Desserts from The Grill

Desserts from The Grill

I won’t give up desserts during the summer but there are some days that turning the oven on is just the last thing I want to do. And even main dishes? Forget about it…I’m on the deck grilling and chilling, as they say. Here are some kick-ass dessert recipes from our favorite bloggers to keep you satisfied – and cool at the same time. Check out our primer on Grilling Desserts in 5 Easy Steps before you get started.

We have to start with s’mores. Along with strawberry shortcake, variations on this classic are our summer go-to. The image above is from Very Culinary and is a Tropical S’More featuring pineapple, coconut and a White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie. Easy, juicy, fruity and a great new take on the classic s’more.

And speaking of shortcake, here is a Grilled Peach Shortcake from Noshing with the Nolands. A drizzle of balsamic reduction keeps these from being too sweet and lends a sophisticated note.

We can never get enough rhubarb and this recipe for Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote from NeighborFood is a great use of there tangy vegetable. The sauce is great over purchased ice cream or sorbet even without the cake – but then there would be no grilling component! Your choice. (I really want to like that spoon!)

Kim Beaulieu blogs over at Kiss My Smoke and she knows a thing (or two or three) about grilling and heat – as in bring on the spice! Just check out this Grilled Peach & Serrano Upside-Down Cake above. A little heat, a little sweet, serves a crowd – perfect for your next get-together on the patio. The recipe features fabulous step-by-step instructions in photos and text. Your cake will come out perfectly.

Here is another recipe featuring grilled angel food cake, this time with beer from who else but Jackie, the Beeroness. This Grilled Angel Food Cake with Beer Macerated Strawberries will please fruit and beer lovers. Have some pale ale or a Belgian brew ready to go.

I like tropical flavors in the summer and mangoes are a particular favorite of mine. Here Sandy from Everyday Southwest cubes them, grills them as kebobs and adds some cooling lime and chile for heat – these Grilled Mango with Honey and Pistachios is easy but elegant. Take the time to search out the mesquite honey.

Halved peaches make a great grilling medium. Lori from Foxes Love Lemons gave us a great dessert with her Grilled Peaches with Vanilla-Cinnamon Glaze. They are finished off with a scattering of fresh mint, which really elevates the dishinto something that’s more than a sum of its parts.

Many bloggers submitted a version of grilled bananas but we were especially taken with the Grilled Banana Dessert Bar concept from Home Cooking Memories. Why limit yourself to marshmallows and chocolate when you can add on granola, coconut, chopped pecans, peanut butter chips, and graham cracker pieces. Guests can mix and match as they like as seen below.

Now get the grill fired up and celebrate summer!