Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightfully fun and utterly irresistible summer treat, these Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs check every box! You get the luscious flavor of the classic cake—tender buttery crumbs, caramelized pineapple, and sweet cherries—but stacked up on skewers, kissed by a grill or campfire, and ready for sharing anywhere from backyard barbecues to family camping trips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs so drool-worthy—each ingredient has a role to play, bringing texture, tropical color, and nostalgic flavor to every skewer. Simplicity is the secret, but the combination is utterly unforgettable!

• Fresh pineapple chunks: Juicy, tart-sweet, and made for grilling! Fresh is best to avoid a soggy kabob and get gorgeous caramelization.
• Pound cake: Dense and buttery, pound cake holds its shape on the skewer and toasts up with crispy edges and a soft center.
• Maraschino cherries: The classic pineapple upside down cake touch—bright red and sweet, they add color and a pop of flavor with every bite.
• Brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon, this creates that caramel-y coating you love on the classic cake and helps the pineapple brown beautifully.
• Cinnamon: Just a little warm spice to accent the brown sugar and fruit—it’s subtle, but it makes a world of difference.
• Melted butter: Dipping the cake cubes in butter ensures every bite has that signature rich, golden crust you crave.
• Granulated sugar: Rolling the buttered cake in sugar gives it extra crunch and that irresistible bakery-style finish.
• Roasting skewers or sticks: Sturdy enough for the grill or campfire, and the key to kabob fun!

Variations

The best thing about Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs—besides how good they taste!—is how easy it is to make them your own. Don’t hesitate to get creative, whether you’re working around dietary needs, using what you have on hand, or adding extra flair for a party.

• Try a different cake: Swap out pound cake for angel food, gluten-free cake, or even store-bought sponge cake for a lighter (or allergy-friendly) twist.
• Add coconut: Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut in-between cake and fruit for a toasty, tropical surprise.
• Mix up the fruit: Use chunks of mango, peach, or even strawberries along with or instead of pineapple for a fun fruity mix.
• Drizzle with sauce: Top finished kabobs with a zigzag of caramel or even a little white chocolate for the ultimate dessert indulgence.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs

Step 1: Toss Pineapple with Sugar and Spice

Start by combining your brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the freshly cut pineapple chunks and give everything a gentle stir, coating the fruit in that sweet, warm mixture. This not only adds amazing flavor, but it encourages caramelization when you grill!

Step 2: Prep & Coat Your Pound Cake

Slice your pound cake into sturdy 1½-inch cubes—about the same size as your pineapple. Dip each piece into melted butter, then immediately roll in granulated sugar, making sure each side is completely coated. This gives the cake its signature golden, slightly crunchy exterior.

Step 3: Skewer Everything (in Style!)

Drain your maraschino cherries and start threading your ingredients onto your skewers. The ideal pattern? Start with a cherry, then alternate cake and pineapple three times, ending with a cherry and one more cake cube. This way, every kabob is bursting with flavor, color, and balance!

Step 4: Grill or Roast to Perfection

Preheat your grill to high, or get your campfire coals nice and hot. Lightly grease the grill grate, then set your kabobs on, turning them often. Watch as the pineapple gets gorgeously golden and the cake toasts—about 3–4 minutes total. If you’re roasting over an open fire, channel your inner marshmallow-roasting expert and keep those kabobs turning for even toasting!

Step 5: Serve and Savor!

Once your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs are lightly crispy and deeply golden, lift them off the heat and let them cool for just a minute (if you can wait that long!). They’re best enjoyed warm, when the cake is butter-kissed and the pineapple is at its stickiest, juiciest best.

How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes these kabobs look like something straight out of a bakery window, or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence. A dollop of whipped cream or a quick scatter of toasted coconut flakes will also make your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these kabobs with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate. If you’re serving them at a barbecue, they work wonders alongside grilled peaches, berry crisp, or even simple s’mores for a nostalgic campfire feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs standing upright in a pretty mason jar or bundle them bouquet-style on a platter lined with banana leaves for true tropical flair. For parties, offer small bowls of caramel, chocolate, or berry sauce for easy dipping, and let guests build their own sweet kabob bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra kabobs, just slide them off the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, and are still delicious served chilled or brought back to room temperature.

Freezing

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs are fantastically freezer-friendly! You can freeze fully assembled (uncooked) kabobs in a large freezer bag, or freeze the dipped cake cubes and prepped fruit separately. When ready to enjoy, just grill or roast them straight from frozen—add a couple of extra minutes cooking time, and you’re golden.

Reheating

To reheat, pop kabobs back on the grill for a minute or two, or warm them in a 300°F oven until the cake is soft and fragrant. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the cake a little soggy—these treats shine when reheated over dry heat!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dessert that’s absolutely bursting with summer sunshine and pure fun, Pineapple Upside Down Cake Kabobs are the answer. Whether you’re making memories by the campfire or adding a wow-factor to a backyard cookout, these kabobs are a guaranteed hit—so grab those skewers and treat yourself and your loved ones!

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