Nothing rounds off a proper barbecue like a scrumptious sweet treat. After the sausages are sorted and the burgers have been devoured, it's time for the grand finale - pudding!
These outdoor-friendly desserts will have your guests coming back for seconds, combining the smoky magic of the grill with irresistible sweet flavours.
1. Grilled Pineapple Slices
Ordinary pineapple transforms into caramelised rings of tropical heaven when kissed by the grill's heat. The natural sugars develop a gorgeous golden crust while the inside stays juicy and warm.
A dash of cinnamon or scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level.
2. S'mores
Though they hail from across the pond, these campfire classics have firmly planted themselves in British garden gatherings. Watching chocolate melt between warm biscuits as the marshmallow turns gloriously gooey creates pure magic.
Swap traditional graham crackers for digestive biscuits – a proper British upgrade that holds up brilliantly to the sticky-sweet filling.
3. Peach Cobbler
Cast iron cooking creates the most magnificent cobbler – bubbling fruit beneath a golden, buttery topping. The smoky notes from the barbecue add a certain je ne sais quoi that an ordinary oven simply cannot match.
Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect summer finale.
4. Grilled Banana Boats
Childhood nostalgia meets grown-up indulgence with this brilliantly simple pud. A slit down the middle of unpeeled bananas creates the perfect pocket for tucking in chocolate buttons and mini marshmallows.
Wrapped in foil and popped on the dying embers, they transform into a molten treasure chest of sweet delights. Add a splash of Baileys for the adults – cheeky!
5. Strawberry Shortcake
British strawberries truly shine in this summery stack of joy. Lightly grilled scones (yes, proper British ones!) develop a wonderful toasty exterior while maintaining their tender crumb. Layer with macerated strawberries from Kent or Sussex for patriotic pudding perfection.
The cream soaks delightfully into the warm scones, creating heavenly bites that celebrate the best of British produce.
6. Chocolate Brownies
Fudgy squares of chocolate bliss make for portable pudding perfection. The contrast between the crackly top and gooey centre is what brownie dreams are made of. Made ahead and wrapped individually, they're fuss-free for hosts.
Try swirling in peanut butter or topping with toasted nuts for a flavour that pairs perfectly with the barbecue atmosphere.
7. Banana Pudding
Creamy, dreamy layers of vanilla custard, sliced bananas and crushed biscuits create a rather magnificent make-ahead pud. Served in individual jam jars, it's both practical and utterly charming for outdoor dining.
The cold, silky texture provides welcome relief after hot barbecue fare. Add a splash of spiced rum to the custard for a grown-up twist that'll have everyone asking for your secret.
8. Grilled Pound Cake
Madeira cake transforms into something rather spectacular with just a minute on the barbecue. The heat creates a gorgeous caramelised exterior while leaving the inside perfectly moist and tender.
Top with lemon curd and fresh berries for a pudding that's impressively simple. The slight smokiness from the grill adds an unexpected dimension to this traditional British teatime favourite.
9. Berry Crisp
Summer berries bubble away beneath a blanket of buttery, oaty crumble in this cast iron classic. British blackberries and raspberries make a particularly smashing combination, their tartness balancing the sweet topping beautifully.
The barbecue imparts a subtle smokiness that elevates this humble pud to new heights.
10. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Proper British biscuits – think chocolate digestives or ginger nuts – make far superior ice cream sandwiches than their American counterparts. Assembled just before serving, they're the perfect handheld sweet treat for garden gatherings.
Cornwall's clotted cream ice cream works brilliantly here, its rich texture standing up well to the biscuit crunch. Dip edges in chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra pizzazz.
11. Apple Pie
British Bramleys become transcendent when their tartness meets sweet pastry and barbecue heat. Cooking in a Dutch oven on the coals creates a gloriously golden crust while gently stewing the apples to perfection.
A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds just the right touch of warmth and spice.
12. Lemon Bars
Tangy squares of sunshine provide the perfect palate cleanser after smoky barbecue fare. The contrast between buttery shortbread base and zingy lemon topping is utterly irresistible. Made with proper British lemons from the Amalfi coast (via Waitrose, naturally), these bars keep well in a cool box.
Dust with icing sugar just before serving for that classic finished look.
13. Grilled Peaches With Honey
Halved peaches develop an almost caramel-like sweetness when their cut sides meet the hot grill. The contrast between charred exterior and juicy flesh is simply magnificent.
Drizzle with British heather honey for floral notes that complement the fruit beautifully. A dollop of mascarpone (or clotted cream for true British indulgence) melts gloriously over the warm fruit.
14. Rice Krispies Treats
Childhood nostalgia in square form – these crispy, gooey treats are properly brilliant for outdoor gatherings. The addition of browned butter gives a subtle nutty depth that elevates them beyond the playground version.
Cut into generous squares and wrapped individually, they're the perfect portable pud. A drizzle of salted caramel takes them firmly into grown-up territory.
15. Cheesecake Bars
Individual portions of creamy cheesecake with buttery biscuit bases make for rather sophisticated barbecue puds. The cold, velvety texture is particularly welcome after hot, smoky mains. Made ahead and kept chilled, they're wonderfully fuss-free for hosts.
Top with British summer berries or a swirl of proper lemon curd for a pudding that's both elegant and utterly delicious.
