Grilled Sugar & Cinnamon Doughnuts Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate Grilled Sugar & Cinnamon Doughnuts recipe, this irresistible barbecue dessert delivers crispy caramelized edges, warm cinnamon sweetness, and a cool, creamy vanilla crème fraîche for dipping. Featured on Feed Maddie and Kiki BBQ Barn 2, this simple yet impressive dessert transforms store-bought cake doughnuts into a gourmet BBQ treat that’s perfect for backyard cookouts, weekend gatherings, or whenever you’re craving an easy grilled dessert.

The Inspiration

One of the best parts about barbecue cooking is discovering unexpected foods that become even better over an open flame. While burgers, steaks, and vegetables are classic grill favorites, desserts deserve their moment on the barbecue too. These Grilled Sugar & Cinnamon Doughnuts prove that even a humble store-bought doughnut can become something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients and a hot grill.

Maddie and Kiki Longo are known for bringing approachable, family-friendly barbecue recipes that inspire home cooks to think beyond traditional grilling. This recipe embraces that playful spirit by turning an everyday bakery item into a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort. The cinnamon sugar caramelizes beautifully over the grill, creating a delicate crunch that contrasts perfectly with the fluffy cake doughnut inside.

The cool vanilla crème fraîche balances the sweetness while adding a subtle tang that elevates every bite. It’s a dessert that’s simple enough for weeknight grilling yet elegant enough to serve during summer entertaining, holiday barbecues, birthdays, or outdoor celebrations.

Ingredients

6 store bought plain cake doughnuts
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup white sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup crème fraiche
2 tbsp icing sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Oil, for the grill
Grill weights

Methods

Preheat barbeque to medium-high heat. Oil grill.
In a small bowl mix cinnamon and sugar.
Place the mixture on a small plate.
Brush both sides of each donut with melted butter.
Dip each side of the donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place each donut on the grill and top with the grill weights.
Cook for 2 minutes per side or until the sugar is caramelized and donuts is crispy and toasted.
Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, gently whip together the crème fraiche icing sugar and vanilla extract.
Remove the doughnuts from the grill and serve with a dollop of sweet crème fraiche.

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Sugar & Cinnamon Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh off the barbecue while the caramelized sugar is still crisp and warm. They make a memorable ending to summer cookouts, family barbecues, camping weekends, Father’s Day celebrations, or casual backyard dinners. Their warm cinnamon aroma and crunchy exterior pair beautifully with hot coffee, espresso, cappuccino, chai tea, hot chocolate, or even an iced vanilla latte on warmer days.

For a more indulgent dessert presentation, arrange the grilled doughnuts on a large serving board with bowls of fresh berries, sliced peaches, grilled pineapple, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, toasted nuts, or maple syrup, allowing guests to customize each serving.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm doughnuts creates a delicious contrast between hot and cold, while the sweet vanilla crème fraîche adds a sophisticated finish that balances the caramelized sugar perfectly. Whether served as the grand finale to a barbecue feast or enjoyed during an afternoon gathering, these grilled doughnuts are guaranteed to become a conversation starter.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Sugar & Cinnamon Doughnuts recipe celebrates everything that makes outdoor cooking exciting—simple ingredients, creative techniques, and unforgettable flavors. By transforming classic cake doughnuts with butter, cinnamon sugar, and the smoky heat of the barbecue, Maddie and Kiki Longo demonstrate that grilling isn’t limited to savory meals.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!