This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Fruit Skewers or kebabs are made with fresh fruit that is threaded onto wooden sticks and served as a dessert or a party appetizer. Simple to make, impressive and fun way to enjoy fresh fruit. Serve it with a yogurt dipping sauce, honey or chocolate sauce.I used pineapple, honey dew melon, grapes, strawberries, kiwi and blueberries for these.
What are fruit skewers?
Fruit pieces threaded on a stick (bamboo skewer or appetizer pick)- fruit skewers are a fun, festive way to enjoy fruit, perfect for parties and celebrations. Served on a platter with dipping sauce or drizzled with chocolate. Super easy to make!
What sticks to use? I use wooden skewers that are intended for grilling, but appetizer picks or lollipop sticks could work, too.
What size skewers? It depends on the size of kebabs you’d like to make. I used bamboo skewers that are 10 inches long. You can always trim them.
Where do fruit skewers come from? They are the sweet and fruity version of a popular meat dish called shish kabob.
Can you buy these at the store and where to buy? You can find already made fruit kebabs at most large supermarkets, that offer party appetizer platters. They are convenient to purchase, but a lot pricier than the homemade ones that you can easily make in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients for fruit kebabs:
I used:
- pineapple
- honey dew
- grapes
- strawberries,
- blueberries
- kiwi
- wooden skewers
It is so simple – just use the fruits you like. Keep in mind that some fruits may soften and brown sooner than others.
Generally, for fruit kebabs, I’d suggest that you use firmer fruit, but make sure is it ripe.
I avoid using bananas, apples and pears because they oxidize.
Melon, pineapple and berries are great choice for fruit skewers like these. Grapes and citrus like orange or tangerines work well, too. I’m a huge fan of kiwi and it is also perfect for skewers, just make sure you cut slightly thicker slices, so they can hold well.
Can you add marshmallows? Yes, I’ve seen people add them, but I don’t usually do so.
How to make fruit skewers?
- Prepare the fruit by washing, pat drying and slicing if necessary.
- Get the wooden skewers ready
- Thread the fruit onto the skewers
How to serve fruit skewers?
Place on a platter and serve.
Some people like to dip these in chocolate sauce, ganache or melted chocolate. You can definitely do this. I have recipes for ganache and chocolate sauce that you may want to try. You can also drizzle these with chocolate.
Another option is a yogurt dipping sauce, that is basically Greek yogurt or sour cream sweetened with honey and flavored with vanilla. I usually use 1 cup of Greek yogurt + 2 tbsp honey + 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
How to display fruit kebabs
Perfect for a barbecue or summer party. How to present them is up to you. You can arrange them on a large serving platter and place a dipping sauce (if you are using one) in the middle or on the side.
You can also make arrangement like “Edible Arrangements” does by sticking the skewers onto styrofoam or placing them in a vase (large glass) vertically. Use your imagination.
How many fruit skewers per person?
I’d say two skewers are one serving. But since these are usually made as a party appetizer and enjoyer along with other food and drinks, you can have as many as you’d like!
Can fruit skewers be made in advance
Depending on the fruit you are using, they the night before or a day in advance. Make sure you keep them tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or in an air tight container in the fridge.
How long will they last? I’d say these can cast up to 2 days in the fridge but no more, as the fruit can start to soften and go bad.
How to prevent browning of fruit kebabs and keep them fresh ?
Depending on the fresh fruit you use to make fruit skewers, you may face the browning problem.
In this recipe idea I have not used anything that can turn brown. Bur fruits like bananas, apples, pears can brown easily when exposed to air. You can squeeze some lemon juice (fresh or bottled) over the skewers right after you make them to prevent browning.
It is important that you take the extra step in how to store and preserve the fruit skewers, so you can serve fresh and delicious party appetizer that is presentable and not browned or spoiled.
When making party food like these skewers, cakes, cake pops and other similar items that may require transportation to the party destination, I get a little worried. Make sure these kebabs are in a stable container or platter with a lid in order to easily transport them.
Grilled Food Skewers
The good news it that you can make grilled food skewers and they taste amazing!
The fruit I’ve picked today is not the perfect choice for grilled kebabs. I recommend that you choose firmer fruit, like pineapple, watermelon, peach or bananas.
Brush with melted butter and grill on medium-high until lightly charred.
You can drizzle these with maple syrup or honey.
Fruit Skewers
Video
Ingredients
- 12 chunks of pineapple
- 12 chunks of honey dew melon
- 12 slices of kiwi
- 24 grapes, I used globe
- 12 strawberries
- 24 blueberries
- 12 bamboo skewers
For the dipping sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice , optional
- 1/2 tsp vanila extract
Other:
- melted chocolate or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Thread 1 strawberry, 1 chunk of pineapple, 1 chunk of honeydew, 1 slice of kiwi, 2 grapes and 2 blueberries onto a bamboo skewer. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Place on a platter and serve.
For the dipping sauce:
- Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Serve with the skewers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are such pretty fruit skewers, Mira! I love them! So perfect for summer and those parties and get togethers. I love how easy these are to customize and make, too. Pinning!
This is such a cute recipe, thank you for sharing!
This sounds so amazing, perfect for summer!
Great information. Fruit skewers are one of the best for children. Thanks for sharing such a nice recipe.