The Ultimate Sweet & Gooey Dessert Hack: Pound Cake Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese, but make it dessert. Who says this comfort food classic has to stay in the savory lane? At its core, a grilled cheese is just two pieces of bread with something deliciously melty in between—so why not swap the bread for something sweeter? Enter: the pound cake hack.

By using thick slices of pound cake in place of bread, you get the same structural integrity but with a buttery, vanilla-kissed upgrade. Unlike crumbly cakes that demand a fork, pound cake holds its shape, making it the perfect handheld base for a sweet, melty masterpiece. The best part? You get endless creative freedom when it comes to fillings.

How to Make a Dessert Grilled Cheese with Pound Cake

The key to this hack? Balance. You want your pound cake to crisp up like toast while the filling gets warm and gooey. Start by slicing your pound cake to a sturdy thickness—too thin, and it won’t hold up; too thick, and you’ll lose that ideal golden crunch.

What to Put Inside?

This is where the fun begins. You can stick with a cheesy foundation or go fully into dessert mode.

For a true "grilled cheese" experience:

• Ricotta – Soft and subtly sweet, ricotta melts beautifully.

• Brie, goat cheese, or camembert – These creamy, tangy options pair perfectly with fruit or honey.

• Cream cheese – A familiar favorite that works with just about any topping.

For a full-on dessert twist:

• Nutella or melted chocolate – Because chocolate makes everything better.

• Marshmallow fluff – Think of it as a s’mores-inspired grilled cheese.

• Jam or citrus slices – Adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich cake.

• Peanut butter or cookie butter – For an indulgent, nutty layer.

Once your sandwich is built, butter the outer sides (or go extra luxe with a swipe of cinnamon-sugar butter) and grill it on medium heat until golden brown. The result? A crispy, caramelized exterior with a gooey, flavor-packed center—a dessert mashup that’s pure magic.

So, the next time your sweet tooth kicks in, ditch the plain cake slice and level up with the dessert grilled cheese you didn’t know you needed.