Description

A quick, smoky summer dessert baked on the grill using a yellow cake mix, cherries, and chocolate chips, topped with homemade whipped cream. It offers a sophisticated flavor profile with zero indoor heat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or drained maraschino cherries
½ cup (85g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup wood chips (cherry or applewood)
⅓ cup oil
⅓ cup water or milk
Eggs (as per cake mix directions)
Cooking spray or butter for greasing pan
Flour or cocoa powder for dusting pan

Instructions

Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat grill to medium heat (350-400°F). Arrange coals for indirect heat or turn gas burners to medium.
Place smoker box (or foil packet with chips) on the heat source.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, water (or milk), and eggs according to box directions. Mix until just combined.
Fold in half of the chocolate chips and half of the cherries.
Grease an 8 or 9-inch metal cake pan and dust with flour or cocoa powder.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Place the pan on the grill grate over the indirect heat zone. Close the lid.
Grill for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove pan from grill and let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While cake cools, whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Slice cake or pile whipped cream on top, garnish with reserved cherries, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use indirect heat to prevent burning. Do not open the grill lid frequently to maintain smoke and temperature. Chill the mixing bowl for fluffier whipped cream. Avoid strong wood chips like hickory or mesquite; cherry or applewood are best. If using glass pans, ensure they are heat-safe and use indirect heat to prevent cracking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 350
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: grilled dessert, black forest cake, cherry cake, summer recipes, grill baking, smoky dessert, quick dessert, outdoor cooking