20-Minute Rum-Infused Grilled Pineapple

Prep: 5 minCook: 5 min6 servingsmediumHawaiian
Rum-Infused Grilled Pineapple with Ice Cream

Sweet and smoky grilled pineapple gets an adult twist with dark rum and brown sugar caramelization. The heat transforms the fruit into tender, golden slices with concentrated tropical flavor and subtle rum notes. Perfect for summer barbecues or elegant dinner party desserts, this simple recipe fresh pineapple into something special. The caramelized exterior contrasts beautifully with cool ice cream and fluffy whipped topping, creating a restaurant-quality dessert that's surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 ripe pineapple
  • 3 tablespoons dark rum, to taste
    spiced rum1:1alcohol

    adds deeper spice notes

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
    coconut sugar1:1refined-sugar-free

    adds coconut notes

    Full guide →
  • 6 scoops ice cream
    coconut ice cream1:1dairy-free

    dairy-free option

  • 1 cup whipped topping

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat grill to medium high

  2. 2

    Peel pineapple and cut crosswise into 6 slices

  3. 3

    Mix rum and sugar in a small bowl

  4. 4

    Place pineapple in a bowl and drizzle the rum mixture over the slices

  5. 5

    Stir well so every piece gets coated and let stand for 3-5 minutes to absorb flavors

  6. 6

    Place the slices on grill for about 5-8 minutes, turning once, watching closely to prevent burning

  7. 7

    Top with ice cream and whipped topping

Tips

Tip 1

Watch the pineapple closely while grilling as the brown sugar can burn quickly and create bitter char.

Tip 2

Let the pineapple marinate in the rum mixture for a few minutes to enhance flavor absorption.

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover grilled pineapple covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or serve cold.

Make Ahead

Can marinate pineapple in rum mixture up to 2 hours ahead. Grill just before serving for best texture.

Serve With

Serve immediately while pineapple is warm with cold ice cream for temperature contrast.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Use medium-high heat to avoid burning the sugar coating

Watch

Don't skip the marinating time to ensure proper rum flavor absorption

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

ice cream
coconut ice cream1:1dairy-free

dairy-free option

General Alternatives

dark rum
spiced rum1:1alcohol

adds deeper spice notes

Full guide →
light brown sugar
coconut sugar1:1refined-sugar-free

adds coconut notes

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes, substitute the rum with pineapple juice or omit entirely. The brown sugar will still caramelize beautifully on the grill.

What if I don't have a grill?

Use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

How long will this keep?

Grilled pineapple is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently or enjoyed cold.