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Desserts on the Grill: A Master List

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Did you know that you can create delicious desserts on the grill? In this post we’re going to share dozens of amazing grilled dessert ideas from popular food bloggers.

Grilling isn’t just for savory dishes, friends. You can (and should!) grill up some delicious desserts for your friends and family.

Grilled Desserts. . .is that a Thing?

It’s definitely a thing. And the ideas are endless, as you’re about to see. Whether you’re grilling fresh fruit, baking a cake, or making dessert pizza, you can do it all on the grill!

Want to Bake on the Grill the Right Way?

Before you pick a recipe, check out our complete guide to grill setup, temperature ranges, and cast iron dessert tips.

👉 Grilled Desserts & Cast Iron Sweet Recipes

I recently posted a recipe for my favorite Peach Dump Cake, which I made on my Traeger grill, but I wanted to look for a host of recipes to share with you, so I asked dozens of fellow food bloggers to share their favorite dessert recipes.

I’m so happy with the recipes they shared and can’t wait to try many of them, myself.

Talk about an amazing variety! You’re going to be blown away. And these are going to be perfect for your next outdoor gathering.

Whether you’re looking for cakes, cookies, fruits, or pies, you’ll find something here to please the whole family.

Tips for Baking on a Grill

Peach dump cake on the grill

The process of baking on a grill is a bit different from a traditional oven. So, before we dive into the recipes, let’s pause for a moment to talk about that.

Here are a few top suggestions:

1. Set up for Indirect Heat:

  • To bake on a grill, you need to create an indirect cooking setup. On a gas grill, this means turning on one burner and placing your baking dish on the other side. On a charcoal grill, push the hot coals to one side and place the dish on the opposite side (remember to adjust your heat and position as your dessert is cooking). A pellet grill already uses indirect heat, so no special instructions are necessary.

2. Preheat the Grill:

  • Just as you would with an indoor oven: Preheat the grill to the desired baking temperature. It’s important to use a grill thermometer to monitor the heat at all times so that you maintain a consistent temperature throughout the baking process.

3. Use a Baking Stone or Pan:

  • Here’s a great (and easy) idea to ensure a great outcome: Use a baking stone or a cast-iron skillet. For best results, preheat the stone or skillet along with the grill.

4. Monitor Temperature and Time:

  • How long will your dessert be on the grill? It’s important to note that baking times on the grill might vary when compared to your conventional oven. In other words, keep a close eye on your baked goods as they bake. It’s especially to use a thermometer when you’re making bread, cakes, or casseroles.

5. Rotate and Check Frequently:

  • To ensure even cooking, rotate your baking dish frequently. Also remember to keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.

6. Experiment:

  • Baking on a grill may require some experimentation to get the hang of temperature control. In other words, there’s a change you might need to adjust your recipes slightly to account for the different heat source. In other words, there’s a bit of trial and error involved.

7. Add Smoky Flavors:

  • Here’s a fun idea: Use various wood pellet flavors to impart different smoky notes to your desserts. Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite combinations. Adding a smoky twist to sweet treats is a creative process.

And Now. . .Our Master List of Grilled Desserts

Follow the links to get the full recipes for each of these delicious desserts from a wide variety of great food bloggers.

Desserts on the Grill

Enjoy these amazing and delicious desserts, which you can make on your grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really bake desserts on a grill?

You absolutely can — and the results are incredible! Grilling desserts adds a subtle smoky depth you just can’t get from a conventional oven. Whether you’re making a fruit crisp, a dump cake, grilled peaches, s’mores, or even chocolate chip cookies, the grill can handle it all. This post features 30 dessert ideas from food bloggers who have done exactly that.

What’s the most important rule for baking on a grill?

Indirect heat is everything. Never place your baking dish directly over the flame or hot coals. On a gas grill, light one burner and cook on the unlit side. On a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side and place your dish on the other. A pellet grill like a Traeger already cooks with indirect heat, so no extra setup is needed — just preheat and go.

What kinds of desserts can you make on the grill?

The variety is genuinely surprising! On a grill you can make fruit crisps and cobblers, grilled pound cake, smoked cakes, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, dessert pizza, banana boats, bread pudding, s’mores casserole, and more. You can also grill fresh fruit like peaches, apples, bananas, and plums, which caramelize beautifully over heat.

Is a pellet smoker better than a gas or charcoal grill for grilling desserts?

A pellet smoker makes the process especially easy because it runs at a consistent temperature on indirect heat — just like your oven. A gas or charcoal grill can work just as well, but requires more attention to maintain steady heat and proper indirect setup. For beginners, a pellet grill is the most forgiving option for baking.

Can you add smoky flavor to grilled desserts?

Yes! If you’re using a pellet smoker, different wood pellet flavors will impart subtle notes to your baked goods. Fruit-forward woods like apple or cherry pair especially well with sweet desserts. It’s a fun area to experiment — a hint of smoke on a peach cobbler or a chocolate cake is a surprisingly wonderful thing.

What’s the easiest grilled dessert for a beginner?

Grilled fruit is your best starting point — it requires almost no prep, cooks in minutes directly over the grates, and looks impressive. Grilled pineapple, peaches, apples with cinnamon and honey, or banana boats stuffed with chocolate are all crowd-pleasers that are practically impossible to mess up. BTG’s own Cast-Iron Peach Dump Cake is also a beginner-friendly favorite.

Do I need a cast iron skillet to bake on the grill?

You don’t need one, but cast iron is highly recommended. A cast iron skillet holds heat beautifully, distributes it evenly, and can go straight from the grill to the table. For best results, preheat the cast iron along with the grill before adding your dessert. A baking stone works well too — the key is having a sturdy vessel that can handle the indirect heat environment.

About the Man Behind the Grill


Zach Morrow was born and raised in Texas and has always had a passion for great barbecue. He’s at home behind the grill and loves to feed his friends and family home-cooked favorites as often as he can. He especially loves trying new things and is excited to produce recipes like this one for Backyard Texas Grill.

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