Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries: 7 Sweet Reasons to Try This Easy Summer Dessert

Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries is the ultimate warm-weather dessert—simple, stunning, and bursting with flavor. A slice of buttery pound cake, toasted to perfection on the grill, topped with juicy strawberries that have been gently macerated in sugar and citrus… it’s an irresistible combination of warm, crisp, soft, and sweet.

Perfect for outdoor dinners, holiday cookouts, or casual summer evenings, this dessert brings gourmet flair with almost zero fuss. Whether you’re grilling after dinner or looking for an elegant way to serve cake and fruit, this recipe is your go-to solution.

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Introduction to Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries

Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries is exactly what it sounds like: rich slices of pound cake grilled to create a caramelized, lightly crisp exterior, topped with luscious, syrupy strawberries that have been softened and sweetened.

Grilling the pound cake adds a smoky edge and a satisfying texture, while the macerated strawberries provide the bright, juicy balance that elevates every bite. Served warm, cool, or room temperature, this is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Elegant Summer Dessert

There are so many reasons to love this simple, elevated dessert:

• Uses just a few simple ingredients
• Perfect for entertaining or easy weeknight treats
• Customizable with different fruits and flavors
• Takes advantage of seasonal strawberries
• Grilling enhances flavor and texture
• Great way to repurpose store-bought or leftover cake
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort

Looking for a companion dish? Pair it with something like our Berry Yogurt Bark or Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles for a berry-themed summer spread.

What Are Macerated Strawberries?

Macerating is a technique where fruit is tossed with sugar (and sometimes citrus juice or liqueur) and left to sit. The sugar draws out the fruit’s natural juices, softening the texture and creating a syrupy, sweet coating.

In this recipe, macerated strawberries add juicy, tangy sweetness to contrast the dense richness of pound cake. It’s a quick way to turn fresh fruit into a topping that feels almost saucy—without any cooking required.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries

This recipe makes about 6 servings.

For the strawberries:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon zest

For the pound cake:

• 1 loaf pound cake (homemade or store-bought), sliced into ¾-inch thick pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Toppings (optional):

• Whipped cream
• Vanilla Greek yogurt
• Mint leaves for garnish

Want to make it homemade all the way? Try pairing this with our Creamy Yogurt Cake and grill those slices for a unique twist.

Essential Tools for Grilling and Prep

You don’t need much:

• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Grill-safe tongs or spatula
• Mixing bowl for strawberries
• Pastry brush for butter
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving plates or a platter

Optional: Use a grill basket if your grill grates are wide and you’re concerned about the cake slipping through.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries

Step 1: Macerate the strawberries

Place sliced strawberries in a bowl. Add sugar and lemon juice (and vanilla or zest, if using). Gently stir and let sit for at least 20–30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally.

Step 2: Preheat your grill

Set your grill to medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down slightly before grilling to prevent scorching.

Step 3: Prepare the pound cake

Brush both sides of each cake slice lightly with melted butter. This helps caramelize the exterior and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the cake

Place the pound cake slices directly on the grill. Grill for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden and lightly crisped with grill marks. Watch carefully—it cooks fast!

Step 5: Assemble and serve

Transfer grilled pound cake slices to plates. Spoon macerated strawberries and syrup over the top. Add whipped cream or Greek yogurt and garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Serve immediately for best texture and contrast of warm and cold.

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Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries

• Use ripe, fresh strawberries for best results
• Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better
• Stir gently to avoid breaking them down
• Add a splash of orange or pineapple juice for a twist
• Chill before serving for a refreshing contrast to warm cake

For another fruity variation, try using Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad as a side for a refreshing sweet-and-savory twist.

Best Pound Cake Options: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Homemade Pound Cake Pros:

• Richer, more customizable flavor
• Denser texture holds up well on the grill

Store-Bought Pound Cake Pros:

• Saves time
• Consistent shape and size
• Readily available and still delicious

Either version works well! If store-bought, try slicing and letting it dry out slightly before grilling—it helps develop a better crust.

Delicious Toppings and Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

• Swap strawberries for peaches, cherries, or blueberries
• Add balsamic glaze for a savory twist
• Top with ice cream or frozen yogurt instead of whipped cream
• Use angel food cake or banana bread as an alternative base
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut, almonds, or pistachios for crunch

Want a deeper flavor? Serve this next to Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream for a dessert duo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Pound Cake

• Not buttering the cake – it may stick and not brown properly
• Using very soft or thin slices – they can break or burn
• Grilling over high heat – will char the cake before it crisps
• Over-macerating fruit – can turn strawberries mushy
• Skipping a test piece – try grilling one slice first to gauge timing

Grilling pound cake only takes a minute or two—don’t walk away!

How to Serve This Dessert Beautifully

• Serve on a white or slate plate to make colors pop
• Use a drizzle of extra strawberry syrup around the base
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a quenelle of yogurt
• Garnish with edible flowers or mint for a garden-party vibe
• Stack slices and top with strawberries for a dramatic plated effect

Pairings: Drinks and Sides (Non-Alcoholic Only)

Pair this dessert with:

• Iced hibiscus or berry herbal tea
• Sparkling lemonade with mint
• Vanilla or strawberry milkshakes
• Fresh fruit smoothies
• Coconut milk iced coffee

Want a savory starter beforehand? Serve with Bunless Burger Recipe or Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken for a balanced backyard menu.

How to Store Leftovers

Macerated Strawberries:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Stir gently before using again

Grilled Pound Cake:

• Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temp for up to 1 day
• Reheat briefly on a warm skillet or toaster for best texture

You can also repurpose leftover cake into croutons for a fruit salad or use it as a base for a trifle.

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Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries FAQs

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Macerate the strawberries ahead of time. Grill the cake just before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have a grill?
Use a grill pan or even a nonstick skillet to toast the cake slices.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best, but thawed frozen strawberries can be macerated in a pinch—just expect a softer texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free pound cake and coconut cream or yogurt as a topping.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s sweet, simple, and fun to assemble.

Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Stunning Summer Treat

Grilled Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries is the kind of dessert that turns heads and wins hearts. With its golden grilled edges, syrupy sweet strawberries, and soft, buttery interior, every bite is full of texture and flavor.

It’s the perfect dish for entertaining, yet easy enough to make just because. Whether served at a BBQ, a dinner party, or a casual family night, it’s guaranteed to impress.

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