Summer Barbecue Dessert Recipes: Refreshing Ideas for Your Next Outdoors Gathering

Looking for the perfect dessert to serve at your next summer barbecue? Look no further. Here are some homemade dessert recipes that will surely impress your guests and provide the perfect ending to a delightful outdoor gathering. From classic favorites to unique and delicious creations, there is something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

Classic Summer Fruit Salads

There’s nothing like a fresh, colorful fruit salad to cool off your guests on a hot summer day. Combine a variety of mixed berries and melons for a vibrant and refreshing treat. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Fruit Salad with Mixed Berries and Melons

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced 1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 cup melon balls (such as cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon)

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and gently mix. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

Grilled peaches are a delightful twist on a traditional dessert. Serve them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream to create a unique and indulgent combination. Here’s how to make it:

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream

4 ripe peaches, sliced in half and pitted 1 tablespoon honey Skin of 1 lemon, zested Spoonful of your favorite ice cream (optional)

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the peach halves with honey and sprinkle with lemon zest. Place the peach halves on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until lightly charred. Serve each slice with a scoop of ice cream.

Moist and Delicious Smores

Smores are a crowd-pleaser, especially when roasted over an open flame. This classic outdoor treat is easy to make and even easier to eat. Here’s a simple recipe:

Moires Roasted Over an Open Flame

6 marshmallows 6 graham crackers, halves (optional) 6 cookies (of your choice)

Place a marshmallow over the flame. Toast it until it is golden and gooey, then add a bite-sized cookie and graham cracker half (if using) and enjoy immediately while it’s still warm.

Unique Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are always a hit at summer barbecues. With a combination of cookies and soft-serve ice cream, they are messy but oh-so-delicious. Try this recipe:

Ice Cream Sandwiches with Cookies and Soft-Serve Ice Cream

12 cookies (such as chocolate chip or vanilla wafers) Soft-serve ice cream (enough to fill one cookie)

Place two cookies on a baking sheet and fill the center of one with a generous scoop of soft-serve ice cream. Top with the other cookie. Frost the ice cream sandwich with additional cookie crumbs if desired. Freeze for about 30 minutes before serving for a solid texture.

Exquisite Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a classic summer dessert. Whether you prefer poundcake or biscuits, it’s a feast for the senses. Here’s how to make it:

Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream

1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced 1 pint whipped cream 1 pound fresh pound cake, cut into slices Optional: 1 cup sugar (add to the strawberries for sweetness)

In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with a little sugar (if needed) to sweeten. Place a layer of strawberries at the bottom of each cake slice, then spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy and fruity delight.

Exotic Popsicles

Popsicles are a nostalgic and refreshing treat. Make them from fruit juice or fresh fruit for an extra burst of flavor. Here’s a basic recipe:

Popsicles Made with Fruit Juice and Fresh Fruit

4 cups fresh or canned fruit juice (such as strawberry, peach, or mango) 1 cup fresh fruit, pureed or sliced (optional) Popsicle molds (approximately 12)

Mix the fruit juice and pureed or sliced fruit in a large pitcher. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving some space at the top. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Traditional Desserts: Apple and Peach Pies

When it comes to homemade desserts, nothing beats a classic apple or peach pie. Along with apple crisp, these fillings offer a warm and comforting option for your barbecue. Here’s a simple suggestion for a peach pie:

Peach Pie

1 and 1/2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled and sliced 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

In a large bowl, toss the peach slices with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place the filling in a pie crust and top with a second crust, crimping the edges. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for another 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Fresh and Innovative: Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Sorbet

Grilled pineapple is a delicious and unique addition to your barbecue spread. Pair it with a cold coconut sorbet for a perfect contrast of flavors. Here’s how to prepare it:

Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet

2 ripe pineapples 1 can of coconut sorbet

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Cut the pineapples into slices, then brush them with a little oil to prevent them from browning too quickly. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until lightly charred. Serve each slice with a scoop of coconut sorbet for a tropical twist on a summer dessert.

Berry Crisp with Oat Topping

Berry crisp is a comforting yet easy dessert to make. Combine your favorite mixed berries with a crunchy oat topping for a sweet and satisfying finish. Here’s the recipe:

Berry Crisp with Mixed Berries and a Crunchy Oat Topping

2 cups mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

In a bowl, toss the mixed berries with a little sugar and flour to prevent them from becoming too mushy. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the fruit, distributing it evenly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the berries are bubbling around the edges.

Relaxing and Refreshing: Watermelon Slushies and Sorbets

Watermelon slushies or sorbets are just the ticket on a hot summer day. This refreshing dessert is perfect for a light and healthy option. Here’s how to make a delicious watermelon slushie:

Watermelon Slushie

2 large seedless watermelons 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (optional) 1 cup fresh lime juice (optional)

With a blender, blend the watermelon until it is smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds. Add fresh lime juice to taste. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until firm. To serve, simply blend the frozen slushies with a little water and serve in glasses.

Enjoy these delicious and refreshing dessert recipes at your next summer barbecue. Whether you opt for a classic fruit salad or a unique grilled peach paired with ice cream, these desserts are sure to be a hit with your guests.