Divine Grilled Desserts
Use your BBQ grill for more than just meats and vegetables! So, get out there and try these divine grilled dessert recipes at your next backyard BBQ. You’ll never go back to traditional desserts again! Of course, these recipes pair nicely with any of our other delicious grilled recipes.
Grilled desserts offer a delightful twist on traditional sweet treats, infusing them with a smoky, caramelized flavor that elevates the overall taste experience. Notably, this innovative culinary trend has gained popularity for several compelling reasons:
- Unique Flavor Profile
- Textural Contrasts
- Versatility
- Interactive Experience
- Minimalist Approach
- Healthier Option
- Year-Round Appeal
-
Our Tips & Tricks
Grilling fruit involves cooking fruit on a grill, imparting smoky flavors and caramelization to enhance their natural sweetness. Here are some details on grilling fruit:
1. Suitable Fruits:
- Stone Fruits: Peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines are popular choices. The natural sugars in these fruits caramelize well on the grill.
- Pineapple: Grilling pineapple adds a delightful smokiness and intensifies its sweetness.
- Watermelon: Grilling watermelon can create a unique flavor profile with a subtle smoky taste.
- Bananas: Grilled bananas can be served as a simple dessert or used in various recipes.
2. Preparation:
- Slicing: Cut the fruit into slices or wedges for even grilling. Larger fruits like pineapple can be cut into rings.
- Marination: While optional, marinating fruits in a mixture of honey, citrus juice, or a light syrup can enhance flavor. This also helps prevent sticking to the grill.
3. Grilling Techniques:
- Direct Heat: Place the fruit directly on the grill grates over medium-high heat. This method is suitable for fruits with a firmer texture.
- Skewers: Thread smaller fruit pieces onto skewers for easy grilling and flipping.
- Indirect Heat: For softer fruits or those that release more juice, you can use indirect heat to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
4. Grilling Time:
- Grilling times vary based on the fruit and its ripeness. Generally, 2-5 minutes per side is sufficient. You want grill marks and caramelization without overcooking.
5. Serving Ideas:
- Grilled fruit can be served on its own as a simple dessert.
- Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.
- Incorporate grilled fruit into salads for a sweet and savory combination.
- Make fruit skewers or kebabs for a fun and interactive dessert option.
6. Flavor Enhancements:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance the flavors further.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Grilling fruit is a versatile and creative way to enjoy seasonal produce, offering a range of possibilities for delicious and visually appealing desserts.
Grilled Dessert: Strawberry Marshmallow Skewers
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 4 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak for 20 minutes beforehand)
- 12 medium-sized strawberries
- 12 large marshmallows
First, heat grill to medium-high heat Next, alternate strawberries and marshmallows on skewers Then, place skewers directly on the grill until the marshmallows have browned
Grilled Dessert: Carmelized Peaches
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 3 large peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
First, heat grill to medium-high heat Next, brush cut side of peaches with butter, rub brown sugar into butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon Then, place peaches with cut side up and grill for 3 minutes. Flip and grill another 3-5 minutes, or until brown and tender Finally, serve with ice cream
A Popular Dessert Choice
Grilled fruit can be a popular choice for dessert for several reasons. Whether it's pineapple, peaches, watermelon, or other fruits, grilling can transform them into a delightful and unique dessert experience.
- Enhanced Flavor: Grilling fruits can enhance their natural sweetness and bring out unique flavors. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the fruit, creating a delicious and slightly smoky taste.
- Textural Contrast: Grilling adds a charred and caramelized exterior to the fruit while maintaining a juicy interior. This textural contrast can be satisfying and add complexity to the overall dessert experience.
- Versatility: Grilled fruit is versatile and can be used in various dessert preparations. It can be served on its own, in salads, as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or even incorporated into grilled fruit skewers.
- Seasonal Appeal: Grilling is often associated with outdoor cooking, making it a popular choice during warmer seasons. It's a great way to enjoy seasonal fruits and add a refreshing touch to the meal.
- Simple Preparation: Grilling fruit is generally a simple process that doesn't require elaborate preparation. It can be done quickly, making it a convenient option for a dessert that doesn't require extensive time in the kitchen.
- Healthier Option: Grilled fruit can be a healthier dessert option compared to some other indulgent treats. It retains more of its natural nutrients, and you have the flexibility to control the amount of added sugar.
Grilled desserts bring a burst of creativity to the culinary world, offering a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and charred flavors. Their versatile nature, interactive appeal, and ability to transform even the simplest ingredients into extraordinary delights make them a positive and enticing addition to any dessert menu or home cooking adventure. We have a wide variety of grills for every lifestyle! We recommend brands like RCS, Artisan, DCS, Vintage, Viking, and more!
Find more recipes, tips, and buying guides in our Learning Center and connect with The Outdoor Appliance Store on Facebook and Instagram.
You may also like...Keeping Your Outdoor Kitchen Clean
