Father’s Day celebrations are often centered around the grill — burgers, steaks, ribs and classic cookout sides usually take center stage. Furthermore, dessert tables can sometimes be overloaded and sugar-packed treats that leave everyone feeling sluggish by the end of the meal.
This year, consider adding a lighter, fresher option to the Father’s Day spread: grilled fruit desserts. Grilling fruit caramelizes its natural sugars, creating rich flavor and subtle smokiness without needing large amounts of added sugar or heavy toppings. Fruit-based desserts can also bring more fiber, vitamins and antioxidants to the table while still feeling fun and indulgent.
That doesn’t mean skipping the traditional favorites altogether. Instead, think about balance. Pair richer grilled meats and side dishes with lighter desserts, fresh produce and simple ingredients that still satisfy a sweet tooth.
Grilled Pineapple “Sundaes”
Sweet, caramelized pineapple slices become the base for this lighter take on a classic sundae. Grilling intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness while adding a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with creamy yogurt and crunchy toppings.
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced into rings
- 1 Tbsp. avocado or canola oil or spray oil
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt or ice cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Fresh berries, optional
- Honey drizzle, optional
Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Lightly brush or spray pineapple slices with oil and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and fruit softens slightly.
- Place grilled pineapple slices in bowls.
- Top with Greek yogurt or ice cream, nuts, coconut flakes and berries. Finish with a light drizzle of honey if desired.
Honey Ricotta Peaches
Juicy grilled peaches paired with lightly sweetened ricotta create a dessert that feels elegant but comes together in minutes. The warm peaches soften on the grill and develop a rich, jam-like flavor. Peaches are naturally high in vitamin C and antioxidants, while ricotta adds satisfying protein and calcium. This dessert delivers sweetness without relying on heavy frostings or syrups.
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pits removed
- 1 Tbsp. canola or avocado oil or spray oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 Tbsp. honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Chopped pistachios
- Fresh mint leaves
Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Brush peach halves lightly with olive oil.
- Grill cut side down for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred and softened.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta, honey and vanilla extract.
- Spoon ricotta mixture onto grilled peaches.
- Top with chopped nuts, mint and an extra drizzle of honey if desired.
Banana S’mores Boats
This healthier spin on s’mores delivers all the nostalgic campfire flavor with less mess and more portion control. Warm bananas become soft and caramelized while melted dark chocolate and crunchy graham cracker crumbs create the perfect finishing touch. Bananas provide potassium and fiber, while dark chocolate offers a richer flavor that allows you to use less. Individual foil packets also make serving simple for backyard gatherings.
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 bananas
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 Tbsp. chopped peanuts or walnuts
- Aluminum foil
Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Slice each banana lengthwise through the peel, creating an opening without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff bananas with chocolate chips, marshmallows and nuts.
- Wrap each banana loosely in foil.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes until bananas soften and chocolate melts.
- Remove from grill and top with graham cracker crumbs before serving.
Focusing on prevention like healthy eating and exercise can lead to lower health care costs and more affordable insurance for all. Learn about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM) commitment to affordability here.
Shanthi Appelo is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson at BCBSM. For more health and wellness information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
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