Smoky Chocolate Skewer Dippers

Grilling dessert skewers channels campfire s'mores energy at the backyard barbecue, threading pound cake, fruit, and marshmallows for a quick char. A dark chocolate sauce laced with smoked paprika turns them into smoky-sweet shareable dippers.

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 10 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 410 cal
• 5g protein
• 52g carbs
• 22g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (about 24 cubes) pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12 large strawberries, hulled
• 2 banana, cut into thick coins
• 12 large marshmallows
• 1 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp pinch of chipotle powder or cayenne
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
• 12 short skewers wooden or metal skewers
• 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. 1If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes so they don’t scorch. Preheat grill to medium (about 375°F) or heat a grill pan over medium.
2. 2Thread each skewer with a mix of pound-cake cubes, strawberry, banana coin, and marshmallow, leaving a little space between pieces for even heat. Lightly brush cake and fruit with oil or melted butter.
3. 3Make the smoky chocolate sauce: heat cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium until just simmering the edges, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until glossy and smooth.
4. 4Whisk smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and flaky salt into the chocolate sauce. Keep warm over very low heat or in a warm spot, stirring occasionally.
5. 5Place skewers on the grill and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until cake is toasted with grill marks, marshmallows are puffed and golden, and fruit is warm and lightly caramelized. Total grill time about 4 to 6 minutes.
6. 6Transfer hot skewers to a large platter. Drizzle generously with the warm smoky chocolate sauce or serve the sauce in a bowl in the center for dipping.
7. 7Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional toasted coconut. Serve immediately while marshmallows are gooey and chocolate is fluid.
8. 8For indoor weather, broil skewers on a sheet pan 4 to 5 inches from the element for 1 to 2 minutes per side, watching closely so sugar doesn’t burn.