Grilled Pineapple Sundaes

These Grilled Pineapple Sundaes are a celebration of tropical flavors in every bite. The caramelized pineapple adds a subtle smokiness and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy vanilla ice cream. Topped with crunchy nuts, toasted coconut, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, each sundae is a symphony of textures and flavors.

Perfect for summer parties, backyard barbecues, or a refreshing dessert after dinner, this dish is visually stunning and delightfully simple to prepare. The addition of fresh mint leaves adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma, making this a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream

• 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes

• 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans

• 1/4 cup caramel sauce

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush the pineapple slices lightly with coconut oil or melted butter.

3. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the pineapple.

4. Place the pineapple on the grill and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and slightly charred.

5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly.

6. Scoop vanilla ice cream into serving bowls.

7. Top each scoop with warm grilled pineapple slices.

8. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes and chopped nuts.

9. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Grilled Pineapple Sundaes – A Tropical Dessert You’ll Love

Grilled Pineapple Sundaes are the ultimate summer dessert, combining the sweet, tangy flavor of caramelized pineapple with creamy vanilla ice cream, crunchy toasted nuts, and a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce. This tropical treat is perfect for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or even a simple indulgence on a hot summer day. Easy to prepare yet visually stunning, Grilled Pineapple Sundaes elevate a simple fruit into a dessert worthy of Instagram photos and rave reviews.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking for a show-stopping summer dessert, this recipe is designed to impress. With natural caramelization, subtle smoky notes from the grill, and the perfect combination of textures, this dessert is as delicious as it is eye-catching.

Why Grilled Pineapple Sundaes Are the Perfect Summer Dessert

Pineapple is not only tropical and flavorful, but it’s also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Grilling pineapple intensifies its natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky flavor, creating a contrast that works beautifully with creamy, cold ice cream. The addition of toasted coconut flakes, macadamia nuts or pecans, and a caramel drizzle creates multiple layers of texture, making every bite interesting and indulgent.

Grilled Pineapple Sundaes are versatile, easy to make, and suitable for almost any occasion. You can enjoy them as a quick family treat, a party dessert, or a dessert that impresses guests with minimal effort. Their tropical flair makes them ideal for summer-themed events, yet their rich and indulgent flavors ensure they can be enjoyed all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these tropical sundaes, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients:

• Fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears

• Brown sugar and cinnamon for natural sweetness

• Coconut oil or melted butter for grilling

• Vanilla ice cream as the creamy base

• Toasted coconut flakes for crunch

• Chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for texture

• Caramel sauce for richness

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

These ingredients are easy to find and combine for a dessert that tastes as indulgent as it looks.

How to Grill Pineapple for Maximum Flavor

Grilling pineapple is easier than it sounds. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the pineapple slices lightly with coconut oil or melted butter to help caramelization. Sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the slices. Grill each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and slightly charred. The natural sugars in the pineapple will caramelize, creating a deep, rich flavor.

Grilled pineapple has a warm, smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with ice cream. The slight char adds complexity and contrasts beautifully with the creamy vanilla base, making each bite a tropical delight.

Building the Perfect Sundae

Once your pineapple is grilled, assembling the sundae is simple:

1. Scoop your favorite vanilla ice cream into bowls.

2. Layer or top the ice cream with warm, caramelized pineapple slices.

3. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

4. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and chopped nuts over the top.

5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

The combination of textures and flavors, cold, creamy, sweet, crunchy, and fresh, is what makes this dessert irresistible. Presentation is key: arranging pineapple slices in a fan shape or stacking them creatively can make your sundae look professionally plated.

Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple Sundaes

• Use ripe pineapple: A perfectly ripe pineapple ensures maximum natural sweetness and juiciness.

• Don’t over-grill: 2–3 minutes per side is enough; over-grilling can make the fruit mushy.

• Customize toppings: Swap nuts or ice cream flavors for personal preference. Coconut, mango, or rum ice cream are excellent tropical variations.

• Make it vegan: Use plant-based ice cream and vegan caramel sauce to create a dairy-free version.

• Prep in advance: You can grill the pineapple ahead of time and keep it warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet-spicy flavor.

2. Rum-Marinated Pineapple – Marinate pineapple in a splash of rum for a deeper tropical taste.

3. Fruit Medley Sundae – Add grilled mango or peaches alongside pineapple for a colorful tropical fruit combination.

4. Mini Sundaes – Use small cups for individual servings, perfect for parties or kids.

5. Tropical Parfait – Layer ice cream, pineapple, nuts, and coconut in a clear glass for an elegant presentation.

Why Grilled Pineapple Sundaes Are Healthy and Delicious

While indulgent, this dessert contains nutritious components. Pineapple offers antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Nuts provide protein and healthy fats, and coconut adds both fiber and a tropical aroma. Using moderate amounts of caramel sauce and ice cream balances indulgence with nutrition. This makes Grilled Pineapple Sundaes a treat you can enjoy guilt-free, especially when served in reasonable portions.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled Pineapple Sundaes are versatile:

• Serve at summer barbecues as a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream desserts.

• Use as a centerpiece dessert for tropical-themed parties.

• Pair with light pastries or fruit tarts for a dessert buffet.

• Serve in parfait glasses for a more formal presentation.

The tropical flavors and bright colors make them perfect for Instagram-worthy presentations, adding a visual appeal to your dessert table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I grill pineapple indoors?
Yes! Use a stovetop grill pan or even a broiler for similar caramelization.

What ice cream works best?
Classic vanilla pairs perfectly, but coconut, mango, or rum raisin flavors are excellent alternatives.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Grill the pineapple in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat briefly or serve at room temperature. Ice cream should always be scooped fresh before serving.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based ice cream and substitute caramel sauce with a vegan version made from coconut cream and brown sugar.

Conclusion

Grilled Pineapple Sundaes are a tropical delight that’s easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Combining the natural sweetness of pineapple with creamy ice cream, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of caramel sauce creates the ultimate summer dessert. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion where you want a delicious and impressive dessert.

Its versatility allows for customization, whether you want to experiment with ice cream flavors, nuts, or tropical toppings. This dessert is not only indulgent but also includes nutritious components like pineapple, nuts, and coconut. Perfect for summer and suitable year-round, Grilled Pineapple Sundaes are guaranteed to delight taste buds and impress guests. Bring the flavors of the tropics to your kitchen and enjoy this sweet, refreshing treat that’s simple, elegant, and unforgettable.