grilled brown sugar bananasHere's a fun way to add an element of surprise to your backyard barbecue this summer. In addition to burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, and other traditional grilled meat and veggie dishes -- grill dessert! Your guests will never expect it. Plus, you'll already have the grill fired up and ready, so why not make the most of it? Here are five irresistible grilled dessert ideas to give you some sweet inspiration.

--Grill up some bananas, and the dessert possibilities are endless. You can use them in banana splits, bananas foster, and even s'mores. Or, keep it really simple with Grilled Brown Sugar Bananas and a scoop of strawberry ice cream. 

Grilled Brown Sugar Bananas

Ingredients

  • 4 bananas
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Cut each banana in half -- don't remove the peel!

2. Combine cinnamon and brown sugar in a bowl.

3. Squeeze lemon over each half and coat in sugar mixture.

4. Place banana halves on an oiled grill grate, peel side up. Allow to cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

5. Peel and serve with ice cream.

 

--No grilled dessert list would be complete without Grilled Peaches. The traditional way to serve them is simply with brown sugar. Or you can make it fancy with goat cheese, honey, and cinnamon.

 

--Grilling pound cake is popular because it holds up beautifully on the grill. Use it to make ordinary strawberry shortcake extra special or try this recipe for Grilled Pound Cake Sundaes.

 

--And speaking of sundaes, have you ever tried one made with Grilled Pineapple? Pair the caramelized fruit with caramel sauce and toasted coconut and you'll have a dessert your summer barbecue guests will never forget.

 

--Dessert-style Grilled Cheese is always a crowd-favorite and so easy to throw together. There are countless combinations, but this one is a great place to start: Nutella, strawberries, and mascarpone cheese in between slices of buttered, grilled ciabatta.

What's your favorite grilled dessert?

 

Image via Big C Harvey/Flickr