Summertime means getting a little imaginative, and finding ways to cook good meals without heating up the house. Slow cookers and microwave ovens work well, but gas or charcoal grills make summertime food taste fabulous. But what about dessert? Actually, your grill can be used as an oven; I’ve baked bread in mine, and the following Grilled Chocolate Cake is perfect to put on the covered grill after the main dishes are cooked. By the time your guests have finished their main dinner, the cake will be baked through and ready to serve with ice cream or whipped cream. It’s also delicious with chocolate sauce.


16 Servings

1 tablespoon softened butter, for greasing the skillet

3/4 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons sugar

3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened baking chocolate, preferably Dutch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, preferably 60+% cacao, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups plain Greek non-fat yogurt
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Sweetened whipped cream, for serving

1. Preheat grill to high heat.
2. Smear the 1 tablespoon butter over the bottom and up the sides of a 12" cast iron skillet.
3. Cream the 3/4 cup butter and sugar until light, scraping the sides occasionally.
4. Add the eggs, beating well until smooth, along with the vanilla.
5. Measure the flour, unsweetened cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a fine strainer set over the butter mixture.
6. Shake the dry ingredients through.
7. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the yogurt and melted chocolate; mix well and pour into the prepared pan.
8. Place the skillet on the heated grill; turn off the portion of the grill where the pan is so the heat is indirect.
9. Bake 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the grill and let sit 10 minutes.
11. Invert onto a large serving plate. Serve in wedges with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 282 Calories from Fat 131
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 46% Protein 8% Carb. 45%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Cholesterol 66 mg
Sodium 262 mg
Total Carbohydrate 32 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g Sugars 15 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 9% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 4%