Smoky Chocolate Skewer Dippers

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 10 min cook

Ingredients

• 12 ounces, cut into 1-inch cubes pound cake
• 12, hulled large strawberries
• 2 medium, cut into 1-inch chunks banana
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 12 (6-inch) wooden or metal skewers
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil or melted butter
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon (optional, for heat) chipotle powder
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. 1If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes so they don’t scorch on the grill. Preheat grill or a cast-iron grill pan to medium heat, about 375°F.
2. 2Thread the pound-cake cubes, strawberries, banana chunks, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating for color and leaving a little space between pieces so heat can circulate. You should get about 12 short skewers.
3. 3Brush the skewers very lightly with neutral oil or melted butter so the cake toasts without drying out. Set aside on a sheet pan.
4. 4Make the smoky chocolate sauce: combine dark chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of barely simmering water (or microwave in 20-second bursts). Stir until smooth and glossy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. 5Whisk smoked paprika, optional chipotle powder, honey, and flaky salt into the warm chocolate until fully blended. Taste and adjust smoke level; keep the bowl over low heat or in a warm spot so the sauce stays dippable.
6. 6Place skewers on the grill (or grill pan) and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the pound cake is golden with light grill marks and fruit is just warmed and lightly caramelized. Total grill time is about 4 to 6 minutes—don’t walk away.
7. 7Transfer hot skewers to a large shareable platter. Pour the smoky chocolate sauce into a wide bowl in the center for communal dunking, and finish with a final sprinkle of flaky salt on the sauce.
8. 8Serve immediately while cake is toasty and sauce is silky; guests can drag skewers through the chocolate and eat straight off the stick. Perfect pitcher-drink pairing energy for weekend hosting.