Grilling isn’t just for meats and veggies; it can transform fruits into decadent desserts that will impress your family and friends. The heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in fruits, enhancing their sweetness and creating a lovely smoky flavor. Let’s explore three delightful examples of grilling fruits for desserts that you can easily recreate at home!
Grilled peaches make for a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for summer. The juicy sweetness of ripe peaches pairs beautifully with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
To start, preheat your grill to medium heat. Cut ripe peaches in half and remove the pits. You can choose to brush the cut sides with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches are slightly softened.
Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert is not only delicious but also a great way to showcase fresh summer produce.
Grilled pineapple brings a tropical flair to your dessert table. The caramelization process enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness, making it a delightful treat.
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Cut the pineapple into rings, about 1-inch thick. If you want a little extra flavor, you can soak the pineapple rings in coconut rum for about 30 minutes before grilling. This step adds a rich, tropical taste.
Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple is tender. While the pineapple is grilling, you can prepare a simple coconut rum sauce by mixing coconut cream, a tablespoon of sugar, and a splash of rum in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
Once the pineapple is done, serve it warm drizzled with the coconut rum sauce. It’s a perfect ending to a summer barbecue, and you can even add a scoop of coconut ice cream on top for an indulgent twist.
Who doesn’t love a classic s’more? This twist on the traditional treat incorporates grilled bananas for a delightful dessert that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Begin by preheating your grill to medium heat. Take ripe bananas and slice them lengthwise, leaving the peel on. You want to create a pocket for the marshmallows and chocolate. Stuff the banana halves with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Wrap each banana in aluminum foil to keep it contained.
Place the wrapped bananas on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bananas are soft and the marshmallows are gooey. Remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
Serve the grilled bananas as is, or scoop the gooey filling into graham cracker halves for a messy, delicious s’more experience. This dessert is not only fun to make but also provides a great way to enjoy bananas in a new way.
These examples of grilling fruits for desserts showcase the versatility and deliciousness that grilling can bring to sweet treats. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create memorable desserts that will have everyone coming back for seconds!