American Delight: A Grilled Berry & Pound Cake Sensation

This July 4th, surprise your guests with a dessert that's as unique as it is delicious. Forget the usual ice cream and pie – we're taking dessert to the grill! This "American Delight" features moist buttery pound cake, kissed by the flames for a subtle smoky char(or a buttery crust from the griddle), then crowned with a vibrant red, white, and blue berry compote. It's the perfect refreshing and unexpected treat for any backyard barbecue.

Yields: 8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Pound Cake:

  1 pre-made pound cake (store-bought or homemade), preferably unfrosted

  Butter or cooking spray, for grilling

For the Strawberry & Blueberry Compote:

  2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

  1 cup fresh blueberries

  1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

  1 tablespoon lemon juice

  1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving (Choose one or both!):

  Whipped cream

  Powdered sugar, for dusting

Equipment:

  Grill (charcoal) or griddle

  Mixing bowl

  Grill tongs or spatula

  Basting brush (optional, for buttering the cake)

Instructions:

 Make the Berry Compote:

  Overnight, or a couple hours before grilling, combine the quartered strawberries, blueberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small mixing bowl.

  Place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow the sugar and the fruit to make a syrup. Before you are ready to serve, use a masher and smash some of the fruit for a contrasting texture as well as to thicken the syrup that is formed. You want some berries to remain whole for texture.

  Stir in the vanilla extract.

1. Prepare the Pound Cake:

  If using a charcoal grill, prepare your coals for medium-high heat. For a griddle, preheat to medium-high.

  Slice the pound cake into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 8-10 slices depending on the size of your cake.

  Lightly brush one side of each pound cake slice with melted butter or spray with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and promote a nice golden crust.

2. Grill the Pound Cake:

  Carefully place the buttered side of the pound cake slices directly onto the preheated grill grates or griddle.

  Grill for 1-2 minutes per side, or until beautiful grill marks appear and the cake is lightly toasted and slightly crisp. Be watchful as pound cake can burn quickly due to its sugar content.

  Remove the grilled pound cake slices from the grill and set aside.

3. Assemble and Serve:

  Place a warm or room-temperature grilled pound cake slice on each serving plate.

  Spoon a generous amount of the strawberry and blueberry compote over the grilled pound cake. The vibrant colors will immediately stand out!

  For a classic touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream, or simply dust generously with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.

Don't be afraid to try something new this July 4th weekend! This American Delight is a fantastic way to utilize your grill for more than just savory dishes. The subtle smokiness of the grilled pound cake perfectly complements the sweet and tart berry compote, creating a dessert that's both comforting and exciting. It's a refreshing change of pace and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy the long weekend and happy grilling!