Description

A unique outdoor dessert featuring three distinct cake layers (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry) grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor, topped with fresh strawberry buttercream.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) yellow cake mix
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tbsp (45g) strawberry jam
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled
2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) heavy cream
1/2 tsp (3g) salt

Instructions

Light charcoal and arrange coals on the left and right sides of the grill to create an indirect heat zone. Preheat grill to 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Blend fresh strawberries until smooth, then simmer in a saucepan for 10-15 minutes until reduced to a thick syrup. Let cool completely.
Prepare cake mix according to box directions, substituting water with buttermilk. Divide batter into three bowls.
Add vanilla extract to Bowl 1, cocoa powder to Bowl 2, and strawberry jam to Bowl 3. Mix until uniform.
Grease three 8-inch disposable aluminum pans and pour each batter into a separate pan. Tap to remove air bubbles.
Place pans on the center of the grill grate over indirect heat. Close lid and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove pans from grill and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then flip out and cool completely.
Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then add cooled strawberry reduction, heavy cream, and salt. Beat until fluffy and stiff peaks form.
Assemble cake by layering vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate layers with buttercream in between. Frost top and sides with remaining buttercream.

Notes

Ensure cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting. Control grill heat carefully to avoid burning; aim for a steady 325°F. The strawberry puree must be reduced to remove excess moisture. This cake is best served chilled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
Calories: 450
Sugar: 45
Sodium: 350
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 65
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: grilled cake, neapolitan cake, strawberry buttercream, outdoor baking, charcoal grill dessert, summer dessert, layer cake