If you’re seeking a fun twist on a classic dessert, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful treat captures the beloved flavors of pineapple and brown sugar caramelization, intertwined with the soft, buttery pound cake and the bright pop of maraschino cherries, all threaded onto portable skewers. Perfect for summer gatherings or an easy backyard treat, these kabobs offer vibrant colors, irresistible texture contrasts, and a nostalgic taste that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that signature pineapple upside down cake flavor. Simple yet essential, these components come together to create a surprisingly impressive dessert you’ll love making.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Brings juicy sweetness and a tropical zing, making the kabobs bright and refreshing.
- Pound cake cubes: Provides a tender, buttery base that crisps up beautifully when grilled.
- Maraschino cherries: Adds a cheerful pop of color and a little burst of sweetness in every bite.
- Brown sugar: Creates rich caramel notes that perfectly coat the pineapple pieces.
- Cinnamon: Infuses warm spice to complement the sweetness and deepen flavor complexity.
- Melted butter: Helps the cake cubes develop a golden, crispy crust when cooked.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on cake cubes to add a touch of crunch and sweetness.
- Roasting skewers: Essential for assembling and grilling these delicious kabobs with ease.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by cutting fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Toss these juicy pieces with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon to coat each pineapple chunk evenly. This step ensures each bite has that signature caramelized sweetness synonymous with a classic pineapple upside down cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Pound Cake Cubes
Cut your pound cake into uniform cubes for even cooking. Dip each cube into melted butter—this adds richness and helps the granulated sugar stick. Then roll the cubes in granulated sugar so they’ll form a deliciously sweet, crispy crust when grilled.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Grab your roasting skewers and thread the ingredients in a repeating pattern: cherry, cake cube, pineapple chunk, then back to cherry. This layering not only looks visually appealing but balances flavor and texture with every bite.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the kabobs on a preheated grill or campfire. Cook them until the cake cubes turn golden brown and crisp, and the pineapple starts to caramelize—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn frequently for even cooking and to avoid burning.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your kabobs, consider sprinkling freshly chopped toasted coconut or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top. A dusting of powdered sugar or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a mixed berry salad or a tangy citrus sorbet. For a more indulgent option, serve alongside creamy whipped cream or coconut milk panna cotta to keep the tropical theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the kabobs standing upright in a decorative glass filled with extra pineapple chunks or crushed ice to keep them cool. Alternatively, arrange them artistically on a wooden board garnished with fresh mint leaves to impress your guests with a colorful, vibrant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kabobs left over, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain freshness and that delightful contrast of textures.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it is not ideal for maintaining the crispy texture of the cake cubes. If needed, wrap the kabobs tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring leftover kabobs back to life, warm them briefly on a grill or in a hot oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help crisp up the cake again without making the pineapple mushy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is best for the juicy texture and vibrant flavor, but if you only have canned, drain it well and pat dry to avoid sogginess. The caramelization won’t be quite as intense, but it will still taste great.
What kind of pound cake works best for this recipe?
A traditional buttery pound cake or even a yellow cake loaf works perfectly. Avoid overly soft or crumbly cakes that may fall apart when skewered and grilled.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute with a gluten-free pound cake and check that any other ingredients, like cherries, are free of gluten contaminants. The results are just as delicious.
Is it possible to bake these kabobs instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake them on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. The flavor might be slightly different without the char from grilling, but still tasty and convenient.
How do I keep the kabobs from sticking to the grill?
Make sure to oil the grill grates well before cooking. Also, brushing a little extra melted butter on the kabobs can help prevent sticking and adds flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe that brings together familiar flavors in an unexpectedly fun format. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving a nostalgic treat with a twist, these kabobs make dessert feel like an adventure. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pineapple upside down cake!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs, a fun and easy grilled dessert combining caramelized pineapple, buttery pound cake, and sweet maraschino cherries on skewers. Perfect for campfires or backyard grilling, they offer a delicious twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake in portable kabob form.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained
Cake
- 1 – 10 oz pound cake, cut into cubes
Sugars & Spices
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Other
- ½ cup melted butter
- 10 roasting skewers (for grilling or campfire)
Instructions
- Prepare Pineapple: In a mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss the fresh pineapple chunks in this mixture until well-coated to infuse them with sweet and warm flavor.
- Prepare Cake: Dip each cube of pound cake into the melted butter, ensuring an even coating, then roll the buttered cake cubes in granulated sugar to add sweetness and a slightly crisp exterior when grilled.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the ingredients onto the roasting skewers alternately, starting with a maraschino cherry, followed by a cake cube, then a pineapple piece, repeating the pattern until the skewer is filled.
- Cook: Grill or roast the kabobs over a campfire or grill, turning them frequently to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy. Continue cooking until the cake is slightly toasted and the pineapple caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor and texture.
- To prevent cake from falling apart on skewers, use slightly stale or chilled pound cake.
- Keep an eye on kabobs while grilling to avoid burning.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Can also be broiled in the oven if a grill or campfire is not available.
