Summer is the perfect time for outdoor cookouts with family and friends. And what better way to end a great meal than with a mouthwatering dessert?
Whether you’re grilling burgers or hotdogs, there are plenty of easy cookout desserts that can be made with minimal prep time.
From classic s’mores to fruity treats, we’ve rounded up 35 delicious cookout desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Cookout desserts are all about summertime sweetness and easy, crowd-pleasing treats! Here are some ideas to get your inspiration flowing:
No-Bake Delights:
- No-bake cheesecake jars: Layers of creamy cheesecake filling topped with fruit or crushed cookies, perfect for individual servings.
- S’mores icebox cake: Alternating layers of graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and marshmallow fluff for a campfire-inspired treat without the fire.
- Fruit pizzas: A sugar cookie base topped with fresh fruit slices and a drizzle of glaze, fun and colorful.
- No-bake chocolate peanut butter bars: Rich and decadent, these require only a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Fruity Freshness:
- Strawberry shortcake: Classic and light, with fluffy biscuits, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream.
- Fruit salad with a twist: Add grilled pineapple, peaches, or watermelon for a unique flavor.
- Frozen yogurt bark: Layer yogurt with fruit and granola, freeze, and break into pieces for a refreshing treat.
- Popsicles: Homemade popsicles with fresh fruit puree or lemonade are a fun and healthy option.
Baked Goodies:
- Brownies or blondies: Easy to make and always a hit, add in fruit or nuts for variety.
- Cookies: Choose classic chocolate chip, snickerdoodles, or funfetti for a festive touch.
- Cakes: Cupcakes are perfect for individual servings, while a sheet cake is ideal for larger groups. Try flavors like lemon, strawberry, or blueberry.
- Cobblers or crisps: Use seasonal fruits like peaches, berries, or plums for a warm and comforting dessert.
Grilling Options:
- Grilled pineapple slices: Drizzle with rum or brown sugar for an extra kick.
- Banana foster: Caramelize bananas on the grill then top with vanilla ice cream and rum sauce.
- S’mores: The ultimate cookout dessert, roast marshmallows over the fire and make classic s’mores with graham crackers and chocolate.
Tips:
- Consider the weather: Choose lighter desserts on hot days and opt for something warmer if it’s cooler.
- Think portability: Individual servings or finger foods are ideal for cookouts.
- Use seasonal fruits and berries for fresh flavors.
- Don’t forget the toppings! Whipped cream, ice cream, nuts, and chocolate sauce can dress up any dessert.
No matter what you choose, the key to a great cookout dessert is to keep it simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family!
35 Easy Cookout Desserts
1. S’mores Bar
There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers. Set up a s’mores bar for your guests with different types of chocolate and various flavors of marshmallows.
2. No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
Creamy, dreamy, and endlessly customizable, these individual cheesecakes require no oven time and can be topped with fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or crushed cookies.
3. Grilled Peaches
Halve and pit peaches and grill them until they’re caramelized and tender. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.
Read Also:
- 32 Delicious and Easy Campfire Dessert Recipes
- 35 Easy 3-Ingredient Desserts You Can Make in No Time
4. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Buy your favorite store-bought cookies and ice cream, and assemble them into sandwich form. Place in the freezer until ready to serve.
5. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Dip pretzel rods into melted chocolate and let them cool in the refrigerator until hardened. These sweet and salty treats are sure to be a hit with your guests.
6. Banana Boats
Cut a slit down the center of a banana and stuff it with your favorite toppings, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, and peanut butter. Wrap in foil and grill until melted and gooey.
7. Berry Trifle
Layer fresh berries, pound cake, and whipped cream in a clear glass bowl for a visually stunning dessert that’s also delicious.
8. Lemon Bars
Whip up a batch of lemon bars for a tangy and sweet treat that’s perfect for summer.
9. Mini Cupcakes
Bake a batch of mini cupcakes in various flavors and offer a selection of frostings and sprinkles for your guests to decorate their own.
10. Brownie Bites
Make a batch of brownies and cut them into bite-sized pieces for an easy-to-eat dessert that’s rich and chocolatey.
11. Grilled Pineapple
Slice a pineapple and grill until it’s caramelized and juicy. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
12. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
Combine cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract for a sweet and creamy dip that pairs perfectly with graham crackers or pretzels.
13. Cheesecake Bites
Make mini cheesecakes by using a muffin tin and serving them without crusts. Top with your favorite fruit or drizzle with chocolate.
14. Strawberry Shortcake
Light and fluffy biscuits, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream come together in this timeless dessert that’s perfect for a warm summer day.
15. Rice Krispie Treats
Make these classic treats by mixing melted marshmallows and rice krispies together and letting them cool in a pan.
16. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Bake up a batch of these chewy cookies for a wholesome and hearty dessert.
17. Chocolate Fondue
Melt chocolate and serve with a variety of dipping options such as fruit, pretzels, and marshmallows.
18. Apple Crisp
Bake sliced apples with a cinnamon oat topping for a warm and comforting dessert.
19. Peanut Butter Cups
Mix melted peanut butter with powdered sugar and pour into a muffin tin with a layer of melted chocolate on the bottom. Let cool in the fridge until hardened.
20. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit, freeze until solid, and break into pops for a refreshing and healthy treat.
21. Fruit Pizza
Create a pizza-shaped cookie crust and layer with cream cheese frosting and your favorite fruits for a colorful and delicious dessert.
22. Sundae Bar
Set up a DIY sundae bar with a variety of ice cream flavors and an assortment of toppings like hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and sprinkles.
23. Fruit Salad
Prepare a fresh fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits and a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh mint for added flavor.
24. Fruit Skewers
Cut up a variety of fruits and skewer them for a refreshing, healthy dessert. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
25. Cherry Pie
Serve individual portions of cherry pie for a classic, all-American dessert. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
26. Lemon Sorbet
Offer a refreshing and citrusy lemon sorbet as a light and palate-cleansing option between grilled dishes.
27. Key Lime Pie Bars
Create key lime pie bars with a graham cracker crust and zesty lime filling for a taste of the tropics.
28. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Make or buy donut holes and toss them in cinnamon sugar for a delightful and easy-to-eat treat.
29. Peach Cobbler
Serve a warm and comforting peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a Southern favorite that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
30. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Dip fresh strawberries into melted chocolate and allow them to cool until the chocolate hardens. They make for an elegant and sweet dessert.
31. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Prepare individual servings of pineapple upside-down cake for a classic dessert with a tropical twist.
32. Mini Fruit Pies
Bake bite-sized fruit pies with various fillings like apple, blueberry, or cherry for a handheld dessert.
33. Churros
Fry up some churros and serve them with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a side of chocolate dipping sauce.
34. Blueberry Crisp
Make a blueberry crisp with a crispy oat topping and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
35. Raspberry Cheesecake Shooters
Layer raspberry sauce, no-bake cheesecake filling, and graham cracker crumbs in shot glasses for a delightful dessert in a small package.
Final Thoughts,
There’s no better way to end a summer cookout than with a sweet indulgence. These 35 easy cookout desserts are simple to make and are sure to delight your guests.
Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity or chocolatey, these desserts offer a range of flavors and textures that will satisfy any craving. So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your friends and family with these tasty treats.
