Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers recipe

The first time I introduced Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers at a summer backyard barbecue, they were an absolute revelation. I’d always loved traditional strawberry shortcake, but the idea of deconstructing it and adding a smoky char from the grill felt like a game-changer. The aroma of warm, slightly caramelized cake and juicy, grill-kissed strawberries mingling with the scent of charcoal was intoxicating. My friends, initially curious, were instantly won over after their first bite. The warm, tender cake cubes, the burst of sweet-tart strawberries, and the cool, creamy whipped cream created a symphony of textures and temperatures. Even the kids, who sometimes turn their noses up at “fancy” desserts, were clamoring for seconds. It’s become my signature summer dessert – surprisingly easy to whip up, visually stunning, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It takes a beloved classic and gives it a fun, interactive, and utterly delicious twist.

The Irresistible Charm of Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Why take a perfectly good dessert like strawberry shortcake and put it on the grill? The answer lies in the transformative power of fire and smoke. Grilling doesn’t just warm the components; it adds a new dimension of flavor. The cake cubes develop delightfully crispy, caramelized edges while staying soft and tender inside. The strawberries soften slightly, their natural sweetness intensifying, and they pick up a subtle smoky essence that beautifully contrasts their bright fruitiness.

Assembling them on skewers makes for an elegant yet playful presentation. It’s interactive, fun for guests to grab, and perfect for outdoor entertaining where formal plating isn’t always practical. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s about enjoying fresh, seasonal ingredients in a new and exciting way, embracing the casual joy of grilling, and creating a memorable sweet ending to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice looking for an easy dessert впечатлить, these Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers are a must-try.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Sweet Symphony

To create these delightful grilled treats, you’ll need the following. Using quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.

• Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound (about 450g), hulled and left whole if small, or halved/quartered if large. Aim for ripe but firm strawberries.
• Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake: 1 store-bought or homemade loaf (about 12-16 oz / 340-450g), cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Pound cake is sturdier and grills beautifully, while angel food cake offers a lighter option.
• For the Glaze (Optional, but Recommended):
  • Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (57g), melted
  • Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, packed
  • Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
  • Pinch of Salt: To balance sweetness
• For Serving:
  • Whipped Cream: Store-bought or homemade (1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp powdered sugar + ½ tsp vanilla extract, whipped until soft peaks form)
  • Fresh Mint Leaves: For garnish (optional)
  • Balsamic Glaze or Chocolate Sauce: For drizzling (optional)

Essential Equipment for Grilling Success

Having the right tools will make the assembly and grilling process much smoother:

• Skewers: Metal skewers are ideal as they are reusable and conduct heat. If using wooden/bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill. You’ll need about 8-12 skewers, depending on their length.
• Grill: Charcoal or gas grill.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing strawberries and cake.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the glaze.
• Basting Brush: For applying the glaze.
• Tongs: For turning the skewers on the grill.
• Serving Platter

Step-by-Step Instructions: Grilling to Perfection

Follow these instructions for perfectly grilled, sweet, and smoky skewers:

1. Prepare the Components:
* Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries. If they are large, cut them in half or quarters so they are a similar size to your cake cubes. Pat them dry gently.
* Cake: Cut your pound cake or angel food cake into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Try to make them fairly uniform in size for even grilling. Stale or day-old cake works particularly well as it’s a bit drier and holds up better.

2. Soak Wooden Skewers (if using):
* If you are using wooden or bamboo skewers, place them in a shallow dish of water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent them from charring too much or catching fire on the grill.

3. Make the Glaze (Optional):
* In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This glaze will help the cake caramelize and add a lovely flavor.

4. Assemble the Skewers:
* Thread the cake cubes and strawberries alternately onto the skewers. A common pattern is cake-strawberry-cake-strawberry, ending with either.
* Leave a little space at each end of the skewer for easier handling.
* Don’t pack the items too tightly together; a little space allows for more even grilling.
* If using the glaze, lightly brush it over the cake cubes on the skewers. You can also lightly brush the strawberries if desired.

5. Preheat the Grill:
* Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
* Clean the grill grates well to prevent sticking and any savory flavors from transferring. You can lightly oil the grates with a neutral oil using a paper towel held with tongs.

6. Grill the Skewers:
* Place the assembled skewers directly on the preheated grill grates.
* Grill for about 2-4 minutes per side. You are looking for the cake to become golden brown with nice grill marks and slightly crispy edges, and for the strawberries to soften slightly and get a gentle char.
* Watch them closely! The sugar in the cake (and glaze, if using) can cause them to burn quickly. Use tongs to turn them gently for even cooking.
* The total grilling time will be around 6-10 minutes, depending on your grill’s heat and how caramelized you like them.

7. Serve Immediately:
* Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
* Serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
* Garnish with fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

• Servings: This recipe typically yields 4-6 servings (assuming 2 skewers per person).
• Calories per serving (2 skewers, with pound cake and glaze): Approximately 350-450 calories.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the type of cake used (pound cake vs. angel food cake), whether glaze is used, specific ingredient brands, and exact portion sizes.
A serving using angel food cake and no glaze would be considerably lower in calories.

• Pound Cake version with glaze (per 2 skewers):
  • Fat: 18-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10-15g
  • Cholesterol: 60-90mg
  • Sodium: 200-300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45-55g
  • Fiber: 2-3g
  • Sugars: 25-35g
  • Protein: 4-6g

Preparation Time Breakdown

Plan your dessert making with this time guide:

• Active Preparation Time (hulling strawberries, cubing cake, assembling skewers, making glaze): 20-25 minutes
• Wooden Skewer Soaking Time (if applicable): 30 minutes (can be done while prepping)
• Grilling Time: 6-10 minutes

Total Time (from start to serve, if using pre-soaked skewers): Approximately 30-40 minutes.

The Art of Serving: Presentation Matters

These Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers are inherently fun, but a little extra effort in presentation makes them even more special:

• The Classic Dollop:
  • Serve each skewer (or a pair) with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream.
  • A small bowl of extra whipped cream on the side allows guests to add more.
• Garnishes Galore:
  • A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and fresh aroma.
  • A light dusting of powdered sugar over the skewers and plate.
  • A drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
  • A swirl of chocolate sauce or melted chocolate for the chocoholics.
  • A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios for crunch.
• Platter Presentation:
  • Arrange the skewers artfully on a large platter.
  • Scatter some extra fresh strawberries around the platter.
  • Place small bowls of different toppings (whipped cream, sauces, nuts) around the platter for a DIY dessert bar feel.
• Individual Servings:
  • For a more formal sit-down dessert, place one or two skewers on a dessert plate with a quenelle of whipped cream and a deliberate garnish.
• Ice Cream Dream:
  • Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream instead of, or in addition to, whipped cream. The contrast of warm grilled skewers and cold ice cream is divine.

Elevate Your Skewers: 5 Additional Tips for Grilling Glory

1. Choose Your Cake Wisely: A sturdy cake is key. Pound cake is excellent because it holds its shape well on the grill. Angel food cake is lighter but can be more delicate; ensure it’s not too fresh or it might crumble. Day-old cake often works best as it’s slightly drier. Brownie cubes or even sturdy donut pieces can also be fun alternatives!
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers (or the Grill): Leaving a little space between the cake and strawberries on the skewer ensures even heat circulation and better charring. Similarly, don’t overcrowd the grill itself, as this can lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than grilling. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Master the Glaze: While optional, a simple glaze of melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla adds incredible flavor and helps achieve beautiful caramelization on the cake. Apply it just before grilling. For a different twist, try a honey-lime glaze or a maple-cinnamon glaze.
4. Medium Heat is Your Friend: Too high heat will scorch the cake and strawberries before they cook through or warm up nicely. Medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C) allows for gentle caramelization and warming without burning. Keep a close eye, as sugar burns quickly.
5. Prep Ahead for Easy Entertaining: You can hull the strawberries and cube the cake a few hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the skewers just before you’re ready to grill for the best results, as the strawberries can make the cake soggy if left assembled for too long. The glaze can also be made ahead and gently rewarmed if needed.

Creative Twists: Variations on a Theme

Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

• Fruit Fiesta:
  • Mixed Berry Skewers: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with the strawberries.
  • Peachy Keen: Swap strawberries for ripe peach or nectarine slices. They grill beautifully.
  • Tropical Delight: Use pineapple chunks and cubes of coconut pound cake. A lime glaze would be fantastic here.
  • Banana Split Skewers: Add banana chunks (firm ones) and serve with chocolate sauce and a cherry.
• Cake Alternatives:
  • Brownie Bliss: Use sturdy brownie cubes instead of pound cake.
  • Donut Delirium: Cubes of plain cake donuts or apple cider donuts are surprisingly good grilled.
  • Shortbread Sensation: While not technically “shortcake,” cubes of sturdy shortbread cookies can be used for a different texture.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • Herbaceous Notes: Thread a fresh basil leaf between the strawberry and cake for a sophisticated flavor pairing. Rosemary also works surprisingly well.
  • Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to your butter-sugar glaze.
  • Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cake or glaze for brightness.
• Dipping Sauces:
  • Offer a variety of dipping sauces beyond whipped cream:
    • Lemon curd
    • Melted dark or white chocolate
    • Salted caramel sauce
    • Fruit coulis (raspberry or mango)

The Science & Art of Grilling Desserts

Grilling desserts, especially those involving fruit and cake, is a delightful interplay of science and art.

• Maillard Reaction & Caramelization: When the cake hits the hot grates, the sugars and amino acids undergo the Maillard reaction, creating hundreds of new flavor compounds responsible for that desirable “grilled” taste and browning. The sugars in the fruit and any glaze will caramelize, deepening their sweetness and adding a slight toffee note.
• Smoke Infusion: Whether using charcoal or gas with wood chips, a subtle smoky flavor can permeate the ingredients, adding complexity that you can’t achieve with indoor cooking methods.
• Textural Contrast: Grilling creates fantastic textural contrasts – crispy edges on the cake while the inside remains tender, and strawberries that soften but retain some bite.
• Temperature Play: The warmth of the grilled components against cool whipped cream or ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.

The “art” comes in balancing these elements: choosing the right ingredients that can withstand the heat, controlling the grill temperature to achieve char without burning, and knowing just when to pull them off for peak deliciousness.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside

While these skewers are a star on their own, here are some beverage and accompaniment ideas:

• Beverages:
  • Iced Tea or Lemonade: Classic refreshing choices for a summer BBQ.
  • Sparkling Rosé or Prosecco: The bubbles and slight sweetness complement the fruit and cake.
  • Moscato d’Asti: A sweet, lightly sparkling dessert wine that pairs beautifully.
  • Coffee or Espresso: A robust coffee cuts through the sweetness nicely, especially after a rich meal.
  • Milk: For the kids (and kids at heart!).
• If Part of a Dessert Spread:
  • A light fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate.
  • A platter of simple cookies.
  • A bowl of fresh mixed berries.

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers: Your Questions Answered (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A: It’s best to grill them just before serving for optimal warmth and texture. However, you can prep the components: hull strawberries, cube cake, and make the glaze a few hours in advance. Assemble the skewers right before grilling to prevent the cake from getting soggy from the strawberry juices.

Q2: What’s better, metal or wooden skewers?
A: Metal skewers are generally preferred as they are reusable, sturdy, and conduct heat, which can help cook the inside of the cake cubes. If using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Flat wooden skewers can also help prevent food from spinning.

Q3: I don’t have an outdoor grill. Can I make these indoors?
A: Yes! You can use an indoor grill pan on your stovetop. Heat it over medium heat and cook the skewers similarly, turning for even grill marks. Alternatively, you can broil them. Place skewers on a baking sheet and broil on high for 1-2 minutes per side, watching very carefully as they can burn extremely quickly under the broiler. You’ll get caramelization but miss the smoky flavor.

Q4: My strawberries keep falling off the skewers. Any tips?
A: Use ripe but firm strawberries. If they are too soft or overripe, they might fall apart. Ensure your strawberry pieces and cake cubes are of a decent size (at least 1 inch). Don’t force them onto the skewer too aggressively. If using very small strawberries, you might thread two side-by-side.

Q5: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries, once thawed, tend to be very soft and mushy and may not hold up well on skewers or on the grill. They will release a lot of water, making the cake soggy.

This Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewer recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with a bit of creativity and the magic of the grill, can transform into something truly special. It’s a dessert that sparks joy, encourages sharing, and makes any summer gathering a little sweeter. Enjoy the delicious journey from grill to plate!

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