserts for the Grill and Smoker
After the rich, heavy meats get devoured, it’s time to turn your attention to the sweet finale. Desserts at a BBQ aren’t just an afterthought, they’re a chance to wow your guests with flavors that complement smoky meats and fresh sides. Whether you prefer your BBQ desserts infused with wood smoke or light, grilled fruits, this collection offers something for every preference and skill level. You’re sure to find a new favorite to make your summer cookouts truly unforgettable.
1. Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler
This campfire-inspired dessert brings nostalgic flavors to your backyard BBQ with just four simple ingredients. Rich chocolate cake mingles with tart cherry pie filling, creating a gooey, indulgent treat that’s impossible to resist. The secret is using cola instead of traditional eggs and oil, which adds awesome texture along with subtle caramel notes. But best of all, it’s ready in under an hour. This crowd-pleasing cobbler also goes beautifully with vanilla ice cream or fresh homemade whipped cream for the ultimate finish.
If you love this, try these: Cherry Berry Dutch Oven Cobbler, Smoked Peach Cobbler
Get the recipe: Cherry Chocolate Dutch Oven Cobbler
2. Skillet Bacon Apple Crisp with Salted Bourbon Caramel
This award-winning apple crisp took center stage on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl finale, where it won me the dessert challenge. Smoky bacon and tender apples mingle under a buttery oat topping, while salted bourbon caramel adds a lovely finishing touch. Cooking in a cast iron skillet creates even heat distribution and doubles as your serving dish. Best of all, grilling with apple wood chips infuses this autumn favorite with irresistible smoky flavor that elevates every bite.
If you love this, try these: Peach Crisp in a Skillet, Skillet Apple Crisp
Get the recipe: Skillet Bacon Apple Crisp with Salted Bourbon Caramel
3. Grilled Pineapple Parfaits with Coconut Ice Cream
Transport your guests to the tropics with this stunning 20-minute dessert that’s great after any BBQ feast. Grilling pineapple in a brown sugar glaze creates caramelized perfection, while gorgeous char marks add visual appeal. Cool coconut ice cream and homemade whipped cream provide creamy contrast to the warm fruit. Finally, toasted coconut-macadamia crumble provides satisfying crunch. This island-inspired treat proves that impressive BBQ desserts don’t require hours of preparation. You just need fresh ingredients and creative flair.
If you love this, try these: Piña Colada Grilled Pineapple, Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Sea Salt
Get the recipe: Grilled Pineapple Parfaits with Coconut Ice Cream
4. Homemade Banana Pudding
This classic Southern dessert is the ideal cool-down treat after a smoky BBQ feast. Layers of silky homemade vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and fluffy whipped cream create an indulgent finale that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The vanilla wafers add delightful crunch to every single spoonful. Best served chilled, this make-ahead dessert lets you focus on grilling while still knocking out an impressive, creamy sweet ending to your entire barbecue spread.
If you love this, try these: Grilled Bananas
Get the recipe: Homemade Banana Pudding
5. New York Style Smoked Cheesecake with Brandied Peaches
This New York-style cheesecake makes dessert upscale by utilizing your smoker’s gentle heat and subtle wood flavors. Rich, ultra-creamy filling sits atop a classic graham cracker crust, while light woods like apple or cherry add sophisticated smokiness without overwhelming the delicate flavors. Then, warm brandied peaches cooked over open fire provide a nice, fruity complement. The result is an elegant dessert that transforms your smoker into a bakery for truly memorable endings.
If you love this, try these: Roasted Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Cookie Crust
Get the recipe: New York Style Smoked Cheesecake with Brandied Peaches
6. Smoked Pecan Pie
This innovative twist on the beloved Southern classic upgrades traditional pecan pie through a simple yet brilliant technique. By smoking the pecans for one hour before baking, you’ll infuse subtle smokiness throughout every bite without overwhelming the classic flavors. Meanwhile, the all-butter crust provides rich foundation, while the traditional filling remains perfectly sweet and gooey. This familiar favorite with smoky depth of flavor will have guests asking for your secret ingredient.
If you love this, try these: Smoked Dutch Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie on the Grill
Get the recipe: Smoked Pecan Pie
7. Smoked Brownies with Caramel and Bacon Salt
These dark chocolate smoked brownies start simple, but they finish strong. First, a boxed brownie mix forms the base. Then, rich caramel sauce and a sprinkle of homemade bacon salt take things to a whole new level of flavor. After a quick turn on the smoker, you’re left with a sweet, smoky, salty dessert that’s perfect for any BBQ. Serve warm with ice cream or an extra drizzle of caramel to really seal the deal.
If you love this, try these: Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies, Smoked Bacon Wrapped Oreos
Get the recipe: Smoked Brownies with Caramel and Bacon Salt
8. Grilled Lemon Cake with Berries and Cream
This Grilled Lemon Cake starts with a loaf of lemon cake and ends with a show-stopping dessert that takes just 20 minutes. First, buttery slices hit the grill for caramelized edges and irresistible flavor. Then, a quick topping of sweet whipped cream and fresh berries brings it all together. It’s light, bright, and terrific at summer BBQs. No baking, no fuss, just big flavor and even bigger compliments from the crowd.
If you love this, try these: Grilled Pound Cake with Grilled Cinnamon Peaches
Get the recipe: Grilled Lemon Cake with Berries and Cream
9. Grilled Peaches with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Summer peaches get even better when you throw them on the grill with a sweet cherry balsamic glaze. These cook in just 6-8 minutes, getting nice grill marks while staying juicy and delicious. You can serve them lots of ways: as a side dish, appetizer with prosciutto, or dessert with vanilla ice cream. The simple two-ingredient glaze makes regular peaches taste fancy without much work.
If you love this, try these: Cinnamon Grilled Apples with Apple Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Get the recipe: Grilled Peaches with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
10. Smoked Salted Caramel Creme Brulee
This fancy French dessert gets a BBQ makeover that’s easier than you think. Rich, creamy custard picks up subtle smoke flavor on your grill, while salted caramel adds an awesome sweet-salty balance. Don’t worry, it’s not heavily smoked, just kissed with gentle wood flavor that makes everything taste better. Cook until it reaches 165 degrees F and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dessert that looks impressive but won’t stress you out.
Get the recipe: Smoked Salted Caramel Creme Brulee
11. Cayenne Caramels with a Pretzel Bacon Crust
These addictive holiday treats combine old-school family caramel recipes with a BBQ touch. Chewy homemade caramels get a kick from cayenne pepper, while a crunchy pretzel bacon crust adds salty surprise at the bottom. Made easily in your microwave, they’re great for gift-giving since kids won’t want the spicy version, leaving more for adults to enjoy. The sweet-salty-spicy combo makes these impossible to stop eating once you start.
Get the recipe: Cayenne Caramels with a Pretzel Bacon Crust
12. Maple Pecan Smoked Ice Cream with Candied Bacon
Who knew you could make ice cream on your smoker? This creamy homemade treat gets gently smoked for 45 minutes, picking up subtle wood flavors that complement the maple and toasted pecans. Candied bacon on top adds the ultimate sweet-salty crunch that takes this dessert over the top. It sounds fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make with your ice cream maker and creates a one-of-a-kind dessert your guests will never forget.
Get the recipe: Maple Pecan Smoked Ice Cream with Candied Bacon
13. Maple Bacon Shortbread Cookies
These aren’t your grandma’s shortbread cookies. They’re loaded with crispy bacon bits and get an amazing boost from bacon grease mixed right into the dough. The buttery cookies melt in your mouth, then get dipped halfway in homemade maple glaze for a beautiful sweet-savory combo. They’re great for holiday cookie exchanges or anytime you want something that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for bacon goodness.
Get the recipe: Maple Bacon Shortbread Cookies
14. Grilled Fruit Kabobs
These colorful kabobs are one of the easiest BBQ desserts you’ll ever make on the grill. Fresh fruit like pineapple, peaches, and strawberries get threaded with pound cake cubes, donut holes, or brownie bites for extra sweetness. They cook in just 4-6 minutes, getting perfectly caramelized without much effort. Set up a DIY kabob bar so guests can build their own combinations, then serve with chocolate sauce for the best party dessert.
Get the recipe: Grilled Fruit Kabobs
15. Homemade Whipped Cream
While not technically a dessert itself, this homemade whipped cream makes for a spot-on finishing touch for any BBQ sweet treat. Made with just four simple ingredients in minutes, it beats store-bought versions every time. The silky smooth texture and gentle vanilla sweetness makes everything from fruit crisps to brownies taste restaurant-quality. Keep your bowl and cream cold for best results, and don’t be surprised if you eat half of it with a spoon before serving.
Get the recipe: Homemade Whipped Cream
Become a Backyard BBQ Dessert Hero
With this lineup of delicious BBQ desserts, you’re sure to impress at your next cookout. If you try any of these recipes, don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating and share your thoughts in the comments!
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