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Summer BBQs are all about good food, great company, and unforgettable flavors. While savory dishes like grilled meats and smoky veggies take the spotlight, it’s the sweet treats that truly round off the meal. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or a laid-back picnic, these 22+ summer BBQ dessert recipes are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. From fruity delights to indulgent chocolate creations, these desserts bring a refreshing end to your summer gatherings. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering options that promise to make your BBQ extra special!
22+ Delicious Summer BBQ Dessert Recipes to Sweeten Your Gathering
A summer BBQ wouldn’t be complete without the perfect dessert to top off a meal of smoky, grilled goodness. Whether you opt for refreshing fruit-based desserts or indulgent, rich options, these 22+ summer BBQ dessert recipes offer something for everyone. The variety of flavors and textures will complement your BBQ spread, making sure your guests leave with full hearts and satisfied taste buds. These recipes aren’t just desserts—they’re a way to celebrate the sweet moments of summer. So, get ready to fire up the grill and sweeten up your gathering with these irresistible treats!
Lemon Meringue Pie Bars
This lemon meringue pie bar is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a crispy graham cracker crust that melts into a creamy, citrusy filling. The meringue topping is fluffy and light, gently caramelized on top, offering a delightful contrast to the tartness of the lemon.
These bars are a crowd-pleaser at any summer BBQ, combining the refreshing zest of lemon with a smooth, velvety texture. Whether you enjoy them as a refreshing palate cleanser after a savory meal or as a stand-alone treat, they’re sure to add a burst of flavor to your gathering.
Grilled Peaches with Honey and Cinnamon
Grilled peaches bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit, infused with a smoky char that elevates its flavor profile. Topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this dessert offers a warm and inviting aroma that fills the air.
As the peaches caramelize on the grill, they become tender and juicy, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for summer. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed as is, it’s an indulgent yet light dessert that complements any BBQ.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Nothing beats the indulgence of a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake, with its rich molten center oozing out as you break through the cake’s tender exterior. The chocolate flavor is deep and satisfying, balanced by a slight bitterness that adds complexity to each bite.
This decadent dessert is a true showstopper for any BBQ, offering an irresistible combination of textures: crispy on the outside and luxuriously soft on the inside. Paired with a scoop of cold ice cream or fresh berries, it’s the ultimate indulgence to end a summer feast.
Coconut Cream Pie
A chilled coconut cream pie is a dreamy dessert with its silky smooth coconut filling nestled inside a buttery, flaky crust. The toasted coconut flakes on top add a nutty crunch that complements the creamy base, while a hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile.
Perfect for a summer BBQ, this pie offers a refreshing and tropical vibe with every bite. Its delicate sweetness and creamy texture make it an ideal option for those looking for a dessert that feels both indulgent and light, with each bite transporting you to a tropical paradise.
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a quintessential summer treat, with sweet, juicy strawberries layered between soft, buttery shortcake biscuits and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the light and fluffy texture, makes every bite a celebration of summer.
It’s an incredibly versatile dessert, whether you enjoy it as a standalone treat or alongside grilled meats at a BBQ. The juicy strawberries burst with flavor, and the whipped cream adds a rich, velvety finish to this refreshing dessert.
S’mores Dip
S’mores dip brings all the gooey, indulgent flavors of a campfire classic into an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for summer BBQs. Melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows are baked together until they form a creamy, irresistible dip, ready to be scooped up with crunchy graham crackers.
The warm chocolate and toasted marshmallow aroma is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This dessert is perfect for sharing, allowing everyone to indulge in the rich flavors of s’mores without the hassle of a fire.
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a bright and refreshing dessert that brings the tangy goodness of key limes together with a creamy, sweet filling. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the filling is smooth and zesty, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
This dessert is a great way to add a burst of citrus to your summer BBQ, offering a cool, crisp contrast to the warmth of grilled dishes. Its bright, refreshing taste and smooth texture make it an unforgettable treat for any outdoor gathering.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Pineapple upside-down cake is a tropical delight with caramelized, juicy pineapple slices that become soft and syrupy during baking. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, with a hint of vanilla that complements the richness of the caramelized fruit.
Perfect for summer BBQs, this cake serves up a balance of sweetness and tang with every bite. The golden pineapple topping glistens, adding a touch of elegance to your BBQ spread while delivering a nostalgic, comforting flavor.
No-Bake Cheesecake
No-bake cheesecake is the ultimate in creamy indulgence, with a velvety smooth filling made from cream cheese, whipped cream, and a touch of vanilla. The buttery graham cracker crust serves as the perfect base, creating a satisfying contrast in texture to the rich, cool filling.
This dessert is ideal for hot summer days when you want a refreshing treat without the need for baking. It’s versatile enough to be topped with fresh berries, caramel sauce, or even chocolate, making it a customizable choice for any BBQ menu.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple yet luxurious dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh, juicy strawberries with the richness of smooth chocolate. As the chocolate hardens, it forms a glossy, crackling shell that provides a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet fruit inside.
These little treats are perfect for summer BBQs, offering a sweet bite of indulgence in every serving. Whether served on their own or as part of a dessert platter, they bring a decadent yet light touch to any gathering.
Blueberry Crumble
Blueberry crumble features ripe, juicy blueberries baked to perfection with a buttery, golden crumble topping. The fruit becomes tender and sweet, while the topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the berries.
This warm, comforting dessert is a perfect addition to any summer BBQ, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s easy to make in a large dish and can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet bananas, and buttery vanilla wafers. As the pudding chills, the layers meld together, creating a delightful texture that’s both creamy and crunchy.
This dessert is a crowd-pleaser for BBQs, offering a nostalgic and comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. It’s a versatile dessert, easily made in a large trifle dish, and it’s sure to leave everyone craving just one more spoonful.
Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is the epitome of cozy comfort with tender baked apples topped with a buttery, oat-based crumble. The apples release their sweet juices, mingling with cinnamon and sugar to create a fragrant, mouthwatering filling.
This dessert is perfect for a summer BBQ, offering a warm, satisfying option to complement your grilled dishes. Its comforting, homemade flavor is enhanced by the crispy topping, and when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s truly irresistible.
Raspberry Sorbet
Raspberry sorbet is a refreshing and light dessert that’s bursting with vibrant, tart raspberry flavor. Its smooth, icy texture provides the perfect cool-down after a sunny BBQ, leaving your taste buds refreshed with each spoonful.
This dessert is a fantastic way to enjoy the bright, fruity goodness of summer raspberries. It’s sweet and tangy, with a burst of natural fruitiness that makes it a perfect palate cleanser or a light end to your meal.
Churros
Churros are golden, crispy, and dusted with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Biting into one reveals a soft, airy interior, making them the ultimate hand-held dessert.
These little treats are ideal for summer BBQs, offering a fun and interactive dessert option that pairs perfectly with a rich chocolate dipping sauce. The irresistible aroma of freshly fried churros will draw guests in, making them the star of your dessert table.
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a heartwarming, rustic dessert that combines juicy peaches with a fluffy, biscuit-like topping. As it bakes, the peaches become tender and syrupy, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that screams summer.
This dish is perfect for a BBQ, offering a combination of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors in every bite. Its comforting texture and fruity richness make it a crowd favorite, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top only makes it better.
Pudding Pops
Pudding pops are a fun and nostalgic frozen treat that offers a creamy, smooth pudding texture with a chill, refreshing twist. Whether made from vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch, they’re an easy-to-make, no-bake dessert that cools you down on a hot summer day.
These frozen treats are perfect for BBQs, offering a playful and portable dessert. Their creamy texture and sweet flavor make them an irresistible option for both kids and adults to enjoy in the sun.
Watermelon Sorbet
Watermelon sorbet is the ultimate refreshing dessert for summer, packed with the pure, natural sweetness of ripe watermelon. Its icy, smooth texture melts in your mouth, leaving you with a clean, fruity finish.
This sorbet is perfect for a BBQ, offering a light, cool, and hydrating treat to balance out rich grilled flavors. Its vibrant pink color and fresh taste will surely become a favorite at your summer gatherings.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a delightful combination of refreshing minty flavor and rich chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of cool and indulgent. The creamy texture of the ice cream is complemented by the crunch of the chocolate, offering a satisfying contrast in every bite.
This dessert is a great choice for any summer BBQ, providing a refreshing cool-down after a hearty meal. Its vibrant mint flavor and chocolatey bits make it a crowd favorite, perfect for enjoying on its own or in an ice cream sundae.
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry pie is a timeless dessert featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with plump, juicy blueberries and sweetened to perfection. The tangy berries burst with flavor as they bake, while the crust turns golden and crisp, adding a delightful crunch.
Ideal for summer BBQs, this pie offers a balance of sweet and tart, making it a delicious choice after grilled meats. Whether served warm or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a treat that will never go out of style.
Peach Melba
Peach Melba is a classic dessert that combines sweet, juicy peaches with the richness of vanilla ice cream and a tart raspberry sauce. The peaches are gently poached, creating a tender texture that pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy ice cream.
This elegant dessert is perfect for summer BBQs, offering a refreshing, light option to finish off a meal. The combination of fresh peaches, smooth ice cream, and tangy raspberry sauce creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
S’mores Bars
S’mores bars are a no-fuss version of the classic campfire treat, combining gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and a graham cracker crust into an easy-to-eat bar form. The layers meld together, creating a chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey experience in every bite.
These bars are perfect for a summer BBQ, offering the nostalgic flavors of s’mores without the need for a campfire. They’re portable, fun, and sure to please guests of all ages, making them a hit at any outdoor gathering.
Banana Foster
Banana Foster is a decadent dessert with caramelized bananas served in a rich, spiced rum sauce, often flambéed to add a touch of drama. The warm, sweet sauce complements the tender, caramelized bananas, creating a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and bursting with flavor.
This dessert is perfect for a summer BBQ when you want something both impressive and delicious. The combination of bananas and the rich sauce makes for a comforting, yet refined treat that’s perfect for a special occasion or casual outdoor dining.
Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is a creamy, delicate Italian dessert that has a silky smooth texture and a subtle vanilla flavor. The custard-like base is gently set to create a wobbly, melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the topping can be customized with fresh fruit or berry compote.
This light and refreshing dessert is perfect for summer BBQs, offering a cool and elegant finish to a meal. The smooth, creamy texture pairs beautifully with tangy fruit toppings, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice for any gathering.
Conclusion
Dessert is the grand finale to any BBQ, and these 22+ summer BBQ dessert recipes will ensure that your meal ends on a sweet note. From creamy ice creams to fruit-filled delights, each recipe is designed to enhance the joy of summer gatherings. Whether you’re serving up a crowd-pleasing classic or trying something new and exciting, these desserts will add the perfect finishing touch to your BBQ. So, don’t forget to plan for the sweets—your guests will thank you for it!
