As the sun shines bright this summer, there’s no better way to cap off a delightful outdoor cookout with loved ones than with a decadent dessert. The warmth of the season is perfectly matched by the warmth of a freshly baked treat, leaving everyone feeling satisfied and content. When it comes to cookout desserts, the possibilities are endless! From timeless campfire classics to refreshing fruit-based delights, we’ve curated an impressive list of 35 mouthwatering options that require minimal prep time but deliver maximum flavor and fun.
No-Bake Delights:
Indulge in the ease and versatility of no-bake desserts! Imagine layers of creamy cheesecake filling, topped with luscious fruit or crunchy cookies, perfect for individual servings. Alternatively, transport yourself to a campfire with an S’mores-inspired treat featuring graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and marshmallow fluff. For a sweet and colorful twist, top sugar cookie bases with fresh fruit slices and a drizzle of glaze. Or, satisfy your cravings with rich and decadent no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars that require minimal effort and only a few ingredients.
Fruity Freshness:
Indulge in the sweetness of classic desserts with a twist! Strawberry shortcake remains a timeless favorite, with its fluffy biscuits, luscious strawberries, and creamy whipped cream. For a fruity fusion, try adding grilled pineapple, peaches, or watermelon to your fruit salad. Go beyond the ordinary by layering yogurt with an assortment of fruits and granola, freezing, then breaking into refreshing pieces for frozen yogurt bark. Alternatively, create fun and healthy homemade popsicles using fresh fruit puree or lemonade.
Baked Goodies:
When it comes to indulging in sweet treats, there’s a wide range of options to satisfy any craving. For those who prefer classic desserts, brownies and blondies are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when mixed with fresh fruits or nuts for added variety. If you’re looking for something more playful, cookies like chocolate chip, snickerdoodles, or funfetti can add a festive touch to any occasion. Cupcakes are perfect for individual servings, making them ideal for smaller gatherings, while sheet cakes cater better to larger groups. To mix things up, try flavors like lemon, strawberry, or blueberry for added excitement. For a warm and comforting dessert, consider cobblers or crisps using seasonal fruits such as peaches, berries, or plums.
Grilling Options:
When it comes to desserts at your next cookout, why not think outside the box (or s’mores)? Consider starting with grilled pineapple slices that get an extra boost from a drizzle of rum or brown sugar. Alternatively, try banana foster: caramelize bananas on the grill and top them with vanilla ice cream and rum sauce for a decadent treat. And of course, no cookout is complete without classic s’mores – simply roast marshmallows over the fire and sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate.When planning your desserts, remember to keep the weather in mind: on hot days, opt for lighter treats that won’t weigh you down, while cooler temperatures call for something warmer. Think portability too – individual servings or finger foods are always a hit at cookouts. And don’t forget to incorporate seasonal fruits and berries for fresh flavors.To really take your desserts to the next level, don’t neglect the toppings! Whipped cream, ice cream, nuts, and chocolate sauce can all add an extra layer of deliciousness to any treat. The key to a great cookout dessert? Keep it simple, keep it delicious, and make sure it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
35 Easy Cookout Desserts
S’mores Bar
The quintessential trifecta of sweet treats – chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers – is a timeless favorite that evokes memories of campfires and cozy gatherings. To elevate the experience, set up a s’mores bar with an assortment of chocolates and an array of unique marshmallow flavors, inviting your guests to craft their own indulgent creations.
No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
With their creamy texture, endless customization options, and zero need for oven time, individual cheesecakes are the epitome of indulgence. Top them with fresh fruit, drizzle on some rich chocolate sauce, or add a satisfying crunch from crushed cookies – the possibilities are truly endless.
Grilled Peaches
Transforming peaches into a sweet, caramelized delight is as simple as halving and pitting them before grilling until they’re tender. The result is a sumptuous dessert that can be elevated with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, providing the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Indulge in a sweet treat by repurposing store-bought cookies and ice cream into unique sandwiches. Simply place your favorite flavors together, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Store them in the freezer until you’re ready to satisfy your cravings.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Transform ordinary pretzel rods into decadent indulgences by dipping them into rich, melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate-coated treats to chill in the refrigerator until they reach a satisfying crispness. The perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors ensures these indulgent snacks will be an instant hit with your guests.
Banana Boats
Transform a humble banana into a decadent dessert by creating a slit down its length and filling it with an assortment of indulgent treats. Think creamy peanut butter, toasted marshmallows, or even chunks of rich chocolate. Once your banana is loaded up, wrap it in foil to contain the goodies and then grill until the fillings melt and get all gooey. The result is a sweet surprise that’s sure to satisfy any dessert craving.
Berry Trifle
Elevate your dessert game by artfully combining layers of fresh berries, moist pound cake, and airy whipped cream within the confines of a crystal-clear glass bowl. The visual appeal is undeniable, yet it’s the harmonious balance of flavors and textures that truly makes this sweet treat shine.
Lemon Bars
Indulge in the bright, citrusy flavors of summer with a refreshing batch of lemon bars – a sweet and tangy treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Mini Cupcakes
Host an interactive dessert bar by baking a variety of mini cupcakes, each with its unique flavor profile. This allows your guests to indulge in a sweet adventure as they navigate the array of treats. To add an extra layer of fun, provide a range of frostings and sprinkles for them to get creative with. Let their imagination run wild as they combine flavors and toppings to craft one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Brownie Bites
Indulge in the simplicity of a well-crafted brownie experience by preparing a fresh batch, then cleverly portioning it into bite-sized morsels that perfectly balance richness and chocolatey flavor, making for an effortless yet indulgent dessert option.
Grilled Pineapple
Transforming the humble pineapple into a sweet and savory masterpiece, start by slicing it thinly and placing it under the warmth of your grill. Allow the natural sugars to caramelize and the fruit’s texture to become tender and juicy. To elevate this simple snack to new heights, serve the grilled pineapple with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
Blend together the richness of cream cheese, the tenderness of butter, the deep flavor of brown sugar, the indulgence of chocolate chips, and the subtle hint of vanilla extract to create a sweet and creamy dip that harmonizes delightfully with the crunch of graham crackers or pretzels.
Cheesecake Bites
Transforming the classic cheesecake into bite-sized treats has never been easier! Simply use a muffin tin to create individual portions, skipping the traditional crust altogether. This clever trick allows you to focus on the creamy filling and top it off with your preferred fruit or drizzle with rich chocolate for an added layer of flavor. With this simple hack, you can indulge in the decadence of cheesecake without feeling overwhelmed by its richness.
Strawberry Shortcake
The quintessential summer dessert is brought to life with the harmonious union of light, airy biscuits, succulent strawberries, and creamy whipped topping. This classic treat is sure to provide a refreshing respite from the warmth of the season.
Rice Krispie Treats
Transform the timeless favorite, Rice Krispie treats, by combining melted marshmallows with the iconic cereal in a pan. Allow the mixture to cool and set before indulging in this sweet and crunchy delight.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Indulge in the comforting warmth of homemade cookies, crafted with wholesome ingredients to satisfy your sweet tooth. The simplicity of this recipe allows for a quick and easy baking experience, yielding a plate full of chewy treats perfect for a family gathering or cozy night in.
Chocolate Fondue
Indulge in the rich flavor of melted chocolate by offering a range of delicious dipping options to complement its velvety smoothness. From sweet treats like fresh fruit, crunchy pretzels, and fluffy marshmallows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside this decadent delight.
Apple Crisp
Indulge in the quintessential comfort of a baked apple dessert by combining sliced apples with a sweet and spicy cinnamon oat topping, infusing your senses with the warmth and coziness of a traditional treat.
Peanut Butter Cups
To create this unique treat, start by combining melted peanut butter with powdered sugar to form a smooth mixture. Next, prepare your baking surface by lining a muffin tin with a layer of melted chocolate. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate base and refrigerate until it has hardened completely.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Combine the creamy richness of layering yogurt with the satisfying crunch of granola and the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. Freeze this delightful combination until it’s solid, then shatter it into bite-sized popsicles for a revitalizing and nutritious snack that will quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings.
Fruit Pizza
Transform the traditional cookie into a visually stunning pizza-inspired masterpiece by crafting a cookie crust in the shape of a mini pizza. Start by baking a batch of sugar cookies, then shape them into circular forms to mimic the iconic pizza design. Allow the cookies to cool completely before topping them with a tangy cream cheese frosting, carefully spreading it evenly across each ‘crust.’ Add a pop of color and flavor by layering your favorite fruits on top, creating a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Sundae Bar
Transform your dining space into a sweet haven by creating a DIY sundae bar that’s as customizable as it is delicious. Load up the experience with a medley of ice cream flavors and an array of toppings including rich hot fudge, velvety caramel sauce, fluffy whipped cream, crunchy nuts, and colorful sprinkles. Let your guests indulge in their own unique creations and make unforgettable memories.
Fruit Salad
To create a vibrant and flavorful fresh fruit salad, start by combining a variety of seasonal fruits that are at their peak ripeness. Consider adding a sweet and tangy element with a drizzle of pure honey, or adding a bright and refreshing twist with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves. This simple yet impressive combination will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide a healthy and satisfying snack.
Fruit Skewers
Transform a medley of fresh fruits into bite-sized delights by cutting them up and threading them onto skewers. This effortless approach yields a delightful and nutritious dessert option. To elevate the experience, pair your fruit kebabs with a drizzle of your preferred dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence to this already healthy treat.
Cherry Pie
Indulge in the quintessential American dessert by serving individually portioned slices of rich and decadent cherry pie. Elevate this comforting treat to new heights by pairing it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
Lemon Sorbet
Savor the zesty charm of a revitalizing lemon sorbet, perfectly poised to cut through the richness of grilled delicacies. Its invigorating citrus flavor serves as a masterful palate cleanser, expertly balancing the bold flavors that precede it.
Key Lime Pie Bars
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of the Caribbean by crafting key lime pie bars featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust and a vibrant, zesty lime filling that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Transform store-bought or homemade donut holes into an irresistible sweet treat by coating them in a generous amount of warm cinnamon sugar, creating a delectable and mess-free indulgence.
Peach Cobbler
Indulge your senses by serving a delectable peach cobbler warm, paired perfectly with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. This beloved Southern classic is guaranteed to delight any crowd, evoking feelings of warmth and comfort.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Transforming a classic combination, indulge your taste buds by dipping succulent fresh strawberries into rich, velvety melted chocolate. As the mixture cools, the sweetness of the fruit and the indulgence of the chocolate meld together in perfect harmony, creating a refined and decadent dessert experience.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
To elevate the timeless appeal of pineapple upside-down cake, prepare individual portions that combine a warm, comforting treat with the bright, sunny flavors of the tropics.
Mini Fruit Pies
Indulge in the sweetness of mini fruit pies, packed with a variety of mouthwatering fillings such as tender apples, bursting blueberries, and tart cherries. These bite-sized treats offer an ideal combination of portability and flavor, making them perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on-the-go.
Churros
Indulge your sweet tooth by cooking up a batch of crispy, golden churros, then sprinkle them with a generous helping of warm cinnamon sugar. As a finishing touch, pair these fluffy treats with a rich and creamy chocolate dipping sauce for a match made in heaven.
Blueberry Crisp
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of a blueberry crisp, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy oat layer. Serve it warm, accompanied by a generous helping of creamy vanilla ice cream, and savor every bite.
Raspberry Cheesecake Shooters
Imagine serving an indulgent dessert in a shot glass – it’s a unique twist on traditional sweet treats! Layer raspberry sauce, no-bake cheesecake filling, and graham cracker crumbs to create a delightful surprise that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. As you wrap up your summer cookout, there’s no better way to conclude the evening than with a sweet indulgence that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and impressed. With 35 easy and delicious desserts at your fingertips, you can’t go wrong. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, chocolatey, or something entirely new, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any craving. So fire up the grill, get creative with dessert, and get ready to make unforgettable memories with friends and family.