Planning a backyard barbecue this summer and wondering what easy, crowd-pleasing dessert to bring? Look no further! We’ve gathered an incredible selection of twenty-five unique and traditional ideas designed to satisfy every sweet tooth. From refreshing no-bake treats and creative twists on classic puddings to rich chocolate delights and seasonal fruit cobblers, these recipes are perfect for any summer party.

A great BBQ dessert should be delicious, often easy to transport, and ideally suitable for warm weather. Our list features options that are not only scrumptious but also practical for outdoor gatherings, ensuring your sweet ending is as memorable as the main course. Prepare to impress your friends and family with these delightful summer dessert ideas!

Our Top 25 Picks for Your Next Summer BBQ Dessert

#1 Watermelon Pizza

This watermelon pizza is a true show-stopper that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. It’s incredibly refreshing and light, making it the ideal antidote to a heavy BBQ meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can effortlessly customize the toppings with any seasonal fruits you have on hand, creating a vibrant and healthy dessert that everyone will adore. It’s perfect for kids and adults looking for a guilt-free sweet treat.

#2 S’mores Brownies

Take the beloved campfire treat to the next level with these incredible S’mores Brownies. These bars boast a delightful chewy blondie base that perfectly mimics the buttery, honey-kissed flavor of a graham cracker. Layered with a thick, creamy dark chocolate and topped with fluffy, toasted marshmallow meringue, they capture all the nostalgic joy of s’mores without the campfire fuss. They’re easy to transport and serve, making them a fantastic addition to any BBQ dessert table.

#3 Walking Banana Pudding

Why choose regular banana pudding when you can have individual, portable servings? This “walking” version, served in mini Nilla Wafers bags, is a brilliant innovation for any outdoor gathering. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and eliminates the need for bowls and spoons, making cleanup a breeze. Both kids and adults absolutely adore this fun, no-fuss take on the classic Southern dessert, offering creamy texture and sweet banana flavor in every bite.

#4 Strawberry Cake Roll

Don’t let its elegant appearance intimidate you – this Strawberry Cake Roll is surprisingly simple to create! It’s bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, offering a light and airy texture that’s perfect for warm weather. This cake roll is an excellent choice for feeding a crowd at a BBQ, as it slices beautifully and presents a sophisticated yet approachable dessert option that will surely impress your guests.

#5 Cookies & Cream Dessert Pizza

Prepare to be the talk of the BBQ when you arrive with this innovative Cookies & Cream Dessert Pizza! This fun treat features a chewy chocolate chip cookie “crust,” a luscious cream cheese “sauce,” and is generously adorned with crushed Oreos and a delicate drizzle of white chocolate. It’s a dessert that appeals to all ages, combining familiar flavors in an exciting, pizza-inspired format that’s both delicious and visually appealing for a summer gathering.

#6 Blackberry Cobbler

Cobbler is a quintessential summer dessert, and for good reason! It perfectly showcases seasonal fruit, is wonderfully simple to prepare, and tastes absolutely incredible. This classic blackberry version is a must-have for any summer BBQ. The juicy, tart blackberries baked under a sweet, tender crust create a comforting dish that’s even better served warm with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream. It embodies the essence of summer indulgence.

#7 Grilled Dessert Nachos

Bring a playful and unexpected element to your BBQ with these delightful Grilled Dessert Nachos! They brilliantly capture all the beloved flavors of a banana split, but with an exciting grilled twist. The sweet, crispy chips are undeniably addictive, providing the perfect base for warm, caramelized grilled fruit and decadent chocolate chips. Don’t forget that essential scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to complete this crowd-pleasing, interactive dessert experience.

#8 Pistachio Pie

For a refreshing and effortlessly elegant summer dessert, look no further than this light and creamy Pistachio Pie. Similar in spirit to a Watergate salad, its vibrant green hue and unique flavor make it a standout on any dessert table. The best part? It’s a fantastic no-bake option, eliminating the need to turn on your oven during those hot summer days. Its cool, smooth texture is utterly perfect for warm weather gatherings.

#9 Dark Chocolate Watermelon

When it comes to simplicity and deliciousness, Dark Chocolate Watermelon is hard to beat. This has to be one of the easiest, yet most elegant, desserts you could prepare for a BBQ. The combination of cool, crisp watermelon and rich dark chocolate is unexpectedly delightful. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider sprinkling a touch of sea salt, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes over the chocolate before it sets. It’s a refreshing and sophisticated treat.

#10 Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a burst of pure summer flavor! They feature a tender, buttery streusel crust that perfectly complements a creamy, zesty lemon cheesecake filling. Studded with juicy blueberries, each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and crumbly textures. These bars are easy to make ahead, transport, and serve in individual portions, making them an ideal and refreshing dessert for any casual or festive BBQ gathering.

#11 S’mores Board

Transform dessert into an interactive experience with an epic S’mores Board! This magnificent spread allows everyone to unleash their creativity and build their perfect s’more. Featuring an array of cookies, diverse chocolates, various marshmallows, and delicious sauces, the customization possibilities are truly endless. It’s a wonderfully communal dessert that encourages conversation and fun, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any BBQ, especially if you have a fire pit handy.

#12 Bisquick Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a quintessential summer dessert, and this simplified recipe using Bisquick makes it incredibly quick and easy to prepare without sacrificing any of that delicious homemade taste. The tender, juicy peaches are baked under a light and fluffy topping, creating a warm, comforting dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. We wholeheartedly recommend serving it piping hot with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

#13 Key Lime Pie Bars

Embrace the bright and tangy flavors of summer with these refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars. These delightful treats feature a creamy, perfectly tart Key lime filling nestled atop a rich, buttery graham cracker crust. They offer all the beloved taste of a traditional Key lime pie but are significantly easier to make and serve, especially for a crowd. Their individual bar format makes them a convenient grab-and-go dessert perfect for casual BBQ settings.

#14 Texas Sheet Cake

When you need to feed a large gathering, a sheet cake is always an excellent idea, and this Texas Sheet Cake is truly among the best! This classic dessert is celebrated for its incredibly fluffy and moist texture, complemented by a super chocolatey frosting that boasts a smooth, luscious consistency. It’s a comforting and indulgent choice that can easily be prepared in advance, making it a stress-free yet utterly satisfying dessert for any bustling BBQ event.

#15 Strawberry Cream Pie

Strawberry enthusiasts will absolutely adore this easy-to-make Strawberry Cream Pie. It’s a vision of summer in dessert form – light, creamy, and wonderfully sweet, tasting like pure heaven with every forkful. The best part? It’s a no-bake recipe, which means you can keep your kitchen cool and avoid turning on the oven on a hot summer day. This refreshing pie is perfect for showcasing fresh seasonal strawberries at your next outdoor get-together.

#16 Red White and Blue Angel Food Cake Jars

Searching for a dessert that’s both delicious and patriotically themed? These Red White and Blue Angel Food Cake Trifles are your answer! Layered with fresh berries, light pudding, delicate angel food cake, and airy whipped cream, they are not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty. Served in individual mason jars, they offer maximum convenience and charm, making them perfect for Fourth of July celebrations or any summer BBQ where you want to add a touch of Americana.

#17 Drumstick Dessert

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of your favorite ice cream cone with this fun and convenient Drumstick Dessert. This easy, no-bake treat perfectly captures the essence of a classic Drumstick, combining crunchy, chocolatey, and creamy layers. It’s an ideal last-minute dessert to whip up and bring along to a potluck, BBQ, or any casual summer gathering. Guests will love this playful and satisfying ode to a beloved frozen treat, without the drips!

#18 Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie

Surprise and delight your guests with this whimsical Strawberry Pop-Tart Pie! This playful dessert takes a classic strawberry pie and gives it a fun, nostalgic twist with a sweet, iconic Pop-Tart-like glaze. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for summer BBQs, offering a delightful combination of flaky crust, sweet strawberry filling, and that instantly recognizable frosted top. It’s sure to bring smiles and a touch of childhood joy to your outdoor meal.

#19 Pina Colada Lush

“Lush” desserts have been a classic American favorite for generations, and this Pina Colada variation is absolutely perfect for warm weather. It transports you to a tropical paradise with its refreshing layers of sweet pineapple, creamy cool whip, and toasted coconut, all built upon a delightful crust made from Golden Oreos. This no-bake wonder is light, incredibly flavorful, and provides a cool, creamy finish that’s ideal for a hot summer day’s BBQ.

#20 Smoked Bacon Wrapped Oreos

While this recipe might initially sound unconventional, trust us when we say that everyone who tries these Smoked Bacon Wrapped Oreos becomes an instant convert! This intriguing dessert offers an incredible symphony of flavors: sweet, savory, and distinctly smoky. The crispy bacon complements the classic chocolate and creaminess of the Oreo in a surprisingly harmonious way, creating a truly unique and memorable BBQ dessert that’s perfect for adventurous palates.

#21 Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

These light and refreshing Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes are a delightful nod to a beloved childhood treat. Incredibly moist and bursting with citrusy flavor from orange juice and orange extract, they are crowned with a luscious orange creamsicle buttercream frosting. The individual portions make them perfect for a BBQ, offering a bright, zesty, and satisfyingly sweet dessert that’s sure to evoke nostalgic smiles and provide a refreshing end to your outdoor feast.

#22 Banana Pudding Pie

For a dessert that truly epitomizes Southern comfort and summer sweetness, this Banana Pudding Pie is unbeatable. It artfully combines a delightful crunchy cookie crust with soft, sweet vanilla pudding, thick slices of fresh bananas, layers of classic Nilla Wafers, and a generous mountain of homemade whipped cream. You’d be hard-pressed to find a recipe more perfectly suited for summer barbecues than this rich, creamy, and wonderfully textured pie, promising pure indulgence in every bite.

#23 Strawberry Tiramisu

Elevate your BBQ dessert offerings with this exquisite summer twist on the classic tiramisu. This Strawberry Tiramisu features luscious layers of fresh, juicy strawberries, a decadent cream filling, and delicate ladyfinger cookies gently infused with orange liqueur. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly refreshing dessert that’s perfect for adults to savor at your outdoor gathering. The vibrant berry flavor and light texture make it a delightful alternative to traditional heavy desserts.

#24 Raspberry Pretzel Salad

Jello salads have long been a cherished staple at barbecues and potlucks, and this Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a shining example of why. Its irresistible combination of salty-sweet crunchy pretzel crust, velvety cool whip and cream cheese filling, and vibrant, sweet-tart raspberry jello top creates a symphony of flavors and textures. This unique dessert truly hits the spot, offering a refreshing and satisfying treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser on a warm summer day.

#25 Lemon Blueberry Parfaits

These individual Lemon Blueberry Parfaits capture all the quintessential flavors of summer in a beautifully layered dessert. Featuring crisp Nilla Wafers, tangy Meyer lemon curd, sweet blueberry compote, and light Cool Whip, they create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Serving these delightful parfaits in small jars makes them incredibly easy to transport, serve, and enjoy at any BBQ, offering a sophisticated yet fuss-free dessert option that is perfectly refreshing.