If you're planning an al fresco spread this weekend, you may want a fruity, zesty or refreshing dessert to polish it all off. Whether it's barbecue-baked bananas, a palette-cleansing granita or a show-stopping centrepiece, we've put together a list of our favourite summery desserts that will go down well with your barbecue.
Roasted Treacle Toffee Bananas from Grill it with Levi by Levi Roots
With a “lovely, gooey, sweet, brown-sugary centre”, these treacly bananas are loaded with sugary vanilla butter, wrapped in foil and thrown on the barbecue until you're ready for pudding. Serve with cream or ice cream for indulgent afters.
From the book
Grill it with Levi: 101 Reggae Recipes for Sunshine and Soul
101 flavour-packed recipes from Levi Roots
Fresh and nutritious dishes with a Jamaican twist
Perfect your grilling skills with Levi's easy-to-follow steps
Roasted Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream from NOPI: The Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi & Ramael Scully
Ramael Scully's tribute to 1980's piña coladas and one of his favourite brunch spots in Sydney, this tropical dessert combines pineapple with a spiced syrup of chilli, cinnamon and tamarind, and creamy coconut ice cream. You'll need to roast the pineapple in the oven, but for a smoky finish, place it on the barbecue for the final couple of minutes of cooking.
Order a copy of NOPI: The Cookbook here.
British Summertime Stack from Stirring Slowly by Georgina Hayden
“If I could bottle up England in the summertime and bake it? This would be it”, says Georgina of this celebration cake that layers sponge cake with strawberry Pimm's compote, meringue, fresh berries and vanilla cream. Decorate with fresh mint and edible flowers for a real summer show-stopper.
Order a copy of Stirring Slowly here.
Almond & Strawberry Tart from Ducksoup Cookbook by Clare Lattin and Tom Hill
Make the most of British strawberry season and celebrate them on top of this sticky almond tart. Finished with flaked almonds for a lovely summertime centrepiece.
Get your copy of the Ducksoup Cookbook here.
Pimm's Fruit Salad from A Salad for All Seasons by Harry Eastwood
An easy dessert that's quick to prepare and refreshing enough to round off a BBQ spread, this fruit salad celebrates summer berries, peach, apples, citrus and even cucumber. Leave to macerate in homemade Pimm's syrup and serve with mint leaves.
Order a copy of A Salad for All Seasons here.
Pineapple Carpaccio from 5 Ingredients Quick & Easy Food by Jamie Oliver
Thin slices of pineapple, topped with fresh mint, olive oil (yep – it works!), blueberries, lime and coconut yoghurt, this is a healthier dessert reminiscent of holidays and sunnier climes.
Order a copy of Jamie's 5 Ingredients here.
Mojito Granita from Feelgood Family Food by Dean Edwards
You can't go far wrong with a granita, especially when there's rum involved – put it together in minutes, then pop in the freezer until you're ready to eat.
Order a copy of Feelgood Family Food here.
Roasted Peaches and Ice Cream from Fay's Family Food by Fay Ripley
Fay roasts these peaches with a little sugar and flaked almonds in the oven, but there's nothing stopping you wrapping the lot in foil and baking it on the barbecue. Simply cook until tender, then serve up with ice cream – delicious.
Order a copy of Fay's Family Food here.
Strawberry and Almond Roulade from Britain's Best Home Cook by Jordan Bourke
Jordan Bourke adds ground almonds to his meringue for an incredible chewiness. Filled with strawberry and cream combo, this is an impressive finish to a summer barbecue.
Get a copy of Britain's Best Home Cook here.
Knickbocker Glory 99 from How To Eat In by Adam Byatt
“The only secret to making a good glory is to keep the layers separate and the flavours contrasting”, says Adam Byatt of this nostalgic British summertime sundae. Here he layers up shortbread biscuits, ice cream, berry sauce and fresh fruit with a chocolate flake to finish – so simple and an all-round crowd-pleaser.
