Smoker & Grill Dessert Recipes for the Holidays

Smoker & Grill Dessert Recipes for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing stories, and enjoying incredible food. While savory dishes often take center stage, desserts deserve a place in the spotlight – straight from the smoker or grill.

With the Smokin’ Ugly Drum Smoker, TG Series Grill, or Big Green Egg with the Over Easy Hinge, you can infuse your favorite holiday treats with bold, smoky flavors. Whether it’s a classic pie or a creative take on s’mores, these smoker and grill dessert recipes bring warmth and something special to your celebrations.

Ready to sweeten your holiday table? Let’s get started with five delicious ideas.

5 Smoker & Grill Dessert Recipes to Sweeten Your Holiday Table

For a holiday spread that's full of sweet, smoky flavors, we've gathered five dessert recipes that come to life on the grill or smoker:

  1. Cherry turnovers
  2. S'mores dip
  3.  Christmas-themed s'mores
  4. Smoked apple pie
  5. Smoked pumpkin pie

1. Cherry Turnovers

Flaky, buttery pastry filled with smoky, sweet cherry goodness — these cherry turnovers are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
  • 1 can cherry pie filling
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • Flour (for dusting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the TG Series Grill: Set up the TG for indirect cooking, using charcoal or wood fuel, and preheat to 350°F.
  2. Prepare the Turnovers: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry. Cut into 4- 5-inch squares. Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each square. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and seal the edges with a fork.
  3. Add Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
  4. Cook the Turnovers: Place the turnovers on a grill-safe pan or baking sheet and transfer them to the TG. Close the lid and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown.
  5. Cool & Serve: Let the turnovers cool slightly before serving.


 

Tips:

  • Use cherry wood chips to complement the filling and add a subtle fruity smokiness.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.


2. S’mores Dip

This gooey, melty dessert is a shareable take on the classic campfire treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a fun way to bring everyone together around the smoker.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Graham crackers (for dipping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Extremely Ugly Drum Smoker: Bring the smoker temp up to 300°F.
  2. Assemble the Dip: In a cast-iron skillet, spread the chocolate chips evenly and pour the heavy cream over them. Top with a layer of mini marshmallows.
  3. Smoke the Dip: Place the skillet on the smoker and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasted and the chocolate is melted.
  4. Serve Warm: Serve directly from the skillet with graham crackers for dipping.

 

Tips:

  • Add crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a festive holiday version.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top before serving.


3. Christmas-Themed S’mores

Bring a festive flair to a classic favorite with holiday marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and colorful chocolate. Perfect for sharing, these s’mores are fun to make and even better to eat!

Ingredients:

  • Graham crackers
  • Chocolate squares (or holiday-themed chocolate like mint or white chocolate)
  • Holiday-shaped or colored marshmallows
  • Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Drum Smoker with the Pizza Oven Kit: Set the smoker to 350°F.
  2. Assemble the S’mores: Layer a piece of chocolate and a marshmallow between two graham crackers. Place them on a grill-safe pan or directly on the smoker grate.
  3. Smoke the S’mores: Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are gooey and slightly toasted.
  4. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the s’mores with crushed candy canes before serving for a festive touch.

Tips:

  • Swap traditional chocolate for white chocolate or caramel squares for extra holiday flair.
  • Serve with mugs of hot cocoa for a cozy pairing.



4. Smoked Apple Pie

This timeless dessert is taken to the next level with a hint of smoky flavor, perfectly complementing the warm spices and tender apples. A holiday favorite your guests will love!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust
  • 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith works well)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Completely Ugly Drum Smoker: Bring the smoker up to 325°F for indirect cooking.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
  3. Assemble the Pie: Place one crust in a pie dish, add the filling, and dot with butter. Cover with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut a few small slits in the top to release steam.
  4. Smoke the Pie: Place the pie on the smoker and cook for 1–1.5 hours, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  5. Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool before slicing and serving.

Tips:

  • Apple or pecan wood chips pair beautifully with the flavors of this pie.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.


5. Smoked Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a holiday classic, and smoking it adds a subtle depth of flavor that perfectly complements its warm spices. This recipe will quickly become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Big Green Egg with the Over Easy Hinge: Bring the smoker temp up to 350°F for indirect cooking.
  2. Prepare the Pie Crust: Lightly pre-bake the crust on the smoker for 5–7 minutes to prevent it from getting soggy.
  3. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  4. Smoke the Pie: Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and place it back on the smoker. Cook for 45–60 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed around the edges.
  5. Cool & Serve: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before serving.

 

Tips:

  • Pecan wood chips add a nutty, aromatic smoke that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spices.
  • For an extra treat, serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.


Bringing Sweet, Smoky Flavor to Your Holiday Table

With these smoker and grill dessert recipes, your holiday celebrations will be packed with unforgettable flavors. Each dish – whether it’s the flaky cherry turnovers, festive Christmas-themed s’mores, or the warm spiced pumpkin pie – brings a unique depth and warmth to the dessert table.

Fire up your Drum Smoker, Chimenea, or Big Green Egg with the Over Easy Hinge, and surprise friends and family with these bold, creative treats that are sure to become new holiday traditions.

 

Want More Recipes?

Explore even more ideas for your smoker or grill in the Smokin Ugly Cookbook:



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