Oh, there’s just something magical about warm, caramelized fruit, isn’t there? It just screams comfort and pure indulgence. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae! It’s one of those desserts that’s surprisingly simple but tastes like you slaved away for hours. Imagine juicy, slightly smoky grilled pineapple rings topped with a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of sweet caramel sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that always makes me think of lazy summer evenings spent on the porch. Trust me, this is going to be your new go-to treat!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Seriously, what’s not to love here? It hits all the right notes:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking about a dessert ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when that sweet craving hits hard and fast!
- Effortlessly Easy: If you can slice pineapple and use a grill (or even a grill pan!), you can totally nail this. No fancy techniques needed.
- That Amazing Flavor Combo: The warm, tangy pineapple with the smoky char from the grill? It’s a game-changer, especially when you pair it with creamy ice cream and gooey caramel. Wow!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a family dinner, or just a Tuesday night treat when you need a pick-me-up, this sundae is always a winner. It feels special without being fussy!
Ingredients for Your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Getting this dessert going is a breeze with just a few simple things. You’ll need:
- About half a fresh pineapple, cut into nice 1-inch thick rings – make sure to get rid of that tough core!
- One tablespoon of brown sugar, packed nice and tight.
- A quarter teaspoon of cinnamon to give it that warm spice hug.
- A generous half cup of vanilla ice cream. I like it just slightly softened, makes it easier to scoop!
- Two tablespoons of your favorite caramel sauce – don’t be shy with this part!
- And for a little crunch, a tablespoon of chopped pecans, if you’re feeling fancy (totally optional, but why not?).
Equipment You’ll Need for This Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
You don’t need a whole lot for this easy dessert, which is part of why I love it so much! Here’s what you’ll want to have handy:
- A grill (or a good grill pan if you’re indoors)
- Tongs – essential for flipping that juicy pineapple!
- A small bowl for mixing the sugar and cinnamon
- Measuring spoons
- A sharp knife and a cutting board for prepping your pineapple
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Alright, let’s get this amazing dessert put together. It’s seriously so easy, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it before!
Preparing the Pineapple for Grilling
First things first, we gotta prep our pineapple. Grab those pineapple rings you cut up. If there’s a tough core still in the middle, just pop it out with a small knife or a round cookie cutter—it makes for a much nicer bite. Then, give each ring a *really* thin coating of oil, just enough so it doesn’t stick to the grill. I use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola. This little step makes sure you get those gorgeous grill marks!
Grilling the Pineapple to Perfection
Heat up your grill to medium-high. You want it nice and hot so you get those lovely char marks quickly, but not so hot that it burns everything. Lay your oiled pineapple rings directly on the grates. Let them grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for those nice golden-brown crisscross grill marks and for the pineapple to get just a little tender. It should still have a slight bite, not be mushy! Once they look good and feel slightly softened, carefully take them off the heat with your tongs.
Assembling Your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Now for the best part – putting it all together! Grab a plate. Place one of those warm, gorgeous grilled pineapple rings right in the center. Get a scoop of your slightly softened vanilla ice cream and nestle it right into the hole of the pineapple ring. Drizzle a good amount of that luscious caramel sauce all over everything. If you’re feeling it, sprinkle on those chopped pecans. It’s a simple layering, but it truly looks like a fancy restaurant dessert! The Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae is ready to dive into!
Tips for the Best Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let me tell you, a few little tricks can take your Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae from ‘good’ to absolutely ‘OMG, this is amazing!’. First off, don’t overcrowd your grill! Give those pineapple rings a little breathing room. My grill can get pretty crowded, so I often do them in batches. If you don’t have a grill, no worries! A cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works like a charm. Just get it nice and hot. The key to that yummy caramelized flavor is getting a good char on the pineapple; don’t be afraid of those dark grill marks! And for the ice cream, let it soften just a touch on the counter while the pineapple is grilling. This makes it easier to scoop and stops it from melting *instantly* onto the hot fruit. I also love adding a little pinch of sea salt on top along with the caramel, kind of like they do in those fancy caramel apple fudge recipes, just to make all those flavors pop!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about those ingredients! The pineapple should be ripe but still firm – you don’t want it too mushy. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar, but you’ll miss out on that lovely molasses flavor. For the ice cream, vanilla is classic, but honestly, a French vanilla or even a really good butter pecan would be divine. And if nuts aren’t your thing or someone has allergies, just skip the pecans! It’s still going to be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae
Can I make this indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, no problem at all. Just grab a cast-iron skillet or a grill pan and heat it up on your stovetop over medium-high heat. You won’t get those exact smoky flavors, but you’ll still get those beautiful grill marks and delicious caramelization on your pineapple. Just make sure the pan is nice and hot before you add the pineapple!
What’s the best kind of pineapple to use for this dessert?
You want to use a ripe, fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that smells sweet at the base and has a nice golden hue, but it’s still firm to the touch. Avoid anything that’s too soft or mushy, as it will fall apart on the grill. Canned pineapple rings are a bit of a no-go here; they just won’t give you that fresh, vibrant flavor or the right texture.
Can I use a different type of ice cream besides vanilla?
Oh, totally! While vanilla is a classic for a reason – it lets the pineapple and caramel really shine – feel free to get creative! A good quality coconut ice cream would be amazing, especially if you’re leaning into tropical flavors. Even a salted caramel ice cream or a butter pecan would be delicious. Just pick a flavor you love that will complement the warm pineapple!
How do I keep the ice cream from melting too fast?
That’s a common kitchen conundrum! The trick is to have your ice cream just slightly softened, not completely melted. Let it sit on the counter for about 5-10 minutes while your pineapple is grilling. This makes it easier to scoop. Also, try to assemble your sundae fairly quickly. The warm pineapple is delightful, but it will melt that ice cream faster, so get that caramel drizzled on and dig in!
For more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to check out our other recipes!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can dance around a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how much caramel sauce you drizzle! But for one Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae, you’re looking at roughly:
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 50mg
Share Your Culinary Creations
Now it’s your turn to make some magic! Have you whipped up this Grilled Pineapple Caramel Sundae? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear about it! Drop a comment below and tell me how yours turned out, or share any fun little twists you added. And if you snapped a picture, please tag us on social media – seeing your creations makes my day!
You can also reach out through our contact page with any questions or feedback!
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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 brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush pineapple rings with a little oil. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and pineapple is slightly softened.
- Sprinkle the grilled pineapple rings with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each warm pineapple ring.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired.
Notes
- You can also make this dessert in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Adjust the amount of caramel sauce and pecans to your preference.
- 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: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: grilled pineapple, caramel sundae, pineapple dessert, ice cream, easy dessert, summer dessert