If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together sweet, tangy fruit and comforting cake in a portable, bite-sized treat, you have to try the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe. Imagine all the flavors of the classic pineapple upside down cake transformed into juicy chunks of pineapple, tender pound cake, and bright maraschino cherries threaded onto skewers, caramelized to golden perfection over a grill or campfire. It’s a festive, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or even a cozy night around the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is brilliantly simple, relying on a handful of fresh and pantry staples that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and that signature caramelized glaze.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: The star ingredient, offering juicy tang and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cake.
- Pound cake: Choose a dense, buttery cake that holds up well on skewers and soaks up the caramel flavors.
- Maraschino cherries: Their bright color and sweet, slightly tart taste add that classic visual and flavor pop.
- Brown sugar: Essential for the caramel-like coating that makes each bite irresistible.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
- Melted butter: Helps the granulated sugar stick to the pound cake cubes and creates a crisp golden crust.
- Granulated sugar: Works with butter to create that slight crunch on the cake exterior.
- Roasting skewers: Key for threading your ingredients and cooking them evenly over heat.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by cutting your fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Toss these juicy pieces in a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon — this simple coating will caramelize beautifully when grilled, turning the pineapple tender while intensifying its natural sweetness. It’s this step that gives the kabobs that gorgeous golden glaze reminiscent of the classic upside down cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Pound Cake
Cut the pound cake into cubes that are just the right size for skewering. Dip each cube into melted butter to help the granulated sugar stick perfectly. Then roll the cubes in granulated sugar for a delicate outer crust that crisps up deliciously when cooked. This step adds a lovely texture contrast to the soft fruit and moist cake inside.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Now comes the fun part—threading your kabobs! Alternate your maraschino cherries, sugared pound cake cubes, and brown sugar-coated pineapple chunks along each skewer. Using a pattern like cherry, cake, pineapple, then repeating, ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and visual appeal.
Step 4: Cook the Kabobs
Place your kabobs on a hot grill or carefully over a campfire. Cook them steadily, turning frequently to ensure even browning. The sugars will caramelize, the cherries will soften, and the cake will get that toasty, slightly crisp edge that everyone adores. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when golden brown and fragrant.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the kabobs with a bit of toasted coconut or chopped nuts like pecans for an extra layer of crunch and tropical flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that really makes these kabobs shine.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the caramelized sweetness. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a citrusy sorbet or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the kabobs on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves for a tropical vibe. If you want to impress guests, drizzle warm caramel or a rum glaze over the kabobs right before serving. You can also stand the skewers upright in a sturdy glass filled with crushed ice or colorful fruit slices for a festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kabobs leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fruit and cake will keep for a day or two, although they’re best enjoyed fresh. To enjoy later, let them come back to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for these kabobs since the pineapple’s texture changes when frozen, becoming mushy upon thawing. If you want to prep ahead, keep your ingredients separate (pineapple, cake cubes, cherries) and assemble right before grilling.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place the kabobs on a grill or in a warm oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Turn them often to avoid burning and to restore that wonderful caramelized crust.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this kabobs recipe?
While fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor, canned pineapple chunks can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to pat them dry to avoid sogginess when grilling.
What kind of pound cake works best?
A dense, buttery pound cake holds up beautifully to grilling and the coating process. Avoid very airy cakes, which may fall apart or become mushy.
Can I make these kabobs indoors?
Absolutely! You can cook them under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan, but keep a close eye to avoid burning since sugars caramelize quickly indoors.
Are these kabobs suitable for kids?
Definitely! They’re sweet, colorful, and fun to eat. Just be cautious with skewers around very young children, and consider using short skewers or serving the ingredients on toothpicks.
Can I add other fruits to the kabobs?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other tropical fruits like mango or peach slices. Just keep in mind their cooking times and moisture content to keep the kabobs balanced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe—it’s a playful twist on a classic that turns dessert into an experience. Whether you’re cooking at home for your family or impressing friends at your next outing, these kabobs bring warmth, sweetness, and a dash of nostalgia that’s hard to beat. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this recipe a new favorite in your dessert rotation!
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Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 kabobs 1x
Description
These Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs are a fun and portable twist on the classic dessert, perfect for grilling or campfire cooking. Bursting with caramelized pineapple, sweet pound cake, and maraschino cherries, these kabobs combine fruit and cake in a delicious, easy-to-eat format that’s ideal for summer gatherings or outdoor treats.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 4 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1 jar maraschino cherries
Browning Mix
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cake Coating
- 1 – 10 oz pound cake
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Other
- 10 roasting skewers for grilling or campfire
Instructions
- Prepare Pineapple. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss the fresh pineapple chunks in this mixture until they are fully coated with the sugary spice blend, ensuring each piece absorbs the flavors.
- Prepare Pound Cake. Cut the pound cake into cubes suitable for threading on skewers. Dip each cube into melted butter, then coat thoroughly with granulated sugar to give a sweet, crunchy exterior after cooking.
- Assemble Kabobs. Thread the skewers by alternating ingredients in this order: cherry, cake, pineapple, cherry, cake, pineapple. Continue this pattern until the skewer is filled, making sure the kabobs are balanced for even cooking.
- Cook Kabobs. Grill the assembled kabobs over a hot grill or campfire. Cook until golden brown and caramelized, turning them frequently to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe pineapple for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Ensure the cake cubes are not too large to cook evenly and to fit comfortably on the skewers.
- Rotate kabobs often during grilling to prevent charring and ensure all sides caramelize.
- Serve kabobs warm for the best taste and texture.
- Skewers can also be cooked on an indoor grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
