Smoky Sweets: 5 Must-Try BBQ Desserts in Texas’ Barbecue Capital

Lockhart, Texas, known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” has a culinary scene that extends beyond its famous smoked meats. Innovative chefs and bakers in this small town have begun incorporating barbecue flavors and techniques into unexpected creations, including desserts.

These BBQ-inspired desserts offer a unique twist on traditional sweets, combining smoky notes with classic confections. From smoked fruit pies to bourbon-infused chocolate treats, Lockhart’s dessert offerings provide a perfect ending to a hearty barbecue meal or stand alone as distinctive indulgences. Visitors and locals alike can explore these creative concoctions at various eateries throughout the town.

1) Smoked Maple Pecan Pie

Smoked Maple Pecan Pie offers a unique twist on a classic dessert. This BBQ-inspired treat combines the rich flavors of pecans and maple syrup with a subtle smoky essence.

The pie starts with a buttery, flaky crust made from flour, butter, salt, and sugar. Some recipes add vanilla and cinnamon for extra flavor depth.

The filling features a blend of pecans, maple syrup, and often bourbon for a sophisticated touch. The addition of smoky notes elevates the traditional pecan pie to new heights.

Smoking the pie requires careful attention. It’s typically cooked at a low temperature on a pellet grill or smoker. The ideal internal temperature for a fully cooked pie is around 185°F.

Smoking time varies but generally takes between 70 to 90 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are nicely browned and the center is just set with a slight jiggle.

For an extra layer of smokiness, some recipes call for pre-smoking the pecans. This involves soaking the nuts briefly before exposing them to smoke, enhancing their flavor profile.

2) Grilled Peach Bourbon Cobbler

Grilled Peach Bourbon Cobbler combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the sweet indulgence of a classic dessert. This twist on traditional cobbler features ripe peaches grilled to caramelized perfection.

The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches and adds a subtle smokiness. Chefs often brush the peach halves with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before grilling to create a caramelized exterior.

Once grilled, the peaches are arranged in a baking dish and topped with a bourbon-infused cobbler batter. The addition of bourbon brings depth and complexity to the dessert, complementing the grilled fruit flavors.

The cobbler is then baked until golden brown and bubbling. The result is a warm, comforting dessert with layers of flavor – smoky grilled peaches, rich bourbon notes, and a tender, buttery topping.

Grilled Peach Bourbon Cobbler is typically served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot cobbler and cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature and texture combination.

This dessert showcases how traditional barbecue techniques can elevate classic recipes, offering a unique and memorable end to a meal in Lockhart.

3) BBQ Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake gets a smoky twist in Lockhart’s BBQ scene. This classic dessert is reimagined using a cast-iron skillet on the grill, infusing it with subtle smoky flavors.

The process begins by heating the grill to 350°F. A 10-inch cast iron skillet is placed in the center to preheat thoroughly. Meanwhile, bakers prepare the cake batter, sifting together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.

The skillet’s bottom is layered with melted butter and brown sugar, creating a caramel base. Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries are arranged on top for the signature fruity design.

Once the batter is poured over the fruit, the skillet goes onto the grill. It cooks for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

After a brief cooling period, the cake is flipped onto a serving platter. The result is a beautifully caramelized top with a hint of smokiness throughout. This BBQ-inspired dessert can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

4) Charred Corn Ice Cream

A scoop of charred corn ice cream surrounded by BBQ-inspired desserts on a rustic wooden table. Smoke and grill marks add to the ambiance

Charred Corn Ice Cream offers a unique twist on traditional desserts, blending the smoky flavors of barbecue with the sweet creaminess of ice cream. This innovative treat captures the essence of grilled corn in a frozen form.

The process begins by grilling corn on the cob until it develops a light char, imparting a subtle smokiness. Once cooled, the kernels are removed and blended with a creamy ice cream base.

The mixture typically includes milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, creating a rich custard. Straining the corn-infused liquid ensures a smooth texture. The custard is then churned in an ice cream maker until it reaches the desired consistency.

Some variations incorporate additional flavors like honey or a touch of cinnamon to enhance the corn’s natural sweetness. The result is a dessert that balances the familiar taste of sweet corn with unexpected smoky notes.

Charred Corn Ice Cream pairs well with other BBQ-inspired desserts or can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a refreshing way to conclude a hearty barbecue meal, offering diners a taste of summer in each scoop.

5) Spicy Chocolate Molasses Cookies

A plate of spicy chocolate molasses cookies surrounded by BBQ-inspired dessert ingredients in a rustic setting

Lockhart’s BBQ scene inspires a unique twist on traditional molasses cookies. These spicy chocolate molasses cookies blend rich cocoa with warm spices and a hint of heat.

The recipe incorporates dark brown sugar and molasses for deep, caramelized flavors. Cocoa powder adds a luxurious chocolate taste, complementing the robust molasses.

A blend of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice creates a complex spice profile. The addition of chili powder provides a subtle kick, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering.

Bakers cream butter with muscovado sugar and oil for a soft, chewy texture. The dough is rolled in sugar before baking, creating a slightly crisp exterior.

These cookies are baked until just set, allowing them to remain soft in the center. The result is a perfectly balanced treat with notes of chocolate, spice, and a gentle warmth.

Served alongside BBQ, these cookies offer a sweet counterpoint to savory flavors. They pair well with coffee or milk for a satisfying dessert experience in Lockhart.

Flavor Profiles of BBQ-Inspired Desserts

A table set with five BBQ-inspired desserts, featuring flavors of smoky, sweet, and tangy, surrounded by BBQ utensils and decorations

BBQ-inspired desserts blend sweet and savory elements to create unique taste experiences. These treats combine traditional dessert flavors with smoky notes and spices typically associated with barbecue.

Balancing Sweet and Smokey

BBQ-inspired desserts artfully balance sweetness with smoky undertones. Grilled fruits like peaches and pineapples develop caramelized sugars, enhancing their natural sweetness while taking on subtle smoky notes from the grill.

Smoked chocolate desserts offer a rich, complex flavor profile. The smoke infuses the chocolate with depth, complementing its inherent sweetness without overpowering it.

Mascarpone or vanilla ice cream often accompanies these desserts, providing a creamy contrast to the smoky elements. This pairing creates a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Some desserts incorporate liquid smoke or smoked ingredients to achieve the desired flavor without direct grilling. This technique allows for precise control over the smoky intensity.

Incorporating Traditional BBQ Spices

BBQ-inspired desserts often feature spices commonly used in barbecue rubs and sauces. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice add warmth and complexity to sweet treats, mimicking the depth of flavor found in savory BBQ dishes.

Chili powder or cayenne pepper can be used sparingly to add a subtle heat that contrasts with sweet elements. This unexpected spiciness creates an intriguing flavor sensation.

Brown sugar, a staple in many BBQ rubs, finds its way into desserts as a sweetener that also imparts a rich, molasses-like flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with smoky notes.

Some desserts incorporate savory herbs like rosemary or thyme, which complement fruit-based sweets and add an aromatic quality reminiscent of BBQ marinades.

Salt is crucial in these desserts, enhancing both sweet and savory flavors while balancing the overall taste profile.

Tips for Creating BBQ-Inspired Desserts

A table set with a variety of BBQ-inspired desserts, including smoky chocolate brownies, grilled fruit skewers, and bourbon-infused cupcakes, surrounded by a rustic outdoor BBQ setting

Creating BBQ-inspired desserts requires innovative techniques and carefully selected ingredients. Utilizing grilling and smoking methods can infuse unique flavors, while choosing complementary components enhances the overall taste experience.

Using Grills and Smokers for Desserts

Grills and smokers offer exciting possibilities for dessert preparation. Grilled fruits like peaches, pineapples, and bananas caramelize beautifully, developing rich flavors. Wrap fruit in foil with a touch of butter and cinnamon for a delicious smoky treat.

Smoking adds depth to chocolate-based desserts. Try smoking chocolate chips before incorporating them into cookies or brownies. Wood chips like applewood or cherry impart subtle, sweet notes to desserts.

Consider using a cast-iron skillet on the grill for cobblers or crisps. The even heat distribution creates perfectly baked treats with a hint of smokiness. Experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to achieve desired results.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

Choose ingredients that complement BBQ flavors. Opt for robust, bold flavors that can stand up to smoky notes. Dark chocolate, maple syrup, and molasses work well in BBQ-inspired desserts.

Incorporate seasonal fruits for freshness and balance. Berries, stone fruits, and tropical varieties pair excellently with grilled or smoked elements. Consider using local, in-season produce for the best flavor and texture.

Spices play a crucial role in BBQ desserts. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice enhance warmth, while a pinch of chili powder or cayenne adds unexpected complexity. Vanilla extract or beans provide a smooth backdrop for other flavors.

Select quality dairy products like heavy cream or mascarpone for rich, creamy textures. These ingredients help balance intense smoky or spicy notes in desserts.