If you want to capture all the magic of a retro classic in a fun, summery format, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe is your new go-to dessert! It brings the caramelized, fruity flavors you love—juicy pineapple, sweet, buttery pound cake, and those iconic cherries—all threaded on skewers and kissed by the grill. Whether you’re gathering around the barbecue with friends or just hoping to spark some dessert joy, these kabobs promise smiles from the very first bite.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for taste, but for pops of color, irresistible texture, and that nostalgic flavor combination nobody can resist!

Pound cake: Cubed pound cake stands up perfectly to grilling, toasting up golden on the edges while staying soft inside—store-bought or homemade work equally well.
Pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple brings a juicy tartness and vibrant color, but canned, well-drained pineapple is a speedy and sweetly reliable substitute.
Maraschino cherries: These bright, syrupy gems add classic flavor and a show-stopping pop of red on every skewer.
Unsalted butter: When melted and brushed over the kabobs, butter helps achieve that crave-worthy caramelized finish—it’s essential for richness.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar melds with butter for a glossy, decadent glaze that seeps into every bite and intensifies the fruit’s sweetness.
Wooden skewers: Sturdy skewers hold the magic together and ensure each combination of cake, fruit, and cherry grills to perfection—just soak in water first to prevent burning.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Ingredients

Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium heat. While the grill warms up, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. This simple step keeps your skewers from burning while the kabobs cook. Meanwhile, chop the pound cake into sturdy, even cubes and drain both the pineapple and cherries so your kabobs toast instead of steam.

Step 2: Assemble the Kabobs

Thread cubes of pound cake, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries onto your skewers, alternating the ingredients so you get a bit of everything in every bite. Don’t be shy—load up those kabobs! The order isn’t set in stone, so arrange them however feels the most fun or colorful to you.

Step 3: Mix the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar, whisking until the sugar dissolves. Want an extra kick? A splash of rum here turns your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe into an instant party favorite! Brush the glaze generously over every side of each skewer, making sure everything glistens.

Step 4: Grill the Kabobs

Place your kabobs directly onto the preheated grill and cook for two to three minutes per side. Use tongs to gently turn the skewers so every edge of cake gets golden and the pineapple starts to caramelize. Watch carefully—the sugars mean these beauties can color quickly. The scent alone will let you know: pure dessert heaven!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake is toasted and the pineapple slightly charred, transfer the kabobs to a serving platter. Serve while still warm for the best melty, buttery experience. For homemade decadence, pair each kabob with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream and let everyone dig in!

How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or fresh mint leaves over each kabob right before serving. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar creates that show-stopper presentation, and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside each skewer instantly elevates dessert hour.

Side Dishes

Turn your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe into a full cookout dessert course by pairing it with tangy lemon sorbet, a tropical fruit salad, or even grilled peaches. These sides complement the caramelized flavors perfectly and keep everything delightfully light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a gathering, stand skewers upright in a mason jar or on a platter for a playful centerpiece. Alternatively, serve kabobs already plated with ice cream and an extra cherry for a retro-diner feel. Kids and adults alike love the interactive nature—let everyone create their own kabob combination at a make-your-own kabob bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe, simply remove the ingredients from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld even more overnight, making for a sweet, satisfying snack the next day.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to do so before grilling. Thread the pound cake, pineapple, and cherries on skewers, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw, brush with the glaze, and grill as usual. Cooked kabobs can lose their texture if frozen, so fresh is always best.

Reheating

To revive leftover kabobs, simply place them under a broiler for a minute or two or reheat gently in a grill pan over medium heat until the pound cake edges crisp up again. Microwave reheating is not recommended, as it can make the cake rubbery and soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cake instead of pound cake?

Absolutely! While pound cake holds up beautifully to grilling in this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe, you can swap in angel food cake or even brioche for a different texture. Just be sure to use something sturdy enough not to fall apart on the grill.

Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes is highly recommended. This helps prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill, making the process safer and ensuring your kabobs cook evenly.

Can I make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe indoors?

Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, broil the assembled and glazed kabobs on a lined baking sheet for a few minutes per side. This will help caramelize the brown sugar and butter glaze and toast the pound cake nicely for a similar effect to grilling.

What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?

If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, try using dried cherries or even fresh pitted cherries for a more natural, less sweet burst of flavor. Be aware that fresh cherries may not provide the same bold color, but they add a lovely tartness.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Brush on the glaze and grill them just before you’re ready to serve so they’re toasty and fresh for your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe is destined to be your new favorite way to serve dessert—unexpected, irresistible, and laughably easy to put together. Whether you’re firing up the grill at a weekend cookout or just looking for a simple way to brighten up your evening, you owe it to yourself and your friends to try this delicious twist. Go ahead and give it a whirl—good times and rave reviews are guaranteed!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 6 kabobs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs are a fun twist on the classic dessert, perfect for summer grilling. Juicy pineapple, sweet cherries, and tender pound cake are skewered, grilled to perfection, and served with a delicious buttery glaze. A delightful treat for BBQs or gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

Pound Cake:

2 cups cubed pound cake (store-bought or homemade)

Pineapple and Cherries:

1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and stems removed)

Glaze:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Additional:

Wooden skewers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat.
Assemble Kabobs: Thread pound cake cubes, pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries onto skewers, alternating.
Prepare Glaze: Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl. Brush over kabobs.
Grill Kabobs: Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until cake is toasted and pineapple is caramelized.
Serve: Enjoy warm, alone or with ice cream.