If you’re looking to add a fun, fruity twist to your dessert lineup, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe is exactly what you need. This playful take on the classic favorite turns chunks of caramelized pineapple, moist pound cake cubes, and bright maraschino cherries into delightful skewers that are perfect for grilling or roasting over a campfire. Each bite bursts with sweet, buttery richness and a touch of warm cinnamon spice, making it a treat that’s not only simple to prepare but irresistibly tasty and visually stunning. Trust me, once you try these kabobs, they’ll become your go-to dessert for gatherings, backyard parties, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe is in its simplicity, relying on a handful of staple ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component has a special role—from the sweet and tangy pineapple chunks to the buttery pound cake, all perfectly balanced with cinnamon and sugar to create that signature caramelized flavor and irresistible texture.
- 4 cups fresh pineapple cut into chunks: Choose ripe, juicy pineapple for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 – 10 oz pound cake: The rich, dense cake soaks up the buttery coating and toasts beautifully on the grill.
- 1 jar maraschino cherries: These bright red gems add bursts of sweetness and a pop of color, making the kabobs look as good as they taste.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that coat the pineapple, enhancing its flavor.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the sweetness and elevates the tropical vibe.
- ½ cup melted butter: Essential for coating the cake cubes to achieve that perfectly golden, slightly crisp exterior.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides a delicate crunch when sprinkled on the buttered cake.
- 10 roasting skewers for grilling or campfire: Sturdy skewers make assembling and cooking the kabobs easy and mess-free.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Pineapple
Start by cutting fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks so each skewer gets just the right juicy burst. Toss these pineapple pieces in a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon, coating them evenly. This simple step infuses the fruit with a warm caramelized flavor that’s crucial for the signature taste of these kabobs.
Step 2: Prepare Pound Cake
Next, take your pound cake and cut it into cubes approximately the same size as your pineapple chunks. Dip each cube in melted butter, then roll it in granulated sugar. This process ensures that when grilled, the cake develops a golden, slightly crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with its soft, buttery inside.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Time to get creative with your kabob assembly! Thread on a maraschino cherry, then follow with a pound cake cube, a pineapple chunk, and repeat the pattern as you like, alternating to combine the flavors and colors pleasingly. Using the skewers highlights the treat’s playful appeal and makes grilling a breeze.
Step 4: Cook the Kabobs
Place your kabobs on a grill or over a campfire heat, turning them frequently to achieve an even golden brown all around. The sugars will caramelize wonderfully, and the flavors will meld into the perfect bite. Keep an eye on them—as soon as the cake is toasted and pineapple softens slightly, they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or a dusting of powdered sugar over your kabobs right before serving to add texture and a little extra sweetness. You could even drizzle some caramel or honey for an indulgent touch that complements the caramelized pineapple beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a complete, crowd-pleasing dessert. If you want to keep things light, a fresh mint leaf alongside can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe arranged standing upright in a decorative glass or laid out on a colorful platter with tropical leaves underneath for a vibrant presentation. You might even incorporate edible flowers for an eye-catching, exotic look that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kabobs left over, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed warm and freshly grilled for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the kabobs as the texture of the grilled pound cake and pineapple may suffer. However, you can prep the individual components ahead of time—cubed pound cake and marinated pineapple chunks freeze well separately and can be thawed before assembling and grilling.
Reheating
To reheat, place the kabobs on a grill or under a broiler just long enough to warm them through and revive the crisp edges. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cake or make the pineapple mushy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While canned pineapple can work in a pinch, fresh pineapple really shines in this recipe for its juiciness and vibrant flavor, so it’s worth grabbing fresh when you can.
What type of pound cake is best?
A dense, buttery pound cake is ideal since it holds up well on the skewer and crisps beautifully when grilled. Homemade or store-bought both work great depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make these kabobs without a grill or campfire?
Absolutely! You can cook the kabobs in a skillet or under a broiler in your oven. Just watch closely to prevent burning and turn often to get that lovely golden finish.
Are these kabobs suitable for kids?
Yes! Kids love the fun presentation and sweet flavor of these kabobs. Just be sure to supervise younger children with the skewers and cooking process.
How can I make these kabobs vegan?
Swap the pound cake for a vegan alternative and use a plant-based butter substitute. Make sure the maraschino cherries don’t contain gelatin or non-vegan dyes for a fully vegan-friendly dessert.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like the joy of biting into these Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe—each bite a perfect harmony of sweet, buttery, and slightly spiced flavors with a fun, easy prep that makes dessert time something to look forward to. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, these kabobs are guaranteed to brighten any day and become a beloved classic in your recipe box. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs are a fun and delicious twist on the classic dessert, perfect for grilling or cooking over a campfire. Combining sweet pineapple chunks coated in cinnamon brown sugar with buttery, sugar-coated pound cake cubes and maraschino cherries threaded onto skewers, they caramelize beautifully for a crowd-pleasing treat. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving 10, these kabobs make an ideal summertime dessert or an enjoyable camping snack.
Ingredients
Pineapple Mixture
- 4 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Pound Cake
- 1 – 10 oz pound cake
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Other
- 1 jar maraschino cherries
- 10 roasting skewers for grilling or campfire
Instructions
- Prepare Pineapple: In a bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss the fresh pineapple chunks in this mixture until all pieces are well coated, ensuring a flavorful caramelizing sugar layer during cooking.
- Prepare Pound Cake: Cut the pound cake into even cubes. Dip each cube in the melted butter, then coat it with granulated sugar to create a sweet, crispy crust when grilled.
- Assemble Kabobs: Take the roasting skewers and thread the ingredients alternately: start with a maraschino cherry, then a pound cake cube, followed by a pineapple chunk, and repeat this pattern until the skewer is almost full, finishing with a cherry or cake as desired.
- Cook Kabobs: Grill the kabobs over a preheated grill or campfire, turning frequently to ensure even caramelization and toasty golden-brown color on all sides. Continue cooking until the pound cake cubes are crisp and the pineapple is slightly caramelized, approximately 5 to 8 minutes depending on heat.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure skewers are soaked in water for 15-20 minutes if using wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Rotate kabobs frequently during cooking to avoid burning and to achieve even caramelization.
- Serve warm for the best taste experience.
- This recipe is ideal for summer cookouts or camping trips.
