This easy rum-soaked grilled pineapple is the perfect sweet treat for your grill party! The pineapple gets tender and juicy with a hint of rum flavor, making it super tasty.
I love serving this with a scoop of ice cream on top—because, let’s face it, who can resist that combo? Just imagine the yummy flavors melting together! 🍍🍦
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for this recipe. Its juicy texture makes it perfect for grilling. If fresh isn’t available, opt for canned pineapple slices in juice (not syrup) as a substitute.
Dark Rum: Dark rum adds rich flavor. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try using coconut water or pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re out, feel free to substitute with white sugar, but add a teaspoon of molasses for that extra depth.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the flavor profile. If you want a different spice kick, nutmeg or allspice works nicely too!
Coconut Oil or Butter: Both add richness to the marinade. I personally lean towards coconut oil for a tropical feel, but butter provides a nice creamy touch as well.
How Do I Grill Pineapple for the Best Flavor?
Grilling pineapple might seem straightforward, but achieving that perfect caramelization requires a few tips. Properly soaking and grilling will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Make sure to let the pineapple soak for at least 30 minutes. This adds depth to its flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high; a hot grill will help create those beautiful grill marks.
- Shake off excess marinade after soaking to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- While grilling, baste with the reserved marinade to keep the pineapple moist and flavorful.
- Look for a nice golden-brown color and distinct grill marks. That’s when it’s perfectly cooked!
Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or butter
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of soaking time for the pineapple. You’ll spend around 15 minutes grilling the pineapple, making it a quick and fun dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the dark rum, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil or butter. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This delicious marinade will infuse the pineapple with rich flavors!
2. Marinate the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple slices in a shallow dish and pour the rum mixture over them. Make sure all sides of the pineapple are covered. Allow the slices to soak for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, turning them occasionally to ensure they soak up all the yummy flavors.
3. Grill the Pineapple:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While waiting for it to heat up, take the marinated pineapple slices out of the dish and let the excess liquid drip off. Keep the marinade, as you’ll use it for basting!
4. Start Grilling:
Place the pineapple slices on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they get those lovely caramelized grill marks. While grilling, brush the pineapple with the reserved marinade for extra flavor and sweetness.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and serve it warm. Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. If you like, add a garnish of fresh mint leaves for a nice pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful rum-soaked grilled pineapple!
Can I Use Different Types of Rum for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While dark rum adds a deep flavor, you can also use light rum for a milder taste or spiced rum for an extra kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the final dish will change slightly based on your choice.
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil with Something Else?
Yes! If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, you can use unsalted butter or even a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Each option will still give the grilled pineapple a delicious finish, though coconut oil adds a lovely tropical note.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pineapple?
You can marinate the pineapple for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor. Just make sure to not exceed this time as the acid from the rum can break down the fruit too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it in a skillet for a few minutes to warm it up before serving again. It makes a great addition to smoothies or yogurt as well!
