Grilled Pound Cake, Pineapple and Strawberry Skewers

Elevate your dessert game with these delightful Grilled Pound Cake kabobs, Pineapple, and Strawberry Skewers. Perfect for summer barbecues or a sweet treat any time of the year, this dessert recipe combines the buttery richness of pound cake with the juicy, caramelized goodness of grilled pineapple and strawberries.

The contrast of warm, toasted cake and sweet, succulent fruit creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures that your taste buds will adore. Intrigued? Read on to discover how to whip up this delicious and visually stunning dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it easy to put together even on short notice.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the skewers with your favorite fruits or drizzle them with chocolate or honey for added sweetness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether hosting a summer backyard barbecues or looking for a fun dessert to make with kids, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser.
• Healthy and Delicious: Combining the natural sweetness of fruits with the indulgent taste of pound cake offers a balanced dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while incorporating some nutritional benefits.

What is Pound Cake?

Pound cake is a classic type known for its rich, dense texture and simple yet buttery flavor. The name “pound cake” originates from the traditional recipe, which calls for a pound of each of four main ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. T

his easy-to-remember ratio gave rise to a cake that is not only straightforward to make but also delightfully satisfying. Over time, variations of the basic recipe have emerged, incorporating flavorings like vanilla, almond, or citrus, but the hallmark of a good pound cake remains its moist, tender crumb and buttery taste.

Ingredients

• Pound Cake: You can make a homemade pound cake for a personal touch or save time by buying a high-quality, store-bought version from your local bakery. Look for a dense and buttery cake to ensure the best results.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Opt for a ripe pineapple, which you can identify by its sweet aroma and slight give when pressed. Fresh pineapple brings a juicy sweetness and a beautiful caramelization when grilled.
• Strawberries: Choose bright red strawberries that are firm to the touch and free from blemishes. Fresh strawberries add a burst of colorful sweetness to the skewers, making them visually appealing and delicious.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: A key component for making a decadent homemade whipped cream, heavy whipping cream should have a high fat content (at least 36%) to ensure it whips up light and fluffy.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar dissolves quickly and is ideal for sweetening whipped cream without leaving a grainy texture. It also provides a smooth, glossy finish.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Using a high-quality, pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of your whipped cream with its rich, authentic taste. Avoid imitation vanilla, which can have an artificial and weaker flavor.

Substitutions and Additions

• Pound Cake: If you want a lighter option, try using angel food cake as a substitute for pound cake. It offers a spongier texture and fewer calories. Alternatively, for a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pound cake mix or pre-made cake from a specialty bakery.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: If fresh pineapple is out of season or not available, canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly before grilling. Mango chunks are another excellent alternative, providing a tropical twist and similar caramelization when grilled.
• Strawberries: When strawberries are not in season, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even blueberries. For a different fruity flavor, consider using peach slices or pieces of kiwi.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter whipped topping, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, which is especially great for those who are dairy-free or vegan. Simply refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solidified cream, and whip it with powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Powdered Sugar: If you prefer a less processed option, you can substitute powdered sugar with maple syrup or honey, keeping in mind that they’ll add a slight flavor difference to your whipped cream.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: For a twist in flavor, try using other extracts such as almond, coconut, or even a dash of citrus zest (like lemon or orange) in place of or in addition to the vanilla extract. This can add an interesting and delightful nuance to your whipped cream.

Instructions

• Preheat an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat.
• Cut the pound cake into bite-sized small cubes.
• Thread cake cubes onto BBQ skewers, alternating with strawberries and pineapple chunks in between.
• Place skewers on an outdoor grill or on a lightly greased grill pan until light grill marks form and the fruit begins to soften, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream; continue to mix until incorporated.
• Serve the grilled pound cake and fruit with the fresh whipped cream.

Recipe Tips

• Evenly Sized Pieces: Make sure to cut the pound cake and fruits into similar-sized pieces to ensure even grilling. This prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Use Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Alternatively, metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking.
• Keep an Eye on the Grill: Grill temperatures can vary, so keep a close watch on the skewers to avoid overcooking. The goal is to achieve light grill marks and slight caramelization without charring.
• Chill the Whipped Cream Bowl: For best results, chill the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before whipping the cream. This helps achieve a more stable and fluffy whipped cream.
• Marinate the Fruits: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the strawberries and pineapple chunks in a mixture of honey and a splash of lemon juice for 10-15 minutes before threading them onto the skewers.
• Serve Immediately: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill. If you need to prepare ahead, you can assemble the skewers in advance and refrigerate, then grill just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful grilled pound cake and fruit skewer dessert pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Ice Cream: Serve the warm skewers alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or try other flavors such as caramel, coconut, or even a tangy sorbet for a refreshing twist.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some rich melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the skewers for an indulgent touch, adding a layer of decadence to each bite.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish the skewers with a few fresh mint leaves to add a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that complements the sweetness of the dessert.
• Yogurt: For a lighter option, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt sweetened with a bit of honey and vanilla extract, offering a creamy contrast with a slight tang.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a buttery sweetness that marries beautifully with the grilled fruit and cake.
• Mixed Berries: Add a handful of fresh mixed berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to the serving platter for an additional burst of color and flavor.
• Beverages: Pair this dessert with a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a refreshing iced tea to complement the fruity, grilled notes.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences and the occasion. Enjoy crafting a perfect ending to your meal with these versatile serving ideas!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep your grilled pound cake and fruit skewers fresh. It’s important to separate the skewers from the whipped cream to maintain the best texture for both components. Properly stored, the skewers will last for up to 2 days in the fridge.

While it’s generally not recommended to freeze whipped cream due to potential texture changes upon thawing, the grilled pound cake and fruit can be frozen if you wish to extend their shelf life. Place the cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use other types of fruits for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile and allows for plenty of customization. Feel free to use your favorite seasonal fruits such as peaches, mangoes, plums, or even bananas. Just ensure the fruits are firm enough to withstand grilling without falling apart.

What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

No problem! You can easily use a grill pan on your stovetop or even an oven broiler. If using an oven broiler, place the skewers on a baking sheet and broil on high for a few minutes on each side until the fruits begin to caramelize and the cake gets lightly toasted.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by simply using a gluten-free pound cake. There are many delicious gluten-free pound cake options available at most grocery stores, or you can make your own at home using gluten-free flour.

How can I add more flavor to the pound cake?

To add more depth of flavor to the pound cake cubes, consider brushing them with a bit of melted butter and sprinkling with brown sugar or cinnamon before grilling. This will enhance the caramelization and add a delightful sweetness.

What should I do if the whipped cream deflates?

If your whipped cream deflates or loses its fluffiness, you can quickly re-whip it with a hand mixer or an electric mixer. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can turn it into butter. For extra stability, you can add a tablespoon of instant pudding mix or mascarpone cheese when whipping the cream.