A Modern Take on an Old-Fashioned Favorite

Brown Bettys have been around since colonial times, known for their simple preparation and humble ingredients. They were traditionally baked in the oven with apples or berries, breadcrumbs, sugar, and butter. This dessert became a staple in many American kitchens, passed down through generations as a go-to comfort food.

This grilled rhubarb version breathes new life into the traditional recipe by adapting it for outdoor cooking. Using a cast iron skillet on the grill infuses the dessert with a subtle smokiness and gives it a slightly crisped edge that’s hard to replicate in the oven. It’s a fresh way to enjoy a heritage dish while embracing the fun and freedom of cooking outside.

The combination of rhubarb and strawberry ice cream keeps the nostalgia intact while enhancing the flavor contrast—tart meets sweet, warm meets cold, rustic meets refined.

The Role of Rhubarb

Rhubarb plays the starring role in this dessert, and its unique flavor and texture make it ideal for grilling. Its sharp tartness mellows as it cooks, releasing natural juices that mix with sugar and spices to create a tangy-sweet, syrupy filling. Rhubarb holds its shape well when cooked, providing tender bites without becoming mushy.

This vegetable—often mistaken for a fruit—is one of the first seasonal ingredients to show up in spring and early summer, making it a favorite among bakers and chefs for its bright, citrus-like bite and vibrant red hue. Its natural acidity complements the sweetness of the topping and the rich creaminess of the accompanying ice cream.

Rhubarb also brings a sense of tradition and seasonality to the dish. Many people have fond memories of rhubarb pies and crumbles from childhood, making this grilled dessert both fresh and familiar.

The Perfect Crunchy Topping

The topping is what takes this Brown Betty to the next level. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs or flour-based crumble, it uses Japanese panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Panko is lighter and crispier than standard breadcrumbs, creating a golden, flaky layer that stays crisp even against the bubbling rhubarb filling.

The spiced sugar blend brings warmth and complexity, with cinnamon as the star and allspice, ginger, and clove lending depth and aroma. This blend evokes the coziness of classic baked goods but with a bolder twist thanks to the open-flame cooking method.

Almonds add nuttiness and texture, giving each bite a satisfying crunch and complementing the rhubarb’s tang. Dotting the top with butter before grilling ensures a rich, toasty flavor that brings the entire dessert together.

Why Grilling Makes a Difference

Grilling desserts might seem unconventional, but it opens a world of flavor possibilities. The indirect heat of the grill mimics oven baking while also introducing gentle smoke and slightly caramelized edges. Cooking in a cast iron skillet over a grill allows the bottom of the dessert to develop a delicious golden crust, while the lid traps in heat, turning the grill into a makeshift oven.

The technique also adds an element of fun and flexibility. It lets you enjoy dessert without heading back indoors and turns a classic into a seasonal centerpiece. Whether you’re grilling up steaks or veggies for dinner, this Brown Betty can finish cooking right alongside, making it an easy and efficient way to serve dessert to a crowd.

The ability to adapt a traditionally indoor dessert to the grill also makes this dish an ideal choice for summer holidays, camping trips, or spontaneous alfresco meals.

A Dessert That Bridges Seasons

Grilled Rhubarb Brown Betty is a versatile dish that fits perfectly into the transition between spring and summer. In early spring, rhubarb is at its most vibrant and tart, offering a clean and sharp flavor. As summer rolls in, pairing it with strawberry ice cream gives the dessert a seasonal anchor, celebrating the best of both harvests.

It’s an ideal dish for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or any weekend cookout. It captures the spirit of warm-weather gatherings: casual, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The minimal prep work and one-skillet cook method also mean less cleanup and more time spent enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.

And because it can be served warm, room temperature, or even cold, it’s a flexible dessert that works well for both planned dinners and impromptu get-togethers.

Health and Nutritional Insights

While desserts are indulgent by nature, this Grilled Rhubarb Brown Betty offers a few redeeming qualities. Rhubarb is low in calories and packed with fiber, calcium, and vitamin K. It’s also known for its digestive benefits and antioxidant properties.

The use of panko over heavier flours reduces the density of the topping, making it lighter and crispier. The addition of almonds not only adds flavor and crunch but also provides healthy fats and protein, offering a nutritional boost.

Using a moderate amount of sugar ensures the dessert is sweet but not cloying. The pairing with fruit-based ice cream like strawberry helps balance the richness, making this dessert feel indulgent yet fresh.

With its blend of seasonal produce, nuts, and balanced sugar content, this dish can be enjoyed as a satisfying treat without excessive heaviness.

Tips for Best Results

Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution. Butter the skillet generously before layering the ingredients. Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-low and that you have a cover or foil dome to trap heat and mimic oven baking.

Keep an eye on the skillet during grilling. You’re looking for the topping to turn golden and for the rhubarb to bubble gently around the edges. Overcooking may dry out the topping, while undercooking may leave the filling too tart and the topping too pale.

Let the dessert cool slightly before serving. This allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to meld. The warm Brown Betty pairs beautifully with a scoop of strawberry ice cream, which adds creaminess and cool contrast to every bite.

Conclusion

Grilled Rhubarb Brown Betty is a dessert that blends the nostalgia of traditional baking with the boldness of outdoor cooking. Its buttery spiced topping, tender tart fruit filling, and unexpected smoky depth make it a standout dish that celebrates the best of spring and summer flavors.

With its easy preparation, one-skillet simplicity, and crowd-pleasing results, this dessert is perfect for gatherings big and small. The combination of familiar ingredients and inventive technique turns an old-fashioned favorite into something truly exciting. It’s proof that some of the best desserts don’t come from the oven—but from the grill, surrounded by laughter, sunshine, and good company.

From the first crunch of the topping to the last spoonful of warm fruit and melted ice cream, this Grilled Rhubarb Brown Betty delivers comfort, flavor, and joy in every bite. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never look at rhubarb—or your grill—the same way again.