16 Must-Try Summer Cookout Desserts
There’s something special about a summer cookout. The grill is going, the smell of food is filling the air and everyone is gathered outside. Before long the dessert table starts filling up with homemade treats that disappear almost as quickly as they’re set down.
Some desserts just seem made for summer gatherings. Fresh fruit, creamy puddings, classic cakes, and easy-to-share cookies always bring back memories of family barbecues, neighborhood parties, and long afternoons spent in the backyard.
If you’re looking for desserts for your next cookout, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. These 16 desserts are perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a welcome addition to any summer get-together.
1. Southern Banana Pudding
You can’t go wrong with a classic like this at a summer cookout. Creamy layers, sweet bananas, and vanilla wafers come together to create a dessert that feels sooo nostalgic and always seems to bring people back for a second helping.
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafers
- 4–5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, ½ cup sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 7–10 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the pudding onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of sliced bananas.
- Pour half of the remaining pudding over the layers. Repeat the layering process with more wafers, bananas, and pudding, ending with a layer of pudding on top.
- To prepare the meringue, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the meringue over the warm pudding, ensuring it reaches the edges of the dish to seal it completely.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
2. Nutella Fruit Pizza
Bright, colorful desserts always seem to catch everyone’s eye at a cookout. Fresh fruit paired with a rich chocolate hazelnut spread makes this one feel a little special while still being easy to serve and share. This is so simple to make with kids too so it’s a great recipe for getting them involved in the food prep.
GET THE RECIPE3. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Some desserts never seem to go out of style. With its caramelized fruit topping and soft, buttery cake, this retro favorite looks beautiful on a dessert table and brings a taste of old-fashioned summer baking to any cookout.
GET THE RECIPE4. Banana Upside Down Cake
Ripe bananas have a way of making homemade cakes feel extra comforting. Topped with a sweet caramelized layer and baked until golden, this fits right in at a relaxed summer cookout with family and friends.
GET THE RECIPE5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle
Layered desserts always look impressive when they’re brought out. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana creates a rich, creamy treat that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for serving a crowd at a summer cookout.
GET THE RECIPE6. Lemon Cheesecake Truffles
A little bite-sized treat can be just as tempting as a slice of cake. Actually, I think it’s great to have a few bite size treats on offer. With a creamy cheesecake center and a bright burst of lemon flavor, these are easy to serve at outdoor gatherings and add a fresh touch to summer dessert spreads.
GET THE RECIPE7. Key Lime Pie Cookies
Tangy citrus desserts are always welcome during the summer months. These soft, flavorful cookies capture the classic taste of key lime pie in an easy-to-share treat that’s perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and cookouts.
GET THE RECIPE8. Lemon Blueberry Cookies
I always find that fruit-filled desserts disappear quickly at a cookout. The combination of juicy blueberries and fresh lemon gives these cookies a lovely summer flavor, and they’re easy to grab and enjoy while chatting with friends and family.
GET THE RECIPE9. Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Some flavors instantly bring back memories of summer. With their sweet citrus flavor and creamy vanilla notes, these cookies have a fun, old-fashioned feel that makes them a great addition to any cookout dessert table.
GET THE RECIPE10. Lemon Oatmeal Cookies
There’s always room on the dessert table for a good homemade cookie. The chewy texture and fresh lemon flavor make these a lovely choice for summer, and they’re easy to pack up and bring along to any cookout.
GET THE RECIPE11. Strawberry Sandies
Nothing says summer quite like strawberry desserts. These buttery cookies have a lovely old-fashioned feel to them and make a simple but delicious addition to a cookout spread when you want something easy to share.
GET THE RECIPE12. Tiramisu Cupcakes
If you want to add something a little different to the dessert table, these are a great choice. They have all the rich coffee and creamy flavors people love, but in an easy-to-serve form that’s perfect for sharing at a summer cookout.
GET THE RECIPE13. Pineapple Coconut Bundt Cake
Tropical flavors always seem to suit warm summer days. With sweet pineapple, coconut, and a soft, moist crumb, this cake is ideal for slicing up and sharing with a crowd at a backyard cookout.
GET THE RECIPE14. German Chocolate Pound Cake
For those who prefer something a little richer after a meal, this cake is hard to beat. Packed with chocolate flavor and topped with the classic coconut and pecan combination, it’s a dessert that always feels right at home at family gatherings and summer cookouts.
GET THE RECIPE15. Italian Cream Cake
Every dessert table needs at least one showstopper. With its fluffy layers, creamy frosting, and hints of coconut and pecans, this cake feels special enough for a celebration but still fits right in at a relaxed summer cookout.
GET THE RECIPE16. Banana Cinnamon Bun Cake
There’s something about the combination of banana and cinnamon that always feels comforting. This soft, sweet cake brings together two classic flavors and makes a lovely dessert to slice up and share after a summer meal outdoors.
GET THE RECIPEA good dessert has a way of bringing people back to the table, even after they’ve said they’re full. From classic cakes and nostalgic puddings to bright summer cookies and fruity treats, these recipes are perfect for sharing with family and friends. I hope you’ve found a few new favorites to add to your next cookout menu. Let me know your favorites!
