Sweet, juicy pineapple drizzled with a brown sugar and rum glaze makes this treat a real winner! Grilling brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness, creating a delicious caramelized crust.
Whenever I make this, my friends can’t get enough! It’s the perfect dessert for any barbecue. Just remember to grill some extra pieces; they disappear fast! 🍍✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: The star of this dish is a ripe pineapple, which adds a sweet, tropical flavor. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple rings, though fresh yields better texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is key for richness. If you’re out, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon molasses per cup of white sugar) for a similar taste.
Dark Rum: This brings warmth and depth. You can replace it with another kind of liquor like spiced rum or even non-alcoholic vanilla extract for a different flavor experience.
Cinnamon: This adds a comforting spiced note. If you want a bit more complexity, try nutmeg or allspice instead, but use these more sparingly.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil can be a good alternative since it complements the tropical flavor.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Pineapple?
Getting those beautiful grill marks and perfect caramelization on pineapple is easier than you might think! Here’s how:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high to ensure it’s hot enough to create marks without sticking.
- Make sure the pineapple rings are dry before placing them on the grill, as moisture can prevent caramelization.
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill and avoid moving them for the first 2-3 minutes; this will help form a nice sear.
- Finally, brush them with the glaze in the last minute to add flavor and a shiny finish.
Taking these steps will help you achieve those irresistible grill marks and a delicious caramelized taste! Enjoy the process and the tasty results.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 20 minutes to create this sweet and tangy dessert. Perfect for a quick treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will allow the pineapple to cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks. Just give it a few moments to come up to temperature while you prepare the glaze.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, measure out the brown sugar, dark rum, cinnamon, and butter. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture as it heats, and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Grill the Pineapple:
Carefully place the pineapple rings directly onto the hot grill. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are ready when you see nice grill marks and they begin to caramelize around the edges. This brings out the natural sweetness of the pineapple!
4. Apply the Glaze:
During the last minute of grilling, use a brush to give the pineapple rings a generous coating of the brown sugar rum glaze. This adds even more flavor and a delicious sticky texture. Yum!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the pineapple rings from the grill and serve each warm piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s a delightful contrast of warm and cold! Drizzle any leftover glaze over the ice cream. For a lovely finish, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves if you like.
Dig in and enjoy this tropical dessert—it’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Can I Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if canned pineapple is all you have, it will work too! Just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent caramelization on the grill.
Can I Make the Glaze in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brown sugar rum glaze up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, just warm it up on the stove over low heat until it’s liquid again.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it chilled, or reheat it on the grill or in a skillet for a few minutes to warm it up and regain that grilled flavor.
Can I Substitute the Dark Rum?
Yes, you can substitute dark rum with other spirits like spiced rum or bourbon for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try using pineapple juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar for a similar taste without the alcohol.
