Pick the perfect ending to your next backyard bash with delicious BBQ desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth. People often associate barbecues with savory flavors like burgers and steaks, but a great feast isn’t complete without something sweet.
Prolonging the fun by including a variety of easy-to-make desserts is an excellent way to ensure everyone leaves the party feeling satisfied.
Lime Lemon Poke Cake
Among the many innovative dessert creations, one that stands out is the poke cake, a delightful treat that’s essentially cake that you literally poke holes into to infuse it with additional flavorings. This unique process allows for the incorporation of various fillings, elevating the taste and texture of the sponge cake. When combined with citrusy lime and lemon flavors, the result is an extraordinary dessert that boasts a delectable fusion of lemon pudding and key lime pie.
Butterscotch Bars
Justly deserving of their reputation as decadent treats, these bars offer an unparalleled level of indulgence. The gooey center is a game-changer, and the rich butterscotch flavor is a true standout. Even on its own, this dessert is heavenly, but it’s also incredibly versatile. For those who want to take it to the next level, topping them with coffee frosting is an option that’s both easy to execute and rewarding.
To make the frosting, you’ll need just a few ingredients: coffee granules, water, butter, and sugar. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the dessert and add an extra layer of flavor. One of the best things about desserts in bar form is their convenience – they’re easy to transport, making them perfect for outdoor events like barbecues, picnics, and tailgating parties.
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake in a Jar
Laden with a variety of sweet treats, my love for dessert knows no bounds. Whether it’s a rich and decadent cake or a refreshing fruit salad, I always make sure to save room for something sweet at the end of every meal. In fact, I’m so passionate about dessert that I’ll even pack a treat on-the-go if need be! This lemon blueberry cheesecake in a jar is the perfect example – it’s portable and delicious. There’s just something truly special about this cheesecake that sets my heart racing.
Its rich and crumbly texture is incredibly appealing, and the thought of sinking my teeth into a slice is making my mouth water. But what really takes this dessert to new heights is the addition of lemon juice and fresh blueberries on top. It’s a game-changer! And the best part? This cheesecake requires no baking – just mix, pour, and chill. If that’s not perfection, I don’t know what is!
Peach Crumble
Years ago, peach crumble was a staple in many households, but its popularity seems to have waned over time. Yet, it remains an exceptional dessert that deserves to be revisited and enjoyed by all. The combination of textures and flavors is truly unbeatable – the snap of fresh peaches, the warmth of spices like cinnamon and ginger, and the richness of a buttery crust.
When you pair snappy and juicy peaches with a mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of ginger, the result is nothing short of magical. The simplicity of this dessert is also part of its charm, requiring just a few minutes to prepare before letting the oven work its magic.
Coconut Ice Cream
Understandably, everyone loves a good barbecue, but what really sets one apart from the rest is the sweet treats that come after. It’s surprising how easily a refreshing coconut ice cream can elevate the entire experience! Not only will this dessert be a hit with your guests, but it’s also incredibly rich and creamy, despite being dairy-free.
No need to invest in an expensive ice cream maker – just combine coconut milk, vanilla, salt, and a sweetener of your choice to create this fabulous dessert. And if you want to take it up a notch, feel free to get creative by adding other flavors such as coffee, peanut butter, strawberries, or even cookie dough to name just a few!
Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake
Magical desserts like strawberry shortcake never fail to captivate our senses with their sweet charm. The simplicity of using a Bisquick mix allows for rapid assembly, ensuring this delightful treat is ready in no time. Imagine a majestic stack of fluffy biscuits, succulent fresh strawberries, and the lightest whipped cream coming together in perfect harmony.
It’s little wonder that your guests will be utterly enamored with it, perhaps even considering it the crowning glory of your next barbecue celebration!
Lemon Meringue Pie
Just envisioning a slice of this heavenly dessert is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Sweet and tart lemon custard resting on a crumbly crust, topped with toasted meringue – it’s the quintessential classic lemon meringue pie that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth. The tangy lemon flavor makes it the perfect treat for the summer season, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just need a cooling dessert to beat the heat.
It’s the ultimate solution if you feel like there’s something missing from your outdoor gathering, as it adds a delightful twist to your menu.
Banana Split Lasagna
Zeroing in on the sweet treats that bring us joy, I have to confess – I’m a sucker for ice cream, bananas, and no-bake desserts. It’s only natural, then, that I was utterly thrilled when I stumbled upon this recipe for a show-stopping no-bake banana split lasagna!
With its impressive five layers of indulgence – from the crunchy crust to the creamy filling, fresh strawberries, sweet pineapple, decadent banana cream pudding, and fluffy whipped cream – this dessert is truly fit for a king (or queen). And let’s not forget the crowning glory: a rich drizzle of chocolate syrup that takes it to new heights.
Pina Colada Cupcake
Creating a dessert as vibrant as a tropical island getaway is no easy feat, but this cupcake manages to transport you to a paradise of flavors with every bite. The combination of fluffy pineapple cupcake and coconut buttercream frosting is reminiscent of the refreshing taste of a piña colada, but in a delightful cupcake form that’s perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
Icebox Cake
Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for your next outdoor gathering? Look no further than this incredible icebox cake! Made with layers of crispy graham crackers, sweet whipped cream, and luscious summer fruits, this treat is sure to impress. I’m using bananas and strawberries in my recipe, but feel free to get creative and use your favorite fruit combinations – the possibilities are endless! The best part? This no-bake dessert is incredibly easy to make!
Simply layer all the ingredients in a rectangular container, pop it in the fridge, and let the magic happen. And don’t worry if you can’t resist sneaking a peek before it’s chilled – the waiting game is worth it, as the graham crackers transform into moist and tender cake layers.
Cream Cheese Brownies
Feeling indecisive about choosing between cheesecake and brownies? Why not combine them into one phenomenal dessert that will surely satisfy your cravings. These cream cheese brownies cleverly merge the richness of cheesecake with the fudginess of traditional brownies, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Just imagine your favorite brownie swirling with a creamy custard – it’s a match made in heaven!
It may sound like madness to combine two desserts into one, but I’m confident you’ll fall head over heels for this innovative treat. And the best part? You won’t need an overwhelming amount of ingredients to make it happen. In fact, the additional cheesecake swirl requires just four extra ingredients: cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and a single egg.
Peanut Butter Bars
Zest for something new in the world of desserts is always a great thing, especially when it involves two of life’s greatest pairings: peanut butter and chocolate. This no-bake dessert is tailor-made for fans of this classic combination. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can whip up these fantastic bars in no time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick dessert solution, this recipe delivers.
It requires only 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts. And the best part? These treats are ridiculously easy to make and pack a delicious punch.
Triple Berry Trifle
Visually stunning and incredibly flavorful, this triple berry trifle is a showstopper at any gathering! Layered with tender angel food cake, rich pudding, succulent strawberries, juicy blueberries, and sweet raspberries, this dessert is the epitome of summer’s sweetness. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a large outdoor barbecue, individual servings make it easy to serve your guests.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Glorious desserts like this pineapple upside-down cake are truly a delight. The combination of moist and tender cake, caramel sauce, and the sweetness of pineapple rings and cherries is a match made in heaven. It’s no wonder that this refreshing summer dessert has become a staple at barbecues everywhere. Not only does the flavor profile pair perfectly with grilled meats, but the structure of the cake also makes it incredibly portable and easy to transport from one gathering to another.
Nutella Stuffed Cookies
Adding an extra layer of flavor to already perfect chocolate chip cookies is definitely possible, and it starts with Nutella. While it’s true that incorporating Nutella requires a bit more effort upfront, trust me when I say that the result is well worth the added step. Preparing the Nutella filling itself isn’t complicated at all – simply place dollops of Nutella on a parchment paper, freeze, and wait for the desired consistency to be achieved.
When you take a bite of one of these cookies and that rich, chocolatey Nutella filling bursts forth, it’s an experience unlike any other. I must admit, I’m not typically a fan of surprises, but this particular combination is definitely an exception.
Blueberry Crumble
Making desserts with sweet and juicy blueberries as the main attraction is always a delight, but adding a buttery and crumbly topping takes them to a whole new level. It’s the crumble that makes this dessert truly heavenly, and what sets it apart from other recipes is the use of melted instead of cold butter. This simple yet effective substitution not only streamlines the mixing process, making it quicker and easier, but also yields a topping with a delightfully crumblier consistency.
Peanut Butter Pie
Savoring the classic combination of creamy peanut butter and rich buttery flavors in one delectable pie is truly a delight. This stunning dessert bears an uncanny resemblance to a giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, its beauty almost too breathtaking to behold. As someone who has a confessed love for the iconic treat, I may be slightly biased – but even so, it’s undeniable that this pie is visually stunning and utterly irresistible.
Lemon Bars
Elevating traditional lemon bars to new heights, these sweet and tangy treats are the quintessential summer desserts! They’re light, refreshing, and undeniably delicious, with a lovely contrast between the crisp shortbread crust and the rich, velvety custard filling. And let’s not forget that elegant dusting of powdered sugar on top – it adds a touch of sophistication to an already-perfect dessert.
Banana Strawberry Macadamia Nutella Panini
Fresh from the excitement of barbecues and outdoor gatherings comes a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something indulgent. Filled with rich flavors and textures, the Nutella panini is a perfect way to cap off a meal or simply indulge in a guilty pleasure. Even when you’re feeling full, it’s hard to resist the allure of this decadent dessert, especially when paired with fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, and crunchy macadamia nuts.
While the combination of Nutella and bananas may not be new, adding sliced strawberries takes it to a whole new level. The tartness of the berries beautifully complements the hazelnut spread’s rich flavor, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. Meanwhile, the macadamia nuts bring a satisfying crunch and an added depth of buttery goodness. When everything comes together, this panini is transformed into a heavenly treat that’s impossible to resist.
It’s truly a must-try dessert for anyone looking to indulge in something special.
Raspberry and Cream Parfait
Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year, this raspberry and cream parfait is sure to impress with its layers of fresh raspberries and liquor-infused whipped cream. The combination of flavors and textures is both light and refreshing, making it an ideal way to cap off a meal or barbecue. This dessert may look fancy, but the truth is that it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Begin by mixing together cream cheese, whipped cream, sugar, and your preferred liqueur until smooth and creamy. Next, assemble the parfait in layers – starting with fresh raspberries, followed by dollops of the infused cream, and repeating the process until you’ve reached the top of your jar or glass.
Whether serving at home or taking them to a friend’s gathering, this parfait is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter what type of vessel you choose – from elegant glassware to disposable wine glasses.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Truffles
Very few people can resist the allure of a Reese’s-inspired treat that harmoniously blends the richness of peanut butter and chocolate into one irresistible truffle. The classic combination of these two flavors is a match made in heaven, and it’s easy to see why so many dessert lovers are obsessed with it.
To create this delicious treat, you’ll need to mix peanut butter cake crumbs with a generous helping of peanut butter cream, shape the mixture into small balls, and then dunk them in a rich chocolate sauce. The result is a sweet, moist, and utterly addictive treat that’s impossible to stop devouring once you’ve started!
Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars
Crafting the perfect dessert for your next outdoor gathering is a daunting task, but these decadent key lime pie cheesecake bars will surely be a showstopper. Combining the best of both worlds, they offer the tangy zing of key lime and the richness of cheesecake in one delicious package. The creamy filling, made with cream cheese, sugar, and a hint of lime juice, is nestled within a crunchy chocolate graham cracker crust that provides a delightful textural contrast.
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to these mouthwatering bars, making them the perfect treat for your next barbecue or potluck.
Chocolate-Oatmeal Moon Pie
Perfectly balancing the flavors of sweet and savory, this indulgent treat is enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of dried cherries, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans within two soft oatmeal cookies makes it an irresistible delight. Sandwiched between these tasty morsels is a generous dollop of airy marshmallow creme filling, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to each bite.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
