10 Grilled Fruit Desserts: Unexpected Memorial Day Sweet Endings

Is your Memorial Day dessert table stuck in a rut with the same old store-bought cakes and generic ice cream? 

Traditional Memorial Day sweets often lack creativity, leaving your guests with a forgettable ending to an otherwise exciting day. 

What if you could introduce desserts that surprise and delight, using the grill to add a unique twist that sets your celebration apart from the crowd? 

These 10 grilled fruit desserts offer simple yet innovative ways to wow your guests and elevate your holiday feast.

🍍 Pineapple with Creamy Coconut Drizzle

Tropical Twist That’s Sure to Impress

Grill pineapple slices until they develop beautiful char marks. Drizzle with a mixture of coconut milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. The heat caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of shredded coconut to the drizzle for extra texture.

🍑 Caramelized Peaches with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Summery Comfort in Every Bite

Slice peaches and grill until tender and slightly caramelized. Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The warm peaches contrast perfectly with the cold ice cream.

Idea: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice kick.

🍓 Berry Foil Packs with a Zesty Surprise

Colorful bursts of flavor

Combine fresh berries with a splash of orange juice and a hint of honey in foil packets. Grill until the berries soften and the juices thicken. Serve warm for a vibrant, tangy-sweet treat.

Tip: Use frozen berries in a pinch – they’ll thaw and release juices as they cook.

🥥 Coconut-Charred Pineapple Sundaes

Tropical meets classic

Grill pineapple chunks until charred. Serve over coconut milk ice cream and top with crushed macadamia nuts and a drizzle of chocolate. The smoky char adds depth to the tropical fruit.

Hack: Toast coconut flakes separately on the grill for extra crunch.

🍈 Watermelon with Spiced Honey Glaze

A refreshing twist on sweet

Grill watermelon slices until slightly softened. Brush with a glaze of honey, chili powder, and lime juice. The heat mellows the spiciness, creating a balanced sweet-heat finish.

Pro Tip: Freeze watermelon slices briefly before grilling to keep them firm.

🍒 Cherry and Chocolate Foil Packs

Rich and fruity indulgence

Combine pitted cherries with dark chocolate chunks in foil packets. Grill until the chocolate melts and the cherries soften. The result is a luscious, self-saucing dessert.

Idea: Add a splash of brandy for a grown-up version.

🥝 Grilled Peach and Mascarpone Toasts

Elegant, easy, and impressive

Grill peach halves until tender. Serve over toasted sourdough smeared with mascarpone cheese. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for acidity.

Tip: Use day-old bread for firmer toasts that hold up to the toppings.

🍇 Grilled Grape and Brie Skewers

Savory-sweet surprise

Thread red grapes and cubes of brie onto skewers. Grill until the grapes blister and the brie softens. Drizzle with fig jam for added sweetness.

Hack: Wrap the skewers in foil to contain any drips.

🍍 Pineapple Upside-Down Sundaes

Retro dessert gets a grilled twist

Grill pineapple rings and arrange upside-down on plates. Top with vanilla ice cream and a cherry. The caramelized pineapple adds a smoky depth to this classic.

Idea: Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans for extra crunch.

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake with a Grilled Twist

Classic reinvented

Grill sliced strawberries until softened. Serve over angel food cake with whipped cream. The grilling deepens the strawberries’ flavor profile.

Pro Tip: Toast the cake lightly on the grill for added warmth.

🎉 Memorial Day celebrations deserve to end on a sweet note that’s as memorable as the day itself. 

These grilled fruit desserts bring unexpected flavors and textures to your table, proving that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. 

Try 1-2 of these recipes this holiday and watch your guests ask for seconds! 

Share your favorite grilled fruit dessert in the comments below and tag us in your photos. Let’s make this holiday unforgettable from start to delicious finish!