Whether you're grilling in the backyard or taking a dish to an outdoor potluck, these easy, breezy barbecue dessert ideas will steal the spotlight at any summer cookout.
You don’t have to be a grill master to make your mark at a cookout. I’ve only just recently started my grilling journey, but before that I was firmly leaning on good summer barbecue dessert ideas. And, honestly, it’s a good place to be—some recipes are so good they’ll turn heads and steal attention away from even a perfectly grilled steak! If you don’t already have a go-to dish, though, you’ll find one here. We gathered our best-reviewed and most summery desserts that fit right in at any backyard barbecue.
Expect to find all kinds of classics, like banana pudding, fruit pies and cobblers, lighter sheet cakes, no-bake cheesecakes and many different ice cream recipes. These are safe options and great for any age, but if your crew is a bit more adventurous, we’ve also included a few elevated desserts with modern and trendy ingredients. Think s’more, sundae or fluffernutter brownies, as well as homemade popsicles, dessert pizzas, loaded icebox cakes and unexpected tiramisu variations.
Want to be the ultimate guest? One-up your own dessert with refreshing batch cocktail recipes that adults will love to sip on all day long. I like to check in with the host beforehand, too, to see if I can pick up anything they might be missing, like napkins or juice boxes for kids. While you’re at it, ask the host about allergies—many of these desserts that go with barbecue can be adapted to gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diets!
1/75
Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
2/75
Frozen S’mores
From the Recipe Creator:
Frozen s'mores are refreshing and creamy treats on hot summer days. Plus, if you don't have a fire pit at home, these treats enable you to still enjoy s'mores all summer! —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
3/75
Raspberry Crumble Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
To give these fresh, fruity bars even more crunch, add a sprinkling of nuts to the yummy crumb topping. Everyone will want to indulge. —Leanna M. Thorne, Lakewood, Colorado
4/75
Pig Pickin’ Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
5/75
Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious. —Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
6/75
Lemon Strawberry Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshingly fruity dessert is one of our favorites. It looks so beautiful layered in a glass bowl—people will think it took ages to make. The secret is starting with a purchased angel food cake. —Lynn Marie Frucci, Pullman, Washington
7/75
Cookie Dough Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
Ice cream isn't as hard to make as you might think. If you love cookie dough, you're going to want to try this chocolate treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
8/75
Strawberry Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy strawberry tart boasts a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big dessert. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey
9/75
Fluffernutter Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
These fluffernutter brownies use two kinds of marshmallows: Mini marshmallows speckle the brownie batter, and marshmallow creme swirls with the peanut butter on top! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
10/75
Berry Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers.
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
11/75
Cookie Butter Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I tasted Biscoff cookie butter at a grocery store one day, and it was so delicious that I decided to create a no-bake pie with it. You can make it your own by using peanut butter or another kind of spread and matching toppings instead. —Katrina Adams, Mount Olive, Alabama
12/75
Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this cool treat because I wanted to find a new use for cream of coconut. The sweet coconut combines beautifully with the tart lemon juice, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. Look for cream of coconut in the cocktail mixer section of your grocery store. —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio
13/75
Oreo Ice Cream Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom's most-requested recipes. It's so easy to prepare this Oreo ice cream cake! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin
14/75
Strawberry Pretzel Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most-requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
15/75
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law loves chocolate-covered cherries, and I used to make this chocolate cherry dump cake every year for her birthday. Now we've moved away, but I make this for my kids on her birthday and they still feel near her. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
16/75
Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously different dessert, with a soft inside and a crumbly crust, is made in the slow cooker in jars instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
17/75
Blueberry Pie Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this blueberry pie recipe for decades since the ingredients for the filling are readily available in Michigan. Nothing says summer like a piece of fresh blueberry pie! —Linda Kernan, Mason, Michigan
18/75
Strawberry Banana Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
I add in additional fruit to get a little closer to all those servings you need every day. You can also try using different flavored puddings and fruit to switch up the recipe. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia
19/75
Giant Buckeye Cookie
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio
20/75
Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
This rhubarb crumble ice cream combines two of my favorite desserts into one fantastic creation! If you close your eyes, it actually tastes like you're taking a bite of fresh rhubarb crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Throw this into a waffle cone and enjoy a classic summertime treat! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
21/75
Lemon Raspberry Buckle
From the Recipe Creator:
I've given a fresh summery twist to the classic blueberry buckle everyone loves by replacing the blueberries with raspberries (my favorite) and adding sweet-tart lemon curd. This berry buckle cake recipe tastes great with vanilla ice cream! —Jenna Fleming, Lowville, New York
22/75
Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
23/75
Key Lime Pie with Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
24/75
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into 9 bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah
25/75
Peach Cobbler Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister brought me fresh peaches one year, and we decided to make these fruity cookies. They also make fantastic ice cream sandwiches—just put some vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delicious summer treat! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
26/75
Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She's a natural—they turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
27/75
Banana Split Cake Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer isn’t summer without a banana split or two, and these fun bars bring that same delicious flavor in potluck-perfect form. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
28/75
Mango Sorbet
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love the sunny color and fruity flavor of this light dessert. If you can’t find mangoes, substitute fresh peaches. To peal peaches, drop them into boiling water for a few seconds. Then you can easily slip the skins right off. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
29/75
Cherry Hand Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! —Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
30/75
Slow-Cooker Tropical Orange Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired by the fruity tropical flavors of my all-time favorite yogurt, this makes
for a fresh, fun and comforting treat. Try it for a beautiful dessert that is
ridiculously easy to prepare! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
31/75
Lemon Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe to please everyone in my family. It's a cross between cheesecake and tiramisu, with a refreshing lemony flavor. Garnish with fresh berries if you have them on hand. —Monica Marolt, Willowick, Ohio
32/75
S’mores Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
My family simply adores my daughter's fudgy s'mores brownies. The cinnamon-graham cracker crust and the dark chocolate brownies bring our passion for s'mores to a whole new level! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
33/75
Mango Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheesecake is my mom's favorite dessert. I made this especially for her on Mother's Day to thank her for being such an awesome mom. Decorate to your own taste! —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California
34/75
Strawberry Banana Popsicles
From the Recipe Creator:
These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You’ll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
35/75
Blackberry Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
Alabama has some tasty fresh berries. Several decades ago, my mama was going to pick blackberries to make a cobbler, but she went to the hospital to have me instead! This wonderful dessert is her mama’s recipe. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
36/75
Fried Ice Cream Dessert Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Fried ice cream is such a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to make individual servings. This recipe gives you the same fabulous flavor in an easy and convenient bar form. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
37/75
Coconut Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple yet satisfying coconut cookie recipe has been around for generations. Pressing a fork into the top gives the look of an old-fashioned washboard. —Tommie Sue Shaw, McAlester, Oklahoma
38/75
Lemon Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
As refreshing as it is easy to make, this lemon icebox cake will become a family favorite. Using grated lemon zest in addition to lemon pudding mix gives it a bright lemon flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
39/75
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats
From the Recipe Creator:
These chewy bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I’ve discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
40/75
Peach Blueberry Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves a peach blueberry cobbler. This one is the perfect, scrumptious treat! If you're taking it to a party, you might want to make another one for yourself. There won't be leftovers! —Laura Jansen, Battle Creek, Michigan
41/75
S’mores Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
We love making s'mores when we go camping or have a campfire in our backyard, and this easy dip allows us to enjoy this yummy treat any time of the year. I like to make this in a stoneware or cast-iron dish to help it retain heat. Try substituting milk chocolate morsels for the semisweet or mini peanut butter cups or peanut butter morsels in place of the chocolate. —Patricia Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
42/75
Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine
From the Recipe Creator:
This terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas
43/75
Bomb Pop Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
The sound of the ice cream truck has even my husband running out to the curb with money in hand. Our neighborhood has a big potluck on the Fourth of July, so I decided to make cookies that resemble Bomb Pops. These were a big hit! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
44/75
Strawberry Gelato
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright strawberry flavor and just a hint of sea salt and honey. Fresh raspberries or blackberries can be substituted for the strawberries if you prefer. If your berries are tart, add a touch more sugar or honey. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
45/75
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
46/75
Pineapple Fluff
From the Recipe Creator:
I often bring this salad to potlucks, and everyone goes crazy for the sweet and crunchy combination. Be sure to add the pretzel mixture right before serving to keep it crispy. —Beth Olby, Ashland, Wisconsin
47/75
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
48/75
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
49/75
Honeydew Granita
From the Recipe Creator:
Make this refreshing summer treat when melons are ripe and flavorful. I like to garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a small slice of honeydew. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
50/75
Cherry Delight
From the Recipe Creator:
This smooth and creamy cheesecake-like treat is light, sweet and pretty too. Convenience products make it quick and easy to prepare. My husband also likes this dessert when I substitute blueberry pie filling. —Lanae Powell, McPherson, Kansas
51/75
Orange Cream Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
For a lower-fat alternative to ice cream-filled pops, try this citrus novelty. The tangy orange flavor will make your taste buds tingle, while the silky smooth texture offers cool comfort. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
52/75
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet-tart cake recipe is so much fun to make with my grandkids. They love just "dumping it all in" and watching it magically become a pretty, delicious dessert. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
53/75
Coconut Meringue Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
We usually have a good selection of pies at our neighborhood get-togethers, but I always come home with an empty pan when I take this classic. Friends line up for a creamy slice topped with golden meringue and toasted coconut. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
54/75
Rainbow Jello Cubes
From the Recipe Creator:
These perky gelatin cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion—pink and blue for a baby shower, school colors for a graduation party, and so on. Kids of all ages snap them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
55/75
Apricot Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Anne, who is a great cook, gave me a taste of this golden upside-down cake and I couldn't believe how delicious it was. Apricots give it an elegant twist from traditional pineapple versions. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
56/75
Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a perfect finish to any meal. I make the best out of fresh berries with this dessert. —Stephanie Moon, Boise, Idaho
57/75
Chocolate Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
58/75
Margarita Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You'll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious too. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
59/75
Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
60/75
Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
As someone who grew up in the country, I love getting out into nature whenever I can. I also love homestyle recipes, including these yummy brownies. —Carol Prewett, Cheyenne, Wyoming
61/75
Blueberry Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
The wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick
62/75
Cannoli Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this cannoli cheesecake in the summer for a flavorful and refreshing treat. I love the added bonus of not having to turn on the oven in hot weather. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
63/75
Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice
From the Recipe Creator:
If you didn’t think watermelon and cilantro could go together in a dessert, this recipe will be a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top for extra flair. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
64/75
Berry, Lemon and Doughnut Hole Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
After my son called and said he was bringing home his college roommates, I was able to whip up this quick yet impressive dessert in only a few minutes. It's been a family favorite ever since. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
65/75
Fudge Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolate frozen dessert is the perfect summer treat! Invite your kids into the kitchen to help you stir the pudding. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
66/75
Coca-Cola Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
67/75
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
68/75
Key Lime Blondie Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my tropical take on a beloved treat. These Key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if you like. —Kristin LaBoon, Austin, Texas
69/75
Rhubarb Crumble
From the Recipe Creator:
To tell you the truth, I’m not sure how well my strawberry rhubarb crumble keeps—we usually eat it all in a day! You can skip the apples and strawberries in the recipe, which I do sometimes, but they do make this quick and easy dessert extra-good. —Linda Enslen, Schuler, Alberta
70/75
Bee Sting Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it’s well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
71/75
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make these yummy treats with my young grandson, Ben, I use an extra-big mixing bowl to prevent the flour and other ingredients from flying all over. He seems to enjoy making the cookies almost as much as eating them! —Chantal Cornwall, Prince Rupert, British Columbia
72/75
Brown Bag Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Making a paper bag apple pie means you don't have to worry about a watery filling or a burned crust. If you don't have a brown bag big enough to hold a 9-inch pie, parchment paper can work in a pinch. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
73/75
Angel Food Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
For our daughter's wedding, a friend made this lovely, airy angel food cake from a recipe she's used for decades. It really is one of the best angel food cake recipes I've found. Serve slices plain or dress them up with fresh fruit. —Marilyn Niemeyer, Doon, Iowa
74/75
Summer Dessert Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
Especially refreshing during the summer months, this dessert lets fresh fruit shine. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
75/75
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Barbecue Dessert Ideas FAQ
What desserts go well with barbecue?
Desserts that go well with barbecue are ice cream recipes or treats made with summer fruits (like berry-filled pies). Frozen desserts cool down the body on a hot summer day and also cool down the palate after a particularly spicy rack of ribs. Fruity desserts using in-season berries or stone fruits always taste like summer. That said, you can’t go wrong with tried-and-true classics, like a pan of brownies, loaded banana pudding desserts or a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
What barbecue desserts can be made ahead?
Most barbecue desserts can be made ahead of time, but I would avoid prepping and baking anything that’s best served warm, such as dump cakes, cobblers, cookie skillets, hand pies or dessert dips like a gooey s’mores dip. The good news is, though, that these desserts are super easy to prepare, so even though they can’t be prepped ahead, they come together easily. Otherwise, feel free to make all other barbecue desserts the day before serving and keep them in the fridge, freezer or at room temperature, depending on the recipe’s storage instructions.
How much dessert should I take to a barbecue or cookout party?
When taking dessert to a barbecue or cookout, plan on each person having one to two servings of any full-sized dessert (like a slice of pie or cake). If you’re making a mini dessert (like small cookies or dessert dips), plan on making a little extra. Each guest might enjoy three to four bite-sized treats.
If you take food best served cold, make sure to have a solution to actually keep the food cold when you set it out on the dessert table. Place ice pops on big bowls of ice, or wait to take food out of the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve. Or, you can fill an aluminum tray halfway with water, freeze it and now you have a big ice block to nestle cold food in for serving.
