There’s something magical about taking a simple fruit and making it sing on the grill, isn’t there? This Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae is my go-to when I want a dessert that feels fancy but is secretly a breeze to whip up. I remember making this for the first time on a summer evening, just wanting something sweet after dinner without a ton of fuss. The smell of the pineapple caramelizing on the grill was just heavenly! It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, yet the flavor payoff is huge – sweet, a little smoky, and perfectly balanced with creamy ice cream and gooey caramel. Trust me, you’ll want to make this over and over again!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Seriously, this dessert is a lifesaver. Here’s why you’ll be making it all the time:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking 20 minutes from start to finish – perfect for those weeknight cravings!
- Seriously Simple: Minimal ingredients, minimal fuss. If you can slice a pineapple and use a grill, you’ve got this.
- Flavor Explosion: That sweet, smoky grilled pineapple paired with rich caramel and cool ice cream? Pure bliss!
- Looks Fancy, Feels Easy: It looks impressive enough for guests but is totally do-able for a casual treat.
- Customizable: Swap out the ice cream, add nuts, or a little sprinkle of something extra – it’s your sundae, your rules!
- So Refreshing: It’s a wonderfully light yet satisfying dessert, especially on a warmer day.
Ingredients for Your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Alright, let’s get these goodies together! You’ll need:
- About half a fresh pineapple, sliced up into rings about an inch thick.
- One tablespoon of butter, all melted.
- Two tablespoons of lovely brown sugar.
- Just a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon – a little goes a long way!
- A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor!).
- About two tablespoons of that luscious caramel sauce for drizzling.
Essential Equipment for Making Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
You don’t need a whole lot for this easy dessert, but a few things will make your life a *lot* easier. You’ll definitely want your grill ready to go, whether it’s charcoal or gas. Grab a small mixing bowl for whipping up that buttery topping, and a good grill brush to make sure your grates are clean. A pastry brush or even just a spoon will work for basting the pineapple. Then, of course, you’ll need some cute serving dishes to hold your masterpiece!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Okay, ready to turn some plain old pineapple into a dessert superstar? It’s honestly so easy, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these few steps and prepare for deliciousness!
Preparing the Pineapple for Grilling
First things first, get that grill fired up to medium-high heat – you want it nice and hot. While it’s warming up, mix together that melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a little bowl. It should get nice and gooey. Then, grab your pineapple rings and brush that sugary goodness all over both sides. Don’t be shy with it!
Grilling the Pineapple to Perfection
Once your grill is hot, carefully lay those buttered pineapple rings down. Let them grill for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for those gorgeous grill marks – that’s where the magic smoky flavor comes from! The pineapple should also be a little bit tender and smell amazing. Don’t overcook it, though; we want it slightly softened, not mushy. Remove them from the grill and let them cool just a tiny bit. I usually give them a minute or two while I grab the ice cream.
Assembling Your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
This is the fun part! Grab your favorite serving dish – a little bowl or even a small plate works great. Place one of those warm, grilled pineapple rings right in the center. Now, scoop a nice dollop of your vanilla ice cream right on top of the pineapple. The contrast of the warm fruit and cold ice cream is just *chef’s kiss*. Finally, drizzle generously with that rich caramel sauce. Go ahead, don’t hold back!
Tips for the Best Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Okay, friends, let’s talk about making this Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae absolutely perfect every single time. It’s already pretty simple, but a few little tricks from my kitchen can take it from great to *unforgettable*. First off, picky about your pineapple? Always go for a ripe, fresh one. You want it sweet and juicy, not tough and woody. And when you’re grilling, pay attention! Those grill marks are your friend; they add so much flavor. Don’t just walk away once you put it on there. Peek at it, give it a little nudge. And my secret little touch? Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a tiny bit of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top just before serving. Adds a nice little crunch that plays so well with the soft pineapple and creamy ice cream. Oh, and serving it *immediately* is key – that contrast between the warm, smoky pineapple and the cold ice cream? Pure magic! For more sweet ideas, check out my banana bread recipe too!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Grilled Pineapple
So, what if you’re missing something or just want to play around? No worries! The brown sugar is really key here for that caramel-y depth, but if you’re out, you could try a mix of granulated sugar with a tiny splash of molasses. For the cinnamon, if you’re not a fan or don’t have it, a pinch of nutmeg or even a little cardamom works beautifully to add that warm spice note. And while vanilla ice cream is classic, feel free to go wild with coconut or even a swirl ice cream for extra fun! If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, my rich banana bread is always a hit too.
Serving and Storage for Your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
This Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae is absolutely best served the moment it’s assembled. That warm, smoky pineapple hitting the cold, creamy ice cream is *the* moment to savor! If you happen to have any extra grilled pineapple rings (lucky you!), they’re best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. Just warm them up slightly before assembling your sundae. Honestly though, this one is so quick, you’ll probably just want to make it fresh every time!
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Got questions about whipping up this amazing Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae? I’ve got you covered!
Can I grill pineapple indoors?
You bet! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works wonders. Just make sure to preheat it well so you still get those lovely grill marks and that concentrated flavor.
What other ice cream flavors pair well with grilled pineapple?
Oh, experiment away! Coconut ice cream is divine with pineapple, or try a salted caramel for an extra kick of flavor. Even a simple strawberry or a rich chocolate can be a fun twist!
How long does grilled pineapple last?
For the best texture, it’s ideal to eat the grilled pineapple fresh. But if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. They’re still pretty tasty warmed up a bit!
Nutritional Information for Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates, you know? Because everyone’s pineapple is a little different and how much caramel you drizzle can vary! But for a typical serving of this amazing Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: Around 350
- Sugar: About 45g (mostly from the pineapple and caramel!)
- Fat: Roughly 15g
- Protein: Around 3g
- Carbohydrates: About 55g
It’s a sweet treat, for sure, but oh-so-worth-it!
Share Your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae Creations!
I absolutely LOVE seeing your kitchen triumphs! Did you make this Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae? I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below to tell me how it turned out. Share your tips, rate the recipe, or even drop a picture on social media and tag me – I love to see your creations! Your feedback means the world to me and helps other cooks give it a try!
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Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert featuring grilled pineapple, caramel sauce, and ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch thick rings
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Brush the pineapple rings with the butter mixture.
- Grill the pineapple rings for 3-4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly softened.
- Remove pineapple from grill and let cool slightly.
- Place one grilled pineapple ring in a serving dish.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute other ice cream flavors if desired.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sundae
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: grilled pineapple, caramel sundae, pineapple dessert, ice cream, grilled fruit, easy dessert