Grilled Pound Cake Kabobs

These grilled pound cake kabobs are a delightful twist on traditional dessert kabobs.

This grilled fruit recipe features caramelized cubes of pound cake threaded alongside vibrant fruits, resulting in a symphony of flavors that excite the senses.

The smoky essence from the grill adds an irresistible touch to these dessert kabobs, making them a delicious and memorable treat for any occasion.

These grilled pound cake kabobs are the perfect dessert choice for any occasion.

Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a holiday gathering, or simply looking to add a twist to your dessert repertoire, these dessert kabobs bring excitement and flavor to the table.

The combination of grilled pound cake and vibrant fruits creates a delightful dessert experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Elevate your culinary creations and infuse them with the smoky essence of the grill by trying out these delicious kabobs.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Storage
• Top Tips
• Recipe

Ingredients

For this recipe, we'll be making the dessert kabobs along with some homemade whipped cream to dip them in.

Pound cake: A classic cake that adds a rich and buttery flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought versions depending on your preference and availability.

Fresh pineapple chunks: Sweet and tangy, fresh pineapple chunks add a tropical twist to this dessert. Be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Strawberries: With their bright red color and juicy texture, strawberries are a popular berry choice for desserts. Removing the tops and halving them allows for even distribution throughout the dish.

Heavy whipping cream: A key ingredient in creating a light and fluffy whipped cream, heavy whipping cream adds richness and smoothness to the dessert.

Powdered sugar: Used to sweeten the whipped cream, powdered sugar dissolves easily and creates a smooth and silky texture.

Pure vanilla extract: A staple in many desserts, vanilla extract adds a warm and comforting flavor to this dish. Choose a high-quality pure extract for the best results.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Start by preheating an indoor grill pan or warming up the outdoor grill.

Cut your pound cake into 1 inch cubes.

Grab the BBQ skewers and start alternating the pound cake with chunks of strawberry and pineapple.

Grill outside on the grill or on a lightly greased grill pan inside until grill marks form and the fruit started to soften. It should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

While the kabobs cook, it's time to make the whipped cream. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Serve the dessert kabobs with the fresh whipped cream. Enjoy!

Substitutions

While the combination of pound cake, pineapple, and strawberries is a delicious one, there are plenty of substitutions you can make to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few possible substitutions to consider:

• Pound cake: If you're looking for a lighter option, try swapping out traditional pound cake for angel food cake or sponge cake. You could also experiment with other flavors like lemon or chocolate.
  
• Pineapple: While fresh pineapple is delicious in this recipe, canned pineapple chunks can be used as a substitute if fresh isn't available. You could also try using mango or papaya for a tropical twist.
  
• Strawberries: While strawberries are a classic berry choice for desserts, you could switch things up by using raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead. You could even use a mix of different berries for added color and flavor.
  
• Whipping cream: For a dairy-free option, try using whipped coconut cream in place of heavy cream. You could also use whipped cream cheese or whipped Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
  
• Powdered sugar: If you don't have powdered sugar on hand, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it becomes powdery. Alternatively, you could use honey or maple syrup to sweeten the whipped cream topping.
  
• Vanilla extract: While vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor to this dessert, you could try using other extracts such as almond or coconut for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the strength of the extract.

By making these substitutions, you can create a personalized version of this recipe that's tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Variations

While the strawberries and pineapples are delicious with the pound cake, here are some other fun change ups.

Mixed Berry: Mix up the fruit by using a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The colors and flavors will add a beautiful visual and tasty variety to the recipe.

Lemon and Blueberry: Use lemon pound cake instead of traditional pound cake, and add fresh blueberries to the kabob skewers. This creates a bright and fresh flavor that's perfect for summer.

Peach and Raspberry: Use ripe peaches instead of pineapples and pair them with juicy raspberries. This adds a sweet and tangy twist to the recipe that is absolutely delicious.

Storage

Grilled pound cake kabobs are best served fresh and hot off the grill, but if you happen to have leftovers, here's how to store them:

Let the kabobs cool down: Allow the grilled kabobs to cool down to room temperature before storing them in the fridge. This will prevent the heat from creating excess moisture that can lead to a soggy texture.

Store in an airtight container: Once cooled down, transfer the kabobs to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing any unwanted flavors or odors from the fridge.

Refrigerate promptly: Refrigerate the kabobs as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. They should be stored in the fridge for no more than 2-3 days.

Reheat before serving: When you're ready to enjoy the leftover kabobs, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Then, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or on a lightly oiled grill pan until warmed through.

While grilled pound cake kabobs are best enjoyed fresh, these storage tips will help ensure they stay as delicious as possible for a few days after grilling.