best desserts for grilling

For years, grilling desserts has lacked a dedicated tool that offers both safety and flavor, which is why I was excited to test the 6-Pack Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef, and more. These planks are made from certified food-safe cedar, ensuring a smoky aroma without any harmful glues or adhesives—nothing worse than taking a bite and tasting chemicals.

After trying them with everything from fruits to baked goods, I found that their perfect 5×11″ size balances ease of use with versatile application. They hold enough flavor and moisture to elevate desserts like grilled pineapple or peach cobbler, making them a must-have for any backyard BBQ. Unlike other options, these planks are sourced and made in the USA, proving top quality and safety. Trust me, once you experience how much richer and jazzed-up your desserts become, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try cedar planks for grilling.

Top Recommendation: 6-Pack Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef

Why We Recommend It: These planks stand out because they are food-safe, certified free of unsafe glues, and perfectly sized for various desserts and proteins. Their 5×11″ dimension offers the right balance of surface area and control, unlike larger or smaller alternatives. Made in the USA, they ensure quality and safety, which is critical when cooking sweet treats. Their versatility—usable for fruits, vegetables, and desserts—makes them the best all-around option for grilling sweet creations.

Best desserts for grilling: Our Top 3 Picks

• 6-Pack Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef, – Best Value
• Grilling & Barbecuing: Best-ever Recipes for Meats, – Best Premium Option
• Char-Broil Surf & Turf Grill Recipes with Tips & Photos – Best for Seafood and Meat Pairings

What Types of Desserts Can Be Grilled?

The best desserts for grilling include a variety of sweet treats that can be enhanced by the smoky flavors of the grill.

• Grilled Peaches: Juicy peaches are cut in half, pitted, and brushed with a bit of oil or honey before being grilled. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, resulting in a sweet and tender dessert that can be served with ice cream or yogurt.
• Grilled Pineapple: Pineapple slices or spears are often marinated in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before grilling. This process intensifies the fruit’s sweetness and adds a delightful char, making it a perfect topping for desserts like cakes or served with coconut cream.
• Grilled Banana Boats: Bananas are sliced down the middle (while still in their peels) and filled with chocolate chips and marshmallows before being wrapped in foil and placed on the grill. The heat melts the fillings and softens the banana, creating a gooey, decadent treat that’s easy to enjoy outdoors.
• Grilled Pound Cake: Slices of pound cake are brushed with butter and grilled until golden brown and slightly crispy. The grilling adds a smoky flavor and enhances the cake’s sweetness, making it an excellent base for fresh fruit or whipped cream.
• Grilled S’mores: Traditional s’mores can be made on the grill by toasting marshmallows and melting chocolate between graham crackers. This method allows for a controlled heat source, ensuring perfectly gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate for a classic campfire treat.

Which Fruits Are Ideal for Grilling?

The best fruits for grilling offer a unique combination of sweetness and texture that enhances their natural flavors when cooked over an open flame.

• Pineapple: This tropical fruit caramelizes beautifully when grilled, intensifying its sweetness. The heat softens the flesh, making it juicy and tender, perfect for adding to desserts or serving alongside grilled meats.
• Peaches: Grilled peaches develop a smoky flavor that complements their natural sweetness. They can be served with ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for cakes, making them an excellent choice for summer desserts.
• Watermelon: Grilling watermelon brings out its sweetness and adds a surprising smoky element. The firm texture holds up well on the grill, and it can be served as a refreshing side dish or incorporated into a fruit salad.
• Bananas: When grilled, bananas become caramelized and creamy, making them a delicious treat. They can be served with chocolate sauce or ice cream, and their natural sweetness is enhanced by the grilling process.
• Figs: Grilling figs intensifies their rich sweetness and creates a delightful contrast with their soft texture. They can be served fresh or used in desserts, paired wonderfully with cheese or drizzled with honey.
• Strawberries: Grilled strawberries become softer and sweeter, with a hint of smokiness. They are fantastic when added to desserts like shortcakes or transformed into a vibrant topping for ice cream.
• Apples: Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well on the grill, becoming tender while maintaining their shape. Grilled apples can be sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, making them a delightful addition to pies or as a standalone dessert.

How Can You Prepare Pineapple for Grilling?

Preparing pineapple for grilling enhances its natural sweetness and creates a delicious dessert option.

• Selecting the Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple that has a sweet aroma and feels firm yet slightly soft when pressed. Look for a pineapple with vibrant green leaves, as this indicates freshness.
• Cleaning and Peeling: Rinse the pineapple under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then stand it upright and slice off the skin in vertical strips, ensuring you remove the eyes, which can be bitter.
• Slicing: Cut the pineapple into thick rings or wedges, about 1 inch thick, to prevent them from falling apart on the grill. This thickness allows for a good caramelization while keeping the fruit juicy.
• Marinating (optional): For added flavor, marinate the pineapple in a mixture of honey, lime juice, and a pinch of cinnamon for about 30 minutes. This step enhances the sweetness and adds a refreshing zest that complements the grilling process.
• Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the fruit is tender and caramelized.
• Serving: Serve the grilled pineapple warm, either on its own or with toppings like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Drizzling with additional honey or a scoop of sorbet can elevate the dessert experience.

What Are the Best Berries for Grilling?

Some of the best berries for grilling include:

• Strawberries: Strawberries become incredibly sweet and juicy when grilled, enhancing their natural flavor. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the berries, making them a perfect topping for desserts like ice cream or shortcakes.
• Blueberries: Grilling blueberries intensifies their flavor and creates a delightful smoky sweetness. They can be skewered and added to fruit salads or used to create a unique compote for drizzling over grilled desserts.
• Raspberries: Raspberries are delicate and grill quickly, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with sweeter grilled items, making them an excellent choice for pairing with creamy desserts.
• Blackberries: Blackberries hold up well on the grill and develop a rich, deep flavor when cooked. Their juicy texture makes them ideal for grilling in foil packets, which can then be served with whipped cream or yogurt.

What Are Some Easy Grilled Dessert Recipes?

Some easy grilled dessert recipes include:

• Grilled Peaches: Grilling peaches enhances their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized exterior. Simply cut the peaches in half, remove the pit, and grill them cut-side down until they are soft and slightly charred. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a delightful treat.
• Grilled Pineapple: Pineapple becomes juicy and tender when grilled, and the heat brings out its sweetness. Slice fresh pineapple into rings or wedges, brush with a little coconut oil or brown sugar, and grill until grill marks appear. This tropical dessert can be served with yogurt or as a topping for cakes and ice creams.
• Grilled Banana Boats: This fun dessert involves slitting a banana lengthwise, stuffing it with chocolate chips and marshmallows, and wrapping it in aluminum foil. Place the foil packet on the grill for about 5-10 minutes until everything is melted and gooey. Enjoy it straight from the foil for a messy, delightful treat.
• Grilled Pound Cake: Grilling pound cake gives it a toasty flavor and a slightly crispy texture. Slice store-bought or homemade pound cake and grill each slice until golden brown. Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert.
• Grilled S’mores Skewers: These skewers simplify the classic campfire treat by combining marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker pieces on a stick. Grill the skewers until the marshmallows are toasted and the chocolate is melty, then enjoy them as a fun and easy dessert perfect for gatherings.

How Do You Make Grilled Peach Sundaes?

Grilled peach sundaes combine the smoky sweetness of caramelized peaches with creamy ice cream for a delightful summer dessert. Here’s how to create this treat:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Vanilla ice cream
• Crushed nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans, optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high.
2. Prepare the Peaches: On a plate, sprinkle brown sugar over the peach halves. Add small dollops of butter on top of each peach.
3. Grill the Peaches: Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear and the peaches are softened.
4. Assemble the Sundae: Remove the peaches from the grill. In bowls, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream, top with a warm grilled peach half, and sprinkle crushed nuts if desired.
5. Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve immediately for a warm and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

What Is the Method for Creating Grilled Banana Boats?

Grilled banana boats are a delightful dessert made by splitting bananas and filling them with various toppings before grilling them until they are warm and gooey. This method combines the sweetness of the banana with the rich flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, nuts, and other toppings, creating a delicious treat perfect for outdoor grilling.

According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, grilling is not only for savory foods but can also be a wonderful way to prepare desserts, with grilled fruits often highlighted for their enhanced flavors. Grilled banana boats exemplify how simple ingredients can be transformed into an indulgent dish that appeals to both children and adults alike.

Key aspects of creating grilled banana boats include selecting ripe bananas, which provide the best sweetness and texture. The bananas are typically left in their peels, which help to hold them together while grilling. A slit is made along the top of the banana, allowing for the insertion of fillings such as chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, peanut butter, or even granola. Wrapping the filled bananas in aluminum foil before placing them on the grill helps to trap heat and steam, ensuring that the ingredients melt and blend together beautifully.

This method of dessert preparation has gained popularity due to its simplicity and the fun, interactive experience it offers for family and friends during summer barbecues or camping trips. Grilled banana boats allow for customization, as individuals can choose their preferred fillings, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. According to a survey by the American Grilling Association, 73% of grill owners enjoy experimenting with desserts on the grill, highlighting the rising trend of sweet options in outdoor cooking.

The impact of grilled banana boats extends beyond just taste; they are also a healthier alternative to many traditional desserts, as bananas provide natural sugars, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients. This makes them a guilt-free indulgence that aligns with a balanced diet, especially when complemented with nutritious toppings like nuts or yogurt. Additionally, the communal aspect of grilling desserts fosters connection and creativity among participants, making it a memorable part of any gathering.

To ensure the best results when preparing grilled banana boats, best practices include using ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming mushy, ensuring even cooking by placing them over indirect heat, and experimenting with various toppings to discover unique flavor combinations. Incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile, making grilled banana boats a versatile dessert option appropriate for many occasions.

What Advantages Come with Grilling Desserts?

Grilling desserts offers unique advantages that elevate flavor and texture, making them a delightful choice for gatherings.

• Enhanced Flavor: Grilling desserts infuses them with a smoky, charred flavor that can’t be replicated in traditional baking methods.
• Unique Textures: The high heat from the grill creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a gooey or soft interior, providing a delightful contrast.
• Quick Cooking Time: Many desserts can be grilled quickly, allowing for fast preparation and serving, which is perfect for outdoor events.
• Creative Presentation: Grilled desserts can be beautifully plated and garnished, making them visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests.
• Versatile Ingredients: Grilling allows for a variety of ingredients—from fruits to cakes—expanding the range of dessert possibilities.

Enhanced Flavor: The grilling process caramelizes sugars and intensifies the natural flavors of the ingredients, creating a rich and complex taste profile. This is particularly evident in fruits such as peaches or pineapples, which develop a delicious sweetness when grilled.

Unique Textures: Grilling can transform the texture of desserts, providing a crispy or caramelized outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. For example, a grilled pound cake can have a delightful crunch on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.

Quick Cooking Time: Grilled desserts often require less time to cook compared to oven-baked options, making them ideal for last-minute additions to a meal. Items like skewered fruits or small cakes can be ready in just a few minutes.

Creative Presentation: The visual appeal of grilled desserts can be heightened with creative garnishes or plating techniques, turning simple ingredients into stunning dishes. A grilled fruit platter, for instance, can be elegantly arranged and drizzled with sauce for a gourmet touch.

Versatile Ingredients: Grilling opens up a world of dessert options, allowing chefs to experiment with various ingredients like fruits, doughs, and even chocolates. This versatility means that almost any dessert can be adapted for the grill, providing endless culinary possibilities.

What Tips Should You Follow for Perfectly Grilled Desserts?

To achieve perfectly grilled desserts, consider the following tips:

• Choose the Right Ingredients: Opt for fruits like peaches, pineapples, and bananas that hold up well on the grill. These fruits caramelize beautifully when grilled, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a deliciously smoky flavor.
• Marinate for Flavor: Marinating fruits in a mixture of honey, citrus juice, or spices can elevate their taste. A brief soak in these mixtures not only adds flavor but also helps to create a lovely glaze when grilled.
• Use Skewers: Threading fruits or dessert bites onto skewers makes them easier to handle on the grill. This method also allows for even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from falling through the grates.
• Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to the right temperature before placing your desserts on it. A hot grill helps achieve those perfect grill marks and prevents sticking, ensuring your desserts cook evenly.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Desserts like fruits can cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Generally, grilling for 2-4 minutes per side is sufficient, depending on the fruit or dessert type.
• Use Foil Packets: For more delicate desserts, consider using foil packets to protect them from direct heat. This method helps retain moisture and prevents burning while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Toppings: Once your dessert is grilled, enhance it with toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, or drizzles of chocolate or caramel. These additions can take your grilled desserts to the next level, making them more indulgent and appealing.
• Allow for Cooling: After grilling, let your desserts cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to eat, especially for grilled fruits that can be quite hot.

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