This grilled pineapple is a sweet treat that brings sunshine to your plate! The brown sugar rum glaze adds a lovely sticky sweetness, making each bite juicy and full of flavor.
I can’t help but smile when I smell the caramelizing pineapple on the grill. It’s easy to whip up and makes a perfect dessert or topping for ice cream. Who knew fruit could be this fun? 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe, sweet pineapple is key to this recipe. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings work in a pinch, though they may lack the same texture and flavor depth.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar can be used instead of dark brown sugar. It will have a slightly lighter flavor, but still gives that nice caramel touch. If you’re aiming for a sugar-free version, consider using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is standard for controlling the salt content in the glaze. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil is a great substitute that complements the tropical flavor of pineapple.
Dark Rum: If you don’t have dark rum, spiced rum or even coconut rum can add an interesting twist. For a non-alcoholic version, use apple or pineapple juice as a base for your glaze.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon helps to elevate the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add a lovely warmth to your glaze.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Pineapple?
Getting those lovely grill marks on your pineapple not only looks great but also enhances the flavor. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re grilling like a pro:
- Make sure your grill is preheated properly. A medium heat is best for cooking the pineapple without burning.
- Cut the pineapple into 1-inch thick rings or wedges for even cooking. Thinner slices may fall apart on the grill.
- Brush both sides of the pineapple well with the glaze before grilling. This helps achieve a nice caramelization.
- Place the pineapple on the grill without moving it for the first 3-4 minutes to let the grill marks form. Flip it gently using tongs.
Once you see those beautiful grill marks and the pineapple is slightly softened, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious dessert!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cored
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For Serving:
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes for grilling. So, you’ll have the perfect sweet treat ready in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure that your pineapple gets those beautiful grill marks and caramelizes nicely.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your peeled and cored pineapple and cut it into rings or wedges that are about 1-inch thick. This thickness will help them grill perfectly without falling apart.
3. Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add in the brown sugar, dark rum, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is nice and smooth. Then, remove it from heat.
4. Glaze the Pineapple:
Using a brush, generously apply the rum glaze onto both sides of the pineapple pieces. Make sure they’re well-coated, as this will add flavor when grilled!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple onto the preheated grill. Let them grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see those lovely grill marks and for the pineapple to caramelize just a bit.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once grilled, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool for a minute. Then, serve it warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle any extra brown sugar rum glaze over the top and, if you like, add some fresh mint leaves for a touch of color!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious grilled pineapple dessert! It’s warm, sweet, and the perfect way to end any meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute light brown sugar or even granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that light brown sugar will give a milder flavor, while granulated sugar may not provide the same depth that brown sugar does.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No worries! You can use light rum or even add some apple juice or pineapple juice as a non-alcoholic substitute. If you use juice, you might want to add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the grill or in a skillet for a few minutes to warm them back up before serving again!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
While the grilled pineapple is best served fresh, you can prepare the rum glaze ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, and reheat it on the stove before brushing it on the pineapple. Just be sure to grill the pineapple right before serving for the best flavor!
