When most people think of grilling, they conjure images of sizzling steaks, juicy burgers, and charred vegetables. However, the grill is not limited to savory dishes alone. It is a versatile tool that can transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary culinary delights. In this article, we will explore the world of grilled desserts, where the smoky aroma and subtle char from the grill take your sweet treats to a whole new level. From fruity delights to gooey, chocolatey indulgences, we will delve into a variety of delicious desserts you can make on your grill.
Grilling isn’t just for savory meals; it can also be a fantastic way to create delightful desserts. From grilled fruits to s’mores, the options are deliciously diverse. However, after indulging in warm, grilled treats, you might find yourself craving something cool and refreshing to cleanse your palate. Consider pairing your grilled desserts with exceptional ice cream from ice cream chandler. Their array of unique and classic flavors can perfectly complement your grilled masterpieces, enhancing your dessert experience. This combination can add a wonderful contrast and balance to your meal, leaving your taste buds satisfied.
Here are some recipes you can try on your grill:
Grilled Pineapple Sundaes
Ingredients:
4 pineapple slices
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Dulce de leche, for drizzling
2 tbsp. sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your grill to a high temperature. Grill the pineapple until it develops a desirable char, which should take approximately 1 minute on each side.
- Next, take each grilled pineapple slice and add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Then, drizzle with luscious dulce de leche or caramel sauce. Sprinkle some shredded coconut over this delectable combination, and serve promptly for a delightful dessert.
Grilled Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients:
4 glazed donuts, cut in half
8 scoops vanilla ice cream
Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
whipped cream
4 maraschino cherries
Directions:
- Begin by heating your grill or grill pan to a high temperature. Grill the halves of the donuts with the glazed side facing down until they develop a pleasing char, which should take approximately 1 minute. Allow them to cool once done.
- Proceed by positioning two scoops of vanilla ice cream between each pair of grilled donut halves and gently press them together.
- To complete this scrumptious treat, add a drizzle of velvety chocolate syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and, of course, a delightful cherry on top for the perfect finishing touch!
Foil Pack S’mores Roll-Up
Ingredients:
1 flour tortilla
1 handful mini marshmallows
1 handful chocolate chips
2 graham crackers
Directions:
- Commence by tearing a square piece of aluminum foil measuring approximately 12 inches by 12 inches.
- Lay the tortilla onto the foil, and on one side of the tortilla, arrange marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. Carefully fold the tortilla, attempting to enclose as many of the ingredients as possible, and then securely wrap it with the foil.
- When you’re prepared to cook, place the foil-wrapped tortilla on the hot grill or directly over the fire for approximately 5 minutes.
- Once it’s done, remove it from the grill, gently unwrap it from one end, and savor the delightful flavors within.
Grilled Summer Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
6 peaches, sliced
1 pt. Strawberries, sliced
1 pineapple, cut into large cubes
8 skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
kosher salt
Honey, for drizzling
Directions:
- Start by heating up the grill to medium-high temperature. Thread peaches, strawberries, and pineapple onto skewers. Give them a gentle drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for seasoning.
- Place the fruit skewers on the grill and be sure to turn them occasionally. Grill until the fruit becomes tender with a slight char, which should take around 10 to 12 minutes.
- To enhance the flavor, generously drizzle the grilled fruit with honey before serving.
Grilled Banana Splits
Ingredients:
4 bananas
4 tbsp. butter
1 pt. vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
1/2 c. chocolate syrup
1 Butterfinger or Heath candy bar
whipped cream
Directions:
- Begin by preheating the grill. Brush the cut sides of the bananas with melted butter, and then place them, cut side down, onto the hot grill grate. Grill them over medium-high heat until the bananas achieve a delightful golden brown hue with visible grill marks, which should take approximately 2 minutes. Next, flip them, placing the skin side down, and continue grilling until they become tender, approximately 2 more minutes.
- To create the sundaes, carefully remove the bananas from their skins and arrange two halves in each of the 4 bowls. Add a scoop of ice cream to each bowl, followed by a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprinkling of chopped candy for extra sweetness and texture. If desired, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream to complete the indulgent sundaes.
Foil Pack Chocolate Marshmallow Banana
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 handful chocolate chips
1 handful mini marshmallows
Directions:
- Commence by tearing a square sheet of foil measuring approximately 12 inches by 12 inches.
- Position the peeled banana onto the foil and make a lengthwise incision, cutting about 3/4 of the way through. Gently spread the banana apart and generously fill it with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Afterward, securely wrap the banana in the foil.
- When you’re prepared to cook, place the foil-wrapped banana onto the hot grill or directly over the fire for approximately 5 minutes.
- Once done, remove it from the grill, carefully unwrap it, and savor the delicious treat!
Caramelized Pineapple Sundaes with Coconut
Ingredients:
1 pineapple
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 c. sweetened shredded coconut
2 1/2 pt. fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
mint sprigs
Directions:
- Start by igniting the grill. Brush a light coat of vegetable oil onto the pineapple rings. Grill them over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally, until the pineapple exhibits a gentle char and becomes tender, which should take approximately 8 minutes. Afterward, move the grilled pineapple rings to a work surface and proceed to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the coconut over a moderate heat source until it attains a golden hue, which should take around 2 minutes. Then, transfer the toasted coconut to a plate, allowing it to cool.
- Scoop out the yogurt and place it into sundae glasses or bowls. On top of the yogurt, arrange the grilled pineapple pieces, sprinkle them with the toasted coconut, garnish with the mint sprigs, and serve immediately for a refreshing treat.
Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Rum
Ingredients:
1 whole pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup dark rum
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and rum to create a glaze.
- Brush both sides of the pineapple rings with the brown sugar and rum glaze.
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they have nice grill marks and are slightly caramelized.
- Serve the grilled pineapple rings on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Grilled Banana S’mores
Ingredients:
Ripe bananas, halved lengthwise
Graham crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate bars or chocolate chips
Aluminum foil
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place each banana half, cut side up, on a piece of aluminum foil.
- Fill the banana halves with chocolate pieces and marshmallows.
- Fold the aluminum foil around the bananas, creating a packet.
- Place the banana packets on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted and the bananas are caramelized.
- Carefully open the foil packets and serve the grilled banana s’mores with graham crackers for dipping and scooping.
Grilled Pound Cake with Berries and Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
Slices of pound cake
Assorted berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Whipped cream
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the slices of pound cake on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they have grill marks and are slightly toasted.
- Remove the grilled pound cake slices from the grill and let them cool slightly.
- Top the grilled pound cake with a generous serving of mixed berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone and Honey
Ingredients:
Ripe peaches, halved and pitted
Olive oil
Mascarpone cheese
Honey
Chopped nuts (such as almonds or pistachios) for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill.
- Place the peach halves on the grill, cut side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches are softened.
- Remove the grilled peaches from the grill and let them cool slightly.
- Serve each grilled peach half with a spoonful of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Grilled desserts offer a delightful departure from traditional sweet treats, infusing them with the smoky essence of the grill and the mouthwatering allure of caramelization. From grilled fruit skewers to indulgent grilled chocolate banana foil packets, these desserts are perfect for warm summer nights and cozy gatherings around the grill. So, the next time you fire up your grill, don’t forget to save some space for a sweet and sizzling dessert that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and textures, and let your creativity run wild in the world of grilled desserts.