Grilled desserts bring a delightful twist to traditional Texas BBQ fare, combining smoky flavors with sweet indulgence. By utilizing the grill’s heat and smoky essence, pitmasters can create unique desserts that complement classic barbecue dishes. The key to successful grilled desserts lies in proper temperature control, a clean cooking surface, and choosing ingredients that caramelize well on the grill.
Texas BBQ style grilled desserts often feature local fruits like peaches and cantaloupe, which develop intense flavors when charred. These fruits can be paired with savory elements like herbs or smoky meats to create complex flavor profiles. Preparation for grilled desserts typically involves preheating the grill to a medium temperature and ensuring a clean cooking surface to prevent unwanted flavors from transferring to the sweet treats.
Grilled fruit serves as a versatile base for many BBQ desserts, offering a healthier alternative while still satisfying the sweet tooth. The natural sugars in fruits caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating a delectable contrast between charred exteriors and juicy interiors. This technique allows for a wide range of creative dessert options that showcase the best of Texas BBQ style cooking.
Essentials of Grilled Desserts
Mastering grilled desserts requires the right equipment, precise temperature control, and proper timing. These key elements ensure delicious results when preparing sweet treats on the barbecue.
Choosing the Right Grill
Charcoal and gas grills each offer unique advantages for dessert preparation. Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor and reach high temperatures quickly. Gas grills provide consistent heat and easier temperature control.
For fruit-based desserts, a charcoal grill can enhance natural sweetness. Gas grills excel at baking tasks like grilled pound cake or cookies.
Consider a grill with a two-zone setup. This allows for direct high-heat cooking and indirect lower-heat baking.
Grill Temperature and Timing
Precise temperature control is crucial for grilled desserts. Most sweet treats require lower temperatures than savory items.
Aim for 300-350°F for delicate desserts like fruit. Use 375-400°F for sturdier items like pound cake.
Indirect grilling is often best for desserts. Place food away from direct flames to prevent burning.
Timing varies by dessert:
- Fruit: 5-10 minutes
- Pound cake slices: 2-3 minutes per side
- S’mores: 1-2 minutes
Use a timer and check frequently to avoid overcooking.
Dessert Grill Accessories
The right tools make grilling desserts easier and safer:
- Grill basket: Ideal for small fruits or chopped ingredients
- Cast iron skillet: Perfect for cobblers and fruit crisps
- Long-handled tongs: Safely handle hot desserts
- Silicone basting brush: Apply glazes and sauces
- Grill thermometer: Monitor accurate temperatures
A pizza stone can transform your grill into an outdoor oven for cookies or tarts.
Non-stick grill mats prevent delicate desserts from falling through grates.
Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to manage flare-ups quickly.
Preparation Techniques
Proper preparation is key to creating delicious grilled desserts. The right techniques ensure fruits caramelize beautifully and flavors meld perfectly on the grill.
Preparing Fruits for Grilling
Select ripe but firm fruits like peaches, pineapples, and bananas for grilling. Wash and pat dry all fruits. Remove pits from peaches and slice into halves or wedges. Cut pineapples into rings or spears, leaving the core intact for stability. Peel bananas and slice lengthwise.
For mixed berries, use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates. Larger fruits can be skewered for easy handling. Brush fruits lightly with oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization.
Firmer fruits may benefit from a brief pre-grill soak in water with a splash of lemon juice to soften slightly and prevent browning.
Creating Marinades and Glazes
Marinades and glazes add flavor depth to grilled fruits. A simple syrup infused with cinnamon, vanilla, or bourbon complements most fruits. Mix equal parts sugar and water, simmer until dissolved, then add flavorings.
For a Texas twist, incorporate local honey or whiskey into glazes. Brush fruits with glaze before and during grilling for a shiny, flavorful finish.
Savory-sweet options include balsamic reduction or a spicy-sweet chili glaze. These pair well with grilled peaches or pineapple rings.
Deployment of Cream Cheese and Butters
Softened cream cheese, butter, and nut butters add richness to grilled desserts. Mix cream cheese with honey and cinnamon for a sweet spread. Coconut butter can be melted and drizzled over grilled bananas or pineapple.
Create compound butters by mixing softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, or maple syrup. Chill until firm, then slice and place atop hot grilled fruits to melt.
Peanut butter can be thinned with a bit of cream and warmed to create a decadent sauce for grilled banana splits. Experiment with different nut butters for varied flavors.
Grilled Dessert Recipes
Grilling adds a smoky twist to classic desserts, transforming familiar sweets into exciting new treats. Texas barbecue enthusiasts can expand their outdoor cooking repertoire with these delectable grilled dessert options.
Fruit-Based Grilled Desserts
Grilled fruit makes for a light and refreshing end to a barbecue feast. Peaches, pineapples, and watermelon slices caramelize beautifully on the grill, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Try grilling banana boats by slicing bananas lengthwise, stuffing them with chocolate chips and marshmallows, then wrapping in foil before placing on the grill. The result is a gooey, warm treat reminiscent of s’mores.
For a more indulgent option, grill pineapple rings brushed with brown sugar and cinnamon. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tropical dessert with a Texas twist.
Cakes and Breads on the Grill
Pound cake takes on a new dimension when lightly toasted on the grill. Cut thick slices, brush with melted butter, and grill until golden brown. Top with grilled peaches and a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Grilled bread pudding is another crowd-pleaser. Prepare the bread pudding mixture in a cast-iron skillet, then place it on the grill over indirect heat. The result is a warm, custardy interior with a slightly crisp top.
For a quick and easy option, grill brownie bites on skewers. The heat adds a crispy exterior while keeping the center gooey and chocolatey.
Skewers, Kabobs, and Quick Bites
Dessert kabobs offer endless possibilities. Thread chunks of pound cake, brownies, and fresh fruit onto skewers. Grill briefly, then drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for an eye-catching and delicious treat.
Grilled s’mores kabobs are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat. Alternate marshmallows and graham cracker squares on skewers, grill until toasted, then dip in melted chocolate.
For a refreshing option, grill watermelon cubes and pair them with feta cheese for a sweet and savory combo. This unexpected dessert perfectly complements the bold flavors of Texas barbecue.
Specialty Grilled Desserts
Grilled desserts offer unique flavors and textures that elevate traditional Texas BBQ. These creative sweet treats combine smoky charred elements with caramelized fruits and decadent toppings.
Innovative BBQ Desserts
Blackout peach bread pudding brings rich, custardy comfort to the grill. Thick slices of bread soak up a spiced custard before getting a quick char. Grilled peaches add smoky sweetness.
Banana butter pecan kabobs offer a handheld treat. Banana chunks are skewered, brushed with butter, and grilled until caramelized. A roll in crushed pecans adds crunch.
Pineapple cupcakes get a tropical twist. Grilled pineapple rings top fluffy cupcakes, finished with a torched meringue frosting for a s’mores-inspired touch.
Grilled Dessert Pizzas and Pies
Dessert pizzas shine on the grill. A thin crust gets crisp and slightly charred before being topped with sweet spreads, grilled fruits, and dollops of cream.
Popular combinations include grilled peach and mascarpone or caramelized banana with chocolate chips. A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce finishes these indulgent pies.
For a more traditional approach, fruit pies can be baked in cast iron skillets on the grill. The bottoms get perfectly crisp while the fruit filling bubbles.
Exploring Cobbler Variations
Smoked peach cobbler is a Texas BBQ classic. Ripe peaches are tossed with sugar and spices, then topped with a buttery biscuit crust. Smoke infuses the fruit as it bakes.
For a twist, try mixed berry or apple cobblers. The grill’s heat creates jammy fruit and a golden, crisp topping. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Individual cobblers in ramekins or mason jars allow for easy serving at gatherings. These mini desserts cook quickly and offer a perfect portion size.
Finishing Touches
The final touches can elevate grilled desserts from good to unforgettable. Thoughtful toppings, pairings, and presentation make all the difference in creating a memorable Texas BBQ-style dessert experience.
Toppings and Pairings
Enhance grilled desserts with complementary toppings and pairings. For grilled peaches and cream, drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast. S’mores benefit from crushed peanuts or a dollop of peanut butter for a peanutty twist.
Pair smoky grilled pineapple with a coconut dip. For lemon meringue pie, top with torched meringue and fresh berries. Grilled strawberry shortcake shines with a balsamic reduction and whipped cream.
Consider texture when choosing toppings. Crushed graham crackers add crunch to grilled banana splits. Toasted coconut flakes enhance tropical desserts like mango skewers.
Serving Ideas and Presentation
Present grilled desserts in creative ways to impress guests. Serve individual portions of peach crumble in mason jars. Arrange grilled fruit skewers on a wooden board for a rustic look.
Use cast iron skillets to serve and display desserts like s’mores pizza or peanut butter bars. This keeps them warm and adds to the BBQ aesthetic. For icebox cakes, slice and plate with edible flowers or mint leaves.
Consider temperature contrasts. Pair warm grilled desserts with cold elements like ice cream or chilled fruit sauces. Serve grilled pineapple with a scoop of coconut sorbet for a refreshing finish.
Garnish plates with fresh herbs, citrus zest, or edible flowers to add color and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can give desserts a polished look without overpowering the smoky flavors.
Safety and Cleaning
Proper maintenance and safe practices are essential for successful grilled desserts. Clean equipment and careful handling ensure delicious results without compromising safety.
Grill Maintenance
Clean the grill grates thoroughly before and after grilling desserts. Use a wire brush to remove any food residue or charred bits. For stubborn debris, soak the grates in warm, soapy water.
Inspect the grill for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any rusted or damaged parts promptly. Check gas connections and hoses for leaks using a soapy water solution.
Empty the grease trap regularly to prevent flare-ups. Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a mild detergent solution to keep it looking its best.
Safe Grilling Practices
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when grilling. Never leave the grill unattended, especially when cooking desserts that may contain flammable ingredients like alcohol or sugar.
Use long-handled utensils and heat-resistant gloves to protect hands and arms from burns. Keep children and pets away from the grill area to prevent accidents.
Monitor dessert temperatures carefully to avoid burning. Use indirect heat for delicate items. Place a drip pan under desserts to catch any melting ingredients and prevent flare-ups.
Allow the grill to cool completely before cleaning or storing. Dispose of ashes safely in a metal container once they’ve cooled.