Craving a dessert that’s effortlessly impressive? Grilled pound cake is the answer. This simple yet elegant treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you opt for a store-bought pound cake or whip up a homemade version, the result is equally delightful.
Imagine warm, grilled slices of pound cake, perfectly charred and infused with a hint of sweetness from honey and butter. The versatility of this dish shines when paired with a variety of toppings like ice cream, grilled fruit, or whipped cream. It’s a grown-up twist on the classic ice cream sundae bar, allowing your guests to customize their dessert creations.
Ready to elevate your dessert game with minimal effort? Let’s dive into the world of grilled pound cake recipes and discover how a few simple ingredients can transform a humble treat into a gourmet delight.
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake
- 1 pound of your favorite pound cake (Sara Lee brand suggested, thawed if frozen)
- Ingredients for homemade pound cake options:
- Cake flour, lemon zest, baking powder, salt
- Butter, sugar, eggs, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract
- Mixed seasonal berries (blueberries, raspberries, quartered strawberries)
- Fresh mint (slivered and sprigs for garnish)
- Jalapeño peppers (seeded and diced)
- Limes for juice
- Brown sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
- Confectioners sugar or agave syrup
- Butter
Necessary Equipment
To create the perfect grilled pound cake, you will need the following equipment:
- a handheld smoker (optional)
- 4 cups mixed seasonal berries (blueberries, raspberries, quartered strawberries, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons thinly slivered fresh mint, plus 8 small sprigs for garnish
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or more to taste)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioners sugar (powdered sugar) or agave syrup
- 8 slices 3/4-inch thick pound cake (Sara Lee brand recommended, thawed if frozen)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Ensure you have all these items ready before you start preparing your grilled pound cake for a delightful and flavorful dessert experience.
Preparing the Pound Cake
Grilling pound cake opens up a world of creative dessert possibilities. Let’s delve into how to prepare the pound cake for a delicious grilled treat.
Slicing and Prepping
- Start by slicing the Sara Lee brand pound cake into slices that are about 3/4-inch thick. If the cake is frozen, ensure it is thawed before slicing.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter to prepare for grilling. This will add a lovely buttery richness to the pound cake slices, enhancing their flavor when grilled.
- Consider adding a touch of sweetness to the pound cake by sprinkling brown sugar on the slices before grilling. The caramelization of the sugar will impart a delightful sweetness.
- Experiment with different flavors by using a handheld smoker to infuse the pound cake with a hint of smokiness. This unique touch can elevate the taste of your grilled pound cake.
- For a refreshing twist, you can brush the pound cake slices with a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar before grilling. The zesty citrus flavor combined with the sweetness creates a tantalizing balance.
Grilling Instructions
Grill Setup
To begin grilling your pound cake, prepare your grill or grill pan by heating it over medium heat. This will ensure that your pound cake cooks evenly and gets those delightful grill marks.
- While the grill is heating up, slice your pound cake into slices that are between ¾ inch to 1 inch thick.
- Combine melted unsalted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful mixture. Brush this mixture over both sides of each pound cake slice.
- Place the cake slices onto the grill and cook them for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely toasted with golden grill marks.
- Once grilled to perfection, serve your pound cake slices warm with accompaniments like ice cream, grilled fruit, whipped cream, or any other favorite topping you desire. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of your grilled pound cake creation!
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your grilled pound cake experience with a variety of serving suggestions to elevate its flavors and presentation.
Topping Ideas
- Grilled Fruit: Pair your grilled pound cake with delicious grilled fruit such as peaches or pineapple for a sweet and smoky combination.
- Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness by topping your pound cake with a mixture of seasonal berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
- Ice Cream: Amp up the indulgence by serving your grilled pound cake with a scoop of creamy ice cream or rich homemade whipped cream.
- Sweet Sauces: Drizzle your pound cake slices with delectable dessert sauces like strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, hot fudge, salted caramel, lemon curd, lime curd, or a simple honey drizzle.
- Grilling Elegance: Arrange your grilled pound cake slices beautifully on plates for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish: Add a touch of freshness and color by garnishing your dessert with a sprig of mint for a visually appealing finish.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the grilled pound cake warm off the grill to experience the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different serving variations and combinations to find your favorite grilled pound cake presentation.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Before grilling the pound cake, you can prepare the salsa in advance to save time and enhance the flavors. Here’s a simple guide on how to make the salsa ahead of time:
- Prepare the Salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed seasonal berries, slivered fresh mint, finely diced jalapeños, lime juice, and brown sugar. Do not mix the salsa at this stage. This salsa can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead of time. Simply cover it and refrigerate until ready to serve.
By preparing the salsa in advance, you can streamline your grilling process and have the flavors meld together for a more vibrant taste experience.
Conclusion
Grilled pound cake is a delightful dessert option that offers a unique twist to traditional recipes. The versatility of grilling opens up a world of flavor possibilities, allowing you to experiment with various toppings and accompaniments. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily impress your guests with a delicious grilled pound cake creation. Whether paired with grilled fruit, ice cream, or a homemade berry salsa, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So fire up the grill, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy the sweet and smoky goodness of grilled pound cake!