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These berry and pound cake skewers are pure summer joy—easy to make, fun to eat, and bursting with fresh flavor. Juicy berries and soft, buttery cake come together on a stick for a treat that looks as good as it tastes. These tasty shortcake kabobs are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any time you want something sweet without turning on the oven. Kids love them, adults sneak seconds, and they disappear fast. Make a batch, grab a napkin, and enjoy every colorful, fruity bite.
Berry and pound cake skewers combine fresh strawberries, blueberries and soft pound cake for a quick, colorful dessert that’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
You might also like strawberry shortcake in a jar, strawberry shortcake cheesecake, watermelon blueberry sparklers, and strawberry slab pie.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: No baking or cooking needed, just assemble and serve.
Great for parties: Easy to hold and eat, perfect for guests of all ages.
Naturally sweet: Uses fresh fruit for a light and flavorful dessert.
Customizable: You can switch up the fruit or cake to suit your taste.
Berry Shortcake Kabobs Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pound cake: Soft, buttery cake that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit. Store bought cake is fine, unless you want to whip up one of your own!
Fresh blueberries: Sweet and slightly tart, they add color and a juicy bite.
Fresh strawberries: Bright, fresh and naturally sweet, they balance the richness of the cake.
How to Make 4th of July Dessert Kabobs
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Cut the cake: Slice pound cake into evenly sized cubes.
Prep the fruit: Wash and remove the tops from the strawberries.
Assemble the skewers: Thread strawberries, blueberries and cake onto each wooden skewer, leaving space at the bottom so people can hold them.
Substitutions and Variations
Use angel food cake: For a lighter option, swap pound cake with angel food or sponge cake. You might even want to bake your own white cake and use that.
Add other fruit: Try raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, or banana slices in this easy dessert, for extra variety.
Drizzle with sauce: Drizzle white chocolate (melted white chocolate chips), strawberry glaze or caramel drizzle for a richer dessert. Milk chocolate would also work, or dark chocolate.
Make a dip: Some whipped cream or whipped topping would make a tasty dip for this sweet treat.
Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cake.
Serving Suggestions
With savory snacks: Enjoy your 4th of July fruit kabobs with contrasting savory bites, such as Cajun shrimp deviled eggs, steak and mushroom bruschetta or chips and your favorite dip recipes.
For dessert: Pair these red white and blue treats with sparkling strawberry lemonade or, for the grownups, a spiked peach tea lemonade!
How to Store Berry and Pound Cake Skewers
Store: These are best served as soon as you’ve made them, but you can wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 6 hours. The cake will start soaking up moisture from the strawberries eventually.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these strawberry shortcake kabobs.
Top Tips
Chill before serving: Cold fruit adds extra refreshment and holds its shape better.
Cut evenly: Keep cake cubes and fruit similar in size for consistent skewering.
Halve the berries: Sliced strawberries would also work if you’re starting out with huge ones.
Use firm cake: Day-old or chilled pound cake is easier to thread and less likely to crumble.
Serve upright in a jar: For a fun display, stand the skewers in mason jars or glasses.
Dry the fruit: Pat berries dry before assembling to avoid soggy cake.
Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs FAQs
Fresh berries work best, as frozen ones tend to be too soft once thawed.
You can use plastic or metal skewers instead, just be sure they’re food-safe and smooth. I used 12-inch skewers but you can use 6-inch ones if you prefer.
Yes, but wait to add softer fruit or drizzle until just before serving.
Red, White and Blue Berry Pound Cake Bites Recipe
Berry and Pound Cake Skewers
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes or larger
- 1 Cup blueberries, fresh
- 36 strawberries, fresh, tops removed
Instructions
- Thread the blueberries, strawberries and cake cubes onto bamboo skewers, leaving a couple of inches clear at the bottom to hold them.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Cut evenly: Keep cake cubes and fruit similar in size for consistent skewering.
Halve the berries: Sliced strawberries would also work if you’re starting out with huge ones.
Use firm cake: Day-old or chilled pound cake is easier to thread and less likely to crumble.
Serve upright in a jar: For a fun display, stand the skewers in mason jars or glasses.
Dry the fruit: Pat berries dry before assembling to avoid soggy cake.
Nutrition
Berry and pound cake skewers are a simple yet impressive way to serve dessert at parties, cookouts or picnics. With their bright colors and balanced flavors, they’re as appealing to look at as they are to eat. This yummy treat comes together with minimal effort and can be customized with your favorite fruits or toppings. Whether you serve them chilled or at room temperature, these skewers are sure to be a sweet success wherever you take them.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
