Summer means lots of fun in the sun. For many, that includes lots of barbecues, starting as soon as the temperatures start to rise. There's plenty of grilling recipes out there: burgers, grilled pizza, and yes, nachos. Yes, basically anything can be grilled if done right. But often, desserts are overlooked. Well, not this year. Some people celebrate the weekend with games and fun warm-weather accessories. But for others, it's all about dessert. Celebrate summer with lots of sweet and colorful treats. But here's the kicker: It is possible to have a decked-out dessert table without worrying about anything going bad or melting away. And we found the best recipes to make sure of it.
We did go heavy on the fruit route, because let's be honest, fruit is refreshing and it tends to fare well in the hotter weather. Also included: new twists on previously basic dishes (grilled peaches, anyone? Actually, grilled anything works!) But we've included more traditional treats, too, which don't involve too much fruit and will still keep. This includes yummy brownies, cakes, and fresh-baked breads. The best part? They're great for kids of all ages and they're not too messy.
Turns out, there's a correlation between perishable desserts and ones that drip all over the place. OK, we're talking about ice cream. Just because these recipes don't include it doesn't mean it can't be used at all. But our list is created to avoid needing to break out the ice cream. These desserts are delicious enough as they are.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
What combines the sweetness of summer fruit with a healthy helping of retro flair? Pineapple upside down cake, of course! This nostalgic dessert is easy to make, Betty Crocker will lead the way, and so tasty!
Macarons
Oui oui! The small French macaron in a rainbow of colors is such a great visual for a picnic table. Macarons are a little tricky to make, although this recipe from Preppy Kitchen is easy to follow. They're so worth it for the chewy texture and delicate flavors, with no mess factor!
Fruit Kebabs
Alright, we know a fruit kebab isn't the most decadent dessert option, but sometimes fruit on a stick is just enough sweetness. Fruit kebabs are also a smart option when we want to use our little helpers — nothing could be easier than stacking pieces of ripe fruit on a skewer.
Lemon Bars
Fact: it is basically impossible to see lemon bars and not start drooling a little bit. A rich shortbread crust combined with a smooth and tart lemon filling is just SO GOOD. Sally's Baking Addiction has a great recipe that only calls for seven ingredients.
Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
The sweetness of strawberries plus the tartness of summer rhubarb, all in one easy to handle package? Yes, please! Sweet muffins are so easy for an outdoor meal and kids of all ages love them. A Spicy Perspective has a simple recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Kettle Corn
What could be easier than kettle corn? Kettle corn is a perfect summer treat (who doesn't love that sweet and salty combo?) and this recipe from Food.com couldn't be simpler! Just make it at home and serve in individual cups a sweet treat with no forks required.
Patriotic Cake Pops
A cake pop is a genius idea for any outside party, but these patriotic pops are clearly going to be the star of a Fourth of July shindig! These pops, based on the recipe from Honest Cooking, require a bit more time to make and decorate, but it's worth it for the wow factor!
Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple is so deliciously sweet and its flavor really shines once it has had a few minutes on a hot grill! Grilled pineapple tastes amazing on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich, but it's also great as a dessert. Cube it up and put it on kebab sticks for easy eating!
Blueberry Cookies
There are so many barbecue-friendly blueberry dessert options, but a sweet and oat filled blueberry cookie might just be the easiest and least messy choice. This cookie, we like the recipe on Taste of Home, works with both fresh or frozen blueberries.
Angel Food Cake
It can be easy to get full at a barbecue, so sometimes having a lighter dessert option is the way to go. Angel food is basically the best barbecue cake there is — it won't melt, it pairs well with all kinds of summer fruit, and it is easy to make. Sally's Baking Addiction has a classic recipe with full instructions.
Berry Cobbler
Berry cobblers are the ultimate summer dish, because they combine the fruits of summer (berries) into a flavorful and easy-to-share dessert. Cobblers work for a barbecue because they require heat to bake so a bit more of it won't hurt. Get Epicurious has a highly rated recipe.
Mini Strawberry Tarts
Sometimes a hot day calls for a smaller treat! Smaller tarts are easier to handle and perfect bite-sized treats for outdoor parties, especially for those with little hands. This recipe for mini strawberry tarts from My Recipes also calls for sunny lemon zest.
Watermelon Slices
It's not summer without watermelon. Cool guests down with a sweet treat that won't take too much prep time and won't wilt in the heat. Cut a watermelon into easy-to-hold slices and put a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Watermelon.org has a recipe for watermelon pie, too.
Torta Margherita Italian Sweet Cake
Barbecues are an American tradition, but take a note from the Italian dessert book with a torta Margherita cake. The cake itself is dense enough to hold up in the elements and the powdered sugar topping withstands higher temperatures much longer than icing. Domenica Cooks has a recipe.
Raspberry Mini Tarts
What to do when strawberries aren't everyone's fruit of choice? Time to bring on the raspberries! The fruit can withstand warmer weather and provide a refreshing flavor to any dessert. The Spruce Eats has a recipe for mini tarts.
Berry Galette
Galettes are the fancy siblings to pies, if that's a thing. They make great outdoor desserts because they're mostly made up of fruit. No melting or dripping but still deliciously sweet. The blueberry gallette recipe from Epicurious is sure to be a hit.
Parfait
Parfaits are made up of yogurt, fruit, and graham crackers. While the yogurt may not last long, Cool Whip might. Have a tub nearby to put some as they're made and enjoy! Yummly has a few Cool Whip based recipes.
Apple Pie
Without an apple pie on the picnic table, it can't be called a backyard barbecue (and apple pie is equally at home at a tailgate, too). Get the classic recipe from Taste of Home, which includes a double pie crust. Yum.
Cupcakes
Aside from being a classic, cupcakes have proven over and over again they can stand the test of time. Plus, they're easy to make and cause minimal mess from the little ones. Sally's Baking Addiction has a delicious chocolate cupcake recipe.
Candy Apples
We tend to think of apples as a fall fruit, but candy apples are delicious year-round! They turn a traditional "healthy" treat into a more fun one that isn't messy or affected by being outside. Here's a recipe from Just a Taste.
Grilled Fruit Skewers
These grilled fruit skewers will look so tasty on the dessert table. Just choose the fruit, put on the sticks and grill away. This recipe from Epicurious has a good rundown — and includes a spicy maple cumin glaze to go with it.
Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is a fun, fresh, and healthy summer classic. It's no-frills (not to mention a handy solution when a vegetable garden runneth over) and easily cut into slices to hand out to party-goers. The recipe from The Wholesome Dish claims it's the "best zucchini bread."
Grilled Peaches
Cut up some peaches and throw them on the grill for a tangy and sweet barbecue dessert. Add some (optional) ice cream right before eating, otherwise, they're fine to hang outside with guests. It's hard to imagine they'll be sitting there for long. Luckily, Bobby Flay has a recipe.
Blueberry Jam
Can you tell we have a thing for blueberries? Make jam of any flavor and have it out for people to spread on crackers or cheese pieces (if it's not too hot!). This blueberry jam recipe from Food.com yields about 6 half pints to cover all parties going forward.
Apple Blondies
A melty, gooey chocolate brownie is so tasty, but can be so messy. Break out the dense, cake-like blondies instead and be the barbecue hero. This recipe from Chocolate with Grace features hints of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Brownies
Brownies can do no wrong and they're perfect treats for the traditionalists at the barbecue. They're easy to grab and even more delicious to eat. Making a batter that is more fudgey will prevent melting messes. But again, if chocolate chips are more of the guests' jam, this recipe from The Stay at Home Chef should do the trick.
Baked Apricot Tart
Strawberries, blueberries, and watermelon are iconic summer fruits, but we can't overlook the apricot. We wouldn't forget an apricot dessert for warm weather! A tart with apricots is the tangy treat a cookout needs that don't need to be refrigerated. Epicurious has a recipe.
Chocolate No-Bake Truffles
No-bake recipes are often the way to go when its hot outside, because the ingredients aren't quickly perishable. But it doesn't mean they aren't as great. In fact, these chocolate Oreo truffles look like a hit. For the hottest days, consider using some reusable ice packs to rest the truffle container on to reduce melting.
Candied Oranges
Speaking of no-bake recipes, these candied oranges are right on trend for spring/summer outings and can sit outside for friends and family to munch on. Dip them in chocolate for extra yummy flavor like in this recipe from Food Apparel.
Lavender Cookies
Shortbread cookies are super refreshing, especially if they're made with lavender or lemon. The James Beard Foundation has a recipe. Shortbread cookies are great alongside a platter of sliced fruit or even with a bit of jam on top.
