A Sweet Memory
I first tried grilled pineapple at a beach cookout. My friend Marty tossed a ring right on the grill. The smell was pure magic. It smelled like caramel and summer sunshine all mixed together.
I still laugh at that. I was so surprised. Fruit on the grill? But it works. The heat makes the pineapple even sweeter. It’s a happy little trick. What’s your favorite surprising food to cook?
Why We Grill the Pineapple
Grilling isn’t just for hot dogs. It changes the fruit. The high heat pulls out the natural sugars. Those sugars caramelize. That means they get brown and toasty.
This matters because it adds depth. You get a warm, smoky flavor. It’s not just sweet fruit anymore. It has a story. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it hits the pan?
The Magic Sauce
Now, for the sauce. It’s just four things in a pot. Butter, brown sugar, cream, and a splash of dark rum. You stir it until it bubbles and thickens. It becomes a warm, buttery blanket.
Fun fact: The alcohol in the rum cooks off. What’s left is just a rich, deep flavor. It’s cozy. This matters because a good sauce ties everything together. It makes the sundae feel special.
Putting It All Together
Assembly is the fun part. Place a warm pineapple ring on a plate. The ring is like a golden nest. Scoop vanilla ice cream right into the center. The cold meets the warm.
Then, drizzle that warm rum sauce over the top. Watch it drip down the ice cream. It’s a beautiful mess. Do you like your sundaes with lots of sauce or just a little?
A Treat for Sharing
This isn’t an everyday dessert. It’s for when you want to celebrate. Maybe you got a good grade. Or you have friends over. It feels like a party on a plate.
Making it with someone is half the joy. You can talk while you stir the sauce. This matters. Food made with a happy heart always tastes better. What would you celebrate with this sundae?

Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple | 1 | peeled, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch rings |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | packed |
| Butter | 1/2 cup | melted |
| Heavy cream | 2/3 cup | |
| Dark rum | 1/4 cup | |
| Vanilla ice cream | 3 cups |
My Grilled Pineapple Sundae: A Sweet Summer Story
Hello, my dear. Come sit at the table. Let me tell you about this special dessert. It reminds me of summer evenings on the porch. My husband would grill while I mixed the sauce. The smell of caramel and fruit was just magic. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It feels fancy but is so simple to make. I still laugh at that. Our grandkids thought I was a famous chef! Let’s make that magic together, step by step.
Step 1: Grill the Pineapple
First, let’s prepare our pineapple rings. Peel and core a fresh pineapple. Slice it into nice, thick rings. A half-inch is perfect. Now, heat your grill pan over medium flame. Give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Lay the rings down. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side. You want lovely brown marks. (My hard-learned tip: Pat the rings dry first. This gives you better grill marks!)
Step 2: Make the Rum Sauce
Next, we make the magical rum sauce. Grab a medium saucepan. Mix in the brown sugar, melted butter, cream, and rum. Stir it constantly over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle boil. Keep stirring for about 4 minutes. The sauce will thicken just a little. It becomes so glossy and rich. I always think it looks like liquid gold.
Step 3: Assemble the Sundae
Finally, we build our sundae! Place a warm pineapple ring on a plate. Scoop vanilla ice cream right into the center. The warm ring makes the ice cream melt a bit. That’s the best part! Now, drizzle your warm sauce over everything. Do you think the warm or cold part is best? Share below! Serve it right away and watch smiles appear.
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Yield | About 6 servings |
| Category | Dessert |
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a favorite story. You can tell it a little differently each time. Here are three ways I like to change it up. Each one brings its own happy memory to the table.
Coconut Dream
Use coconut ice cream instead of vanilla. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top. It tastes like a tropical vacation.
Spicy Sunshine
Add a tiny pinch of chili powder to the brown sugar. It gives a warm, surprising little kick. My grandson loves this one.
Berry Good
Skip the rum sauce. Use warmed berry jam instead. Top with fresh raspberries. It’s so pretty and fruity.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving It With Style
This sundae is a star all by itself. But you can make it even more special. For a pretty plate, add a small sprinkle of crushed nuts. A little mint leaf looks lovely, too. It’s all about the joy of sharing.
What to drink with it? For the grown-ups, a small glass of dark rum or a creamy coffee liqueur is nice. For everyone, a glass of cold ginger ale or sparkling lemonade is perfect. The bubbles cut through the sweetness so well. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Sundaes Sunny
Let’s talk about storing this treat. The rum sauce keeps beautifully. Just pop it in a jar in the fridge. It will thicken up when cold.
Warm it gently in a pan before serving. You can grill pineapple rings ahead, too. Store them in a container for two days.
I once made a double batch of sauce. It was so handy for a busy week. A ready-made dessert feels like a gift to yourself.
Batch cooking matters. It turns a fancy dessert into an easy joy. You deserve little moments of sweetness without the fuss.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Sundae Success
First, a watery sauce. This happens if you don’t boil it long enough. Keep stirring for a full four minutes.
It should coat the back of your spoon nicely. This patience gives you a rich, velvety texture. Good sauce makes the whole dish.
Second, soggy pineapple. Your grill or pan must be very hot. I remember my first try. The rings steamed instead of seared.
Wait for those dark grill marks. They add a wonderful smoky flavor. That caramelized taste is the magic.
Third, melted ice cream. Just assemble your sundaes right before serving. Have everything ready on the counter first.
Solving small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn how ingredients behave. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Questions, My Answers
Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, all these ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your ice cream label to be sure.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! Grill the pineapple and make the sauce ahead. Assemble just before eating.
Q: What if I don’t have rum? A: You can skip it. Use a teaspoon of vanilla extract in the sauce instead. It will still be delicious.
Q: Can I serve a crowd? A: Easily! Grill more pineapple rings. Double or triple the sauce recipe in a bigger pot.
Q: Any extra tip? A: A tiny pinch of salt in the sauce makes the caramel flavor sing. Fun fact: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. It’s why your tongue might tingle! Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this taste of sunshine. It always brings back summer memories for me. Cooking is about sharing those good feelings.
I would be so delighted to see your creation. Your version might inspire another reader. Let’s build a community of kitchen friends.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Use our handle @AnnasCozyKitchen. I can’t wait to see your beautiful sundaes.
Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.

Grilled Pineapple Ring Rum Sundae: Grilled Pineapple Rum Sundae Recipe
Description
Grilled pineapple ring topped with rum caramel, vanilla ice cream & toasted coconut. A show-stopping, boozy tropical dessert that’s easy to make!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a good cooking spray, spray a large grill pan and heat over a medium flame. Grill the pineapple, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until it is nicely brown with grill marks. We prefer the barbecue grill as another option.
- In a medium saucepan, mix together the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream and dark rum. Allow to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for at least 3-4 minutes, continuing to stir constantly until sauce is slightly thickened. Best if served warm. (Sauce can be stored in refrigerator covered for up to 1 week.)
- To assemble your Grilled Pineapple Ring Rum Sundae, place a pineapple ring on each serving plate. Scoop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the center. Drizzle your rum sauce across the top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 398 kcal, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 24 g, Saturated Fat: 15 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g, Trans Fat: 0.5 g, Cholesterol: 75 mg, Sodium: 141 mg, Potassium: 262 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 36 g, Vitamin A: 920 IU, Vitamin C: 54 mg, Calcium: 106 mg, Iron: 0.5 mg






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