6.01.2011

Grilled Poundcake with Balsamic Berries

It's finally June, and berries of all kinds are popping up all over these parts. For now, we are relying on the supermarket, but soon enough (this weekend in fact!), our favorite farmer's market opens and then we can start to really enjoy the bounty of summer. We came up with this particular dessert idea after seeing some slices of poundcake strategically placed near the berries in the produce aisle. (Turning the oven on to make a cake this week was not something we wanted to do, especially since we work without air conditioning all day). Slightly grilling the slices of poundcake offered a crunchy char plus that toasty, smoky flavor we love. And balsamic and berries get along famously. We saved a few calories by not adding freshly whipped cream, but that, or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, might push this summery treat to the brink of amazingness. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon corn starch
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 pint blackberries
1/2 pint raspberries
1/2 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
6 slices store-bought poundcake
6 sprigs fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

Mix the sugar and corn starch in a medium saucepan. Stir in the water then add the balsamic vinegar. Mix well. Put over medium heat and add the blackberries. While continuing to stir, bring the mixture to a boil, then boil for one minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Carefully fold in the raspberries and strawberries and set aside. Spray the grates of a gas grill with cooking spray and turn the grill onto medium-high heat. Lay the slices of pound cake on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes (or until grill marks appear); flip and do the same on the other side. Spoon the berry mixture over each slice of poundcake, garnish with mint, and enjoy.






16 comments:

Tiffany said...

This is the perfect cookout dessert!

The Duo Dishes said...

This is the best grill dessert. It's super light too, which is probably nice after scarfing down a burger!

Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table said...

Grilled poundcake is one of my favorite summer desserts. Love the balsamic with the strawberries. It's also great with peaches!

Jessica said...

Looks perfect for the summer! The sweet berries and the balsamic is such a great combination. I can't wait to visit our farmer's market this weekend either!

sheryl said...

Wow, you really caught my eye with the grilled poundcake! I bet it's amazing with the balsamic berries on top. I must give this a try!

PolaM said...

Wow! That sure is a great idea on how to use pound cake after it gets a bit old (or just boring)....

Lynda @ TasteFood said...

Great recipe - so simple and fresh!

Erin said...

Balsamic berries are the best! The grilled pound cake seems perfect for them.

Steph said...

oh my lord! This looks to die for!! Those berries and the syrup are so drool worthy!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, how fabulous! I love balsamic strawberries, so this whole dessert looks right up my alley! Beautiful, too~

A SPICY PERSPECTIVE said...

Lovely! What a GREAT idea. :)

Angela@RecipesFromMyMom said...

I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to have the oven on for an hour in this heat. What a great way to dazzle up store-bought poundcake or even your own that might come out of the freezer. Love the balsamic splash for the berries.

kita said...

I've always wanted to try grilled pound cake! The balsamic berries sound awesome on this too.

Kate@Diethood said...

I bet this was crazy delicious!! What a great idea!

Claire Gallam said...

What a great idea!

PS. Please contact me when you get a chance, you won the cake pop maker!

Lindselicious said...

Yum I love grilled desserts! Why does it add so much goodness. This looks amazing.