Sizzling Braai Dessert Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining
When you think of a braai, dessert isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, South African braai culture has expanded beyond the traditional savoury fare to include some truly delicious sweet treats. Whether hosting a small family gathering or a larger celebration, these braai dessert ideas will delight your guests and make your outdoor feast even more memorable.
Traditional South African Braai Desserts
Braaied Malva Pudding (Braai Style)
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-baked malva pudding (or use leftovers)
- ½ cup Amarula or custard (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Method:
- Wrap individual portions of malva pudding in foil.
- Place over medium coals for 5–10 minutes to warm through and caramelise the edges.
- Unwrap and serve with a dollop of cream or ice cream and a drizzle of Amarula.
Grilled Milk Tart Slices
Ingredients:
- Pre-sliced milk tart (chilled or firm)
- Butter (for brushing)
- Ground cinnamon (to finish)
Method:
- Lightly brush each slice with melted butter on both sides.
- Place on a braai grid and grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until slightly crispy.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and serve warm.
Braaied Koeksisters
Ingredients:
- Prepared koeksisters (chilled or day-old)
- Foil (optional)
- Extra syrup or honey (optional)
Method:
- Place koeksisters on a braai grid over low coals.
- Grill for 1–2 minutes per side until caramelised but not burnt.
- Serve warm with an optional drizzle of syrup or honey.
Caramelised Braaied Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced into rings or spears
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Butter or oil for brushing
Method:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Lightly brush pineapple slices with melted butter or oil.
- Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Grill for 3–4 minutes per side over medium coals until caramelised and golden.
- Serve on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Easy Braai Desserts for Kids and Families
When it comes to kid-friendly braai desserts, simplicity is key. Children love getting involved, so consider letting them make their banana splits. Simply place bananas on the braai, cut them open, and let the kids fill them with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. The result is a gooey, melty treat for the whole family.
Another great option is braaied s’mores—an American classic with a South African twist. Grill marshmallows over the coals and sandwich them between Marie biscuits with a chunk of chocolate. These kid-friendly braai desserts are fun to make and eat, and they’ll keep your little ones entertained while the grown-ups chat around the fire.
Braai Desserts for a Group of People
If you’re catering to a crowd, you’ll need braai desserts for a group of people that are easy to prepare and serve. A braaied chocolate fondue is a crowd-pleaser, where everyone can dip fruit, marshmallows, and biscuits into melted chocolate. Simply place a pot of chocolate on the braai and keep it warm throughout the meal.
Grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone is another dessert that’s both easy to scale and sophisticated enough for a group. Peaches grill beautifully, and when served with a drizzle of honey and a spoonful of mascarpone, they become a light yet indulgent treat that everyone will enjoy.
For a more traditional option, you can serve a braaied bread-and-butter pudding. This dessert is hearty enough to feed a large crowd and can be made directly on the grill in a cast-iron pot. The smokiness from the coals adds a wonderful depth to the flavour, making it one of the great braai desserts for social gatherings.
Unique Braai Desserts for Healthy Eaters
Grilled Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
- Pineapple, strawberries, banana slices, apple cubes, mango
- Cinnamon or honey (optional)
Method:
- Thread chopped fruit onto wooden skewers.
- Lightly brush with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Grill over medium coals for 3–5 minutes, turning once.
- Serve warm with plain Greek yoghurt or on their own.
Braaied Baked Apples
Ingredients:
- Whole apples (cored)
- Handful of chopped nuts (almonds, pecans)
- Raisins or dates
- Ground cinnamon
Method:
- Stuff apples with nuts, raisins, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Wrap in foil and place on medium coals for 15–20 minutes.
- Serve as is or with a spoonful of plain yoghurt.
Banana Boats (Clean Version)
Ingredients:
- Bananas (with peel)
- Dark chocolate (70 %+ cocoa) or cacao nibs
- Chopped almonds or sunflower seeds
Method:
- Slice a banana lengthwise (keep peel on), and stuff with dark chocolate and nuts.
- Wrap in foil and grill for 5–10 minutes.
- Eat straight from the peel with a spoon.
Grilled Pears with Cinnamon and Nuts
Ingredients:
- Pear halves
- Cinnamon
- Crushed walnuts or pecans
Method:
- Brush pears lightly with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and grill for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Top with nuts and a drizzle of honey or agave if desired.
Boozy Braai Desserts for Adults Only
Sometimes, your dessert can double as a nightcap. For adults who enjoy a boozy twist, there are plenty of braai desserts for adults that incorporate South Africa’s favourite liquors. Try grilled pears with Amarula—a simple yet elegant dessert where the pears are braaied until tender and then drizzled with a generous pour of Amarula cream liqueur.
Another indulgent option is braaied chocolate and rum bananas. Slice the bananas, stuff them with dark chocolate, and wrap them in foil before placing them on the grill. Once they’re cooked, open the foil and drizzle with rum for a warming, adults-only treat.
For something refreshing, try grilled watermelon with vodka. The smoky flavour of the grilled watermelon pairs surprisingly well with a splash of vodka, making it one of the best boozy braai desserts for adults to serve at your next gathering.
Book Your Stay at Mbizi Lodge
As you plan your next braai, why not take it to the bushveld for an authentic experience? At Mbizi Game Lodge & Spa, we offer the perfect backdrop for your outdoor culinary adventures, with plenty of space to braai and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness. Whether you’re travelling from Gauteng, Limpopo, or further afield, our lodge offers a serene escape just a short distance from Mabula Lodge and Zebula Lodge, where the Big Five roam. Book your stay at Mbizi today and experience the best of South African hospitality alongside your unforgettable braai. Contact us for more information now.
