This Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple is a fun and tropical treat! Juicy pineapple slices soak in a sweet rum mixture before being grilled to golden perfection. Yum!
Grilling makes the pineapple caramelize and intensifies its sweetness. I often serve it with ice cream—it’s a match made in heaven! 🍍🍦 Can’t wait for you to try it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Pineapple: Fresh is best! The juicy sweetness of a fresh pineapple is unbeatable. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same texture or flavor as fresh.
Dark Rum: I love using dark rum because it adds a rich flavor to the pineapple. If you’d rather skip the alcohol, you can substitute rum with coconut water for a non-alcoholic version that still tastes great!
Brown Sugar: This sugar brings a lovely caramel flavor to the dish. If you’re out of brown sugar, mix regular sugar with a bit of molasses or use honey as a natural sweetener instead.
Cinnamon: A hint of cinnamon complements the fruit beautifully. If cinnamon isn’t your thing, you could try nutmeg or allspice for a different twist!
Vanilla Ice Cream: It’s hard to beat vanilla ice cream, but you might want to use coconut or dairy-free ice cream for a unique taste or dietary needs. Enjoy what you love!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple is all about enhancing its natural sweetness and achieving those beautiful grill marks. Here’s how you can do it right:
- First, make sure to marinate the pineapple long enough—30 minutes will do, but up to an hour can really soak in the flavors.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill and resist the urge to move them too much. Let them grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. This lets those grill marks develop!
- When you take them off the grill, let them rest for a minute before serving to allow the juicy flavors to settle.
These simple steps can elevate your dish from good to amazing! Enjoy grilling!
How to Make Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Pineapple:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-60 minutes for marinating, plus 10 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need around 50-80 minutes to enjoy your tasty rum-soaked grilled pineapple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the dark rum, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon using a whisk. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This will be the sweet and flavorful marinade for your pineapple.
2. Marinate the Pineapple:
Add the pineapple rings to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each ring is well-coated in the mixture. Let the pineapple soak in those yummy flavors for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 1 hour will make it even tastier.
3. Grill the Pineapple:
While your pineapple is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. When it’s nice and hot, carefully place the marinated pineapple rings on the grill. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see beautiful grill marks and the pineapple gets warm and soft.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, take the pineapple off the grill and place them on serving plates. Top each grilled pineapple ring with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzle on some delicious caramel sauce. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy your delightful dessert!
Can I Use Light Rum Instead of Dark Rum?
Absolutely! Light rum can be used as a substitute for dark rum, but keep in mind that it will have a milder flavor. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a bit more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the marinade!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pineapple?
You can marinate the pineapple for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for the best flavor absorption. If you need to marinate it for longer, like up to 4 hours, be mindful that the pineapple might become too soft and mushy, so it’s best to stick to the shorter time.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the rum mixture and slice the pineapple rings ahead of time. However, it’s best to marinate them just before grilling to ensure they stay firm and maintain their texture. Grill right before serving for the best results!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be served cold or gently reheated in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them to avoid losing texture.