BBQ Dessert Ideas: Closing the Meal with a Sizzle
The grill might be best known for steaks and sausages, but real BBQ masters know: the fire doesn’t go out after the mains. Once the last chop has been served and the flames have mellowed to glowing embers, that’s when dessert magic happens.
From caramelised fruit to smoky chocolate puddings, here are a few ways to turn your barbecue into a full-course experience — and end on a high (and slightly sticky) note.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar & Rum Glaze
Brazilian churrasco fans will know this one well. Thick rings of pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon and a drizzle of rum syrup, grilled until golden and caramelised. The heat transforms the fruit’s natural sugars into toffee-like perfection. Serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet.
Char-Grilled Peaches with Bourbon Butter Sauce
A southern-style favourite (and a star of our own Interactive Braai Experience). Ripe peaches hit the grill cut-side down until their juices bubble and char marks appear. A quick bourbon-butter sauce poured over the top seals the deal. Add crushed almonds or a scoop of real dairy ice cream for that “BBQ-meets-fine-dining” finish.
Campfire Brownie Pots
You don’t need an oven to bake at a BBQ. Use small cast-iron pots or foil cups, fill with brownie batter, and bake them over indirect heat for about 20 minutes with the lid closed. The result? Crispy edges, gooey centres, and a perfect pairing for toasted marshmallows.
Banoffee BBQ Boats
A nostalgic hit with kids and adults alike. Split a banana (peel on), stuff with chocolate chips and a spoon of caramel, then wrap in foil and place on the grill. After 10 minutes, open carefully and top with crushed biscuits or whipped cream. Sticky, simple, and guaranteed smiles.
Take the classic campfire treat and make it interactive. Toast marshmallows over the fire, then sandwich them between biscuits with chocolate squares. For a twist, use ginger nuts, peanut butter cups or salted caramel chocolate. It’s messy. It’s fun. It’s BBQ bliss.
BBQ Roasted Nuts with Maple & Sea Salt
For something lighter (or to serve with coffee), toss mixed nuts in maple syrup, a little butter, and sea salt. Spread them on a tray and roast over low heat until glossy and golden. They’ll cool into addictive sweet-salty clusters — perfect for nibbling as the embers fade.
Pro Tip: Let the Coals Do the Work
The secret to great BBQ desserts isn’t flame, it’s residual heat. Once your meats are off, let the fire settle for 10–15 minutes. The gentle, even warmth is perfect for caramelising sugars without burning — giving desserts that unmistakable smoky kiss.
