When most people think of smoker grill pellets, they think of brisket, ribs, and perfectly smoked chicken. But when the big meal is over, and your family and friends are relaxing by the fire or watching the big game, what do you do then? The truth is that you can use your grill for dessert, too. 

Yes, you read that correctly. With the right techniques—and the right pellets—you can transform your grill into the perfect place to cook desserts.  

These are some of our favorite smoker dessert recipes (at least, as of this writing). These treats combine backyard comfort with a gourmet touch, perfect for family gatherings, game day parties, or just a cozy fall evening.

Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies on the Smoker

Warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookies. Yup, you can make those on the smoker, too. When you bake them in a cast iron skillet on your smoker, you introduce a layer of depth and complexity that a regular oven simply can’t match. The slightly smoky flavor mingling with melting chocolate makes every bite unforgettable.

Our Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is simple to make yet incredibly indulgent. The key lies in maintaining the right temperature and choosing the perfect pellets to complement the cookie’s sweetness. For this recipe, almond wood pellets work beautifully, as the nutty aroma adds an inviting warmth that elevates the buttery dough. It works because: 

• The even heat distribution of the cast iron ensures that the cookie has crispy, golden-brown edges with a chewy center.

• Using almond wood for smoking infuses a subtle flavor that enhances the chocolate without overpowering it.

• The cookie can be served straight from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping presentation.

Whether you’re preparing this after a holiday meal or simply looking for a fun weekend treat, these cast iron cookies are a great way to showcase your smoker’s versatility. They bring family together and turn dessert into an experience.

Apricot Dump Cake with a Smoky Twist

There’s something comforting about a dump cake (and it’s not just that great name). But when you prepare it on your smoker, you give it an edge that transforms it from a simple dessert into something extraordinary. Our Apricot Dump Cake combines sweet fruit filling with a smoky, buttery topping that’s impossible to resist.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make it. Just layer the ingredients, close the lid, and let your smoker do the rest. For this recipe, plum wood pellets create the ideal balance of sweetness and smoke. The natural sugars in plum wood for smoking perfectly complement the tartness of apricots, enhancing their flavor while adding a slightly caramelized aroma to the dish.

What makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can swap out apricots for peaches, cherries, or berries depending on the season. The recipe works wonderfully with:

• A scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for contrast.

• Fresh mint or cinnamon for added warmth.

• Crushed nuts for texture.

A smoky apricot dump cake pairs perfectly with fall evenings, especially when served after a smoked roast or chicken dinner. The combination of sweetness, smoke, and fruit captures the essence of comfort food and brings everyone back for seconds.

Lemon Olive Oil Cake on the Smoker Grill Pellets

Sometimes, the best desserts are the ones that surprise you. Our Lemon Olive Oil Cake is light, refreshing, and subtly complex. Baking it on your smoker gives it an unexpected smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the bright citrus flavor.

This dessert is ideal for those who want something elegant yet easy to make. It’s a wonderful palate cleanser after a hearty barbecue meal. The olive oil gives the cake a moist texture and a hint of fruitiness, while the lemon zest and juice bring brightness and tang.

The key to mastering this recipe lies in the pellets. For this cake, we recommend using almond wood pellets. Their balanced profile complements the lemon’s sharpness, creating a sophisticated blend of sweet, smoky, and citrusy flavors.

This cake is perfect for those crisp fall afternoons when you’re entertaining outdoors. The subtle aroma of smoke enhances the cake’s complexity without making it heavy, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Creating Memorable Fall Evenings with Smoker Grill Pellets 

Fall isn’t really the end of summer, it’s the start of something great. There are plenty of fantastic opportunities to gather around great food. Dessert often brings people together, and when you make it on your smoker, it can be better (and more unique) than ever. 

Imagine pulling a warm skillet cookie or a soft cake off the grill as the sun sets. The aroma of smoke and sugar fills the air, blending with laughter and conversation. That’s what makes smoking desserts so enjoyable—it’s about creating moments as much as it is about creating food.

Your smoker can do more than you might think. By exploring dessert recipes, you expand your cooking horizons and get more use out of your grill year-round. With high-quality smoker grill pellets, you can bake, roast, and infuse flavor in ways that elevate your outdoor cooking experience far beyond traditional barbecue.

At Knotty Wood BBQ, we’re passionate about helping you get the most out of your cooking. Our all-natural, California-grown almond and plum wood pellets are designed to give your smoker a clean, consistent burn and rich, natural flavor. Whether you’re making cookies, cakes, or cobblers, our pellets bring out the best in every ingredient.

Every recipe shared here can become a dessert you share time and time again. 

If you’re ready to take your grilling and dessert-making to the next level, it’s time to experience the difference that premium smoker grill pellets can make. Be sure to check out our site today to explore our full range of pellets and start creating desserts that are as memorable as your main course.