Chef John's Favorite Desserts

Typically, if you’re planning to make a dessert, the last thing you’d consider is putting it on the grill. But the truth is: Grilling or Smoking your desserts is a great way to add an undefinable flavor and taste to your favorite sweets. I understand that doing something for the first time can be scary, but I’m here to take the fear out of grilling and talk about some of my favorite desserts to grill on your pellet grill.

Smoked Banana Pudding Cheesecake

One of the most amazing desserts to do on your recteq is the Smoked Banana Pudding Cheesecake! Baked at 350°F, the cheesecake takes on this slightly nutty flavor from the all-natural hard wood pellets, mixed with the creaminess of the pudding, hints of vanilla and the sweet texture of the wafer crust. After it’s cooled and topped with fresh whipped cream, caramel sauce, and crusted vanilla wafers...there is simply nothing like it! Just a note, it is a very large cake, and it doesn’t store well, so be sure to have a few friends over for this one.

Easy Peasy Blueberry Pie

My second favorite is going to be…any pie off a recteq! Blueberry pie is one of the easier pies to make but the payout is full of flavor. You can’t go wrong with blueberries-not only are they full of antioxidants, but they are also full of natural sun-kissed flavor. That, coupled with the sweetness of the brown sugar, smoothness of the vanilla, lemon juice brings a little acid and balances out the sweet and tartness of the pie. Add a kiss of smoke and bake at 400°F to get that crust flaky, and golden brown. Topped with fresh sweetened whipped cream and there is nothing better!

Southern Peach Cobbler

I live in Georgia, so I’d be remiss not to mention the ultimate Southern grilled dessert: Grilled Peach Cobbler! It’s a staple at backyard get-togethers during peach season. As you pit, peel, and slice, make sure to catch all that juicy goodness—those drippings are pure flavor gold! There’s truly nothing like a ripe, sun-kissed Georgia peach—golden, fragrant, and sweet. Every other ingredient just builds on that perfection. A touch of brown sugar brings in that hint of molasses, while cinnamon and vanilla add warmth. And when you let it all soak up that rich, smoky kiss from recteq’s Ultimate Blend Pellets? That simple Southern treat becomes something truly special.

Whether you’re an ol’ grilling pro or just starting out on your very first cook, don’t forget to “treat” yourself to some home-grilled goodies! After all, if you’re not cooking your desserts on that recteq, you just aren’t getting the full wood fired experience. Treat yourself and your family/friends to something truly delicious and creative. For these or any recipes head over to recteq.com and check out the recipe section.