Grilled Pineapple with Spiced Rum Butter Sauce: Your Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe

If you’re searching for a truly show-stopping yet incredibly simple addition to your summer outdoor grilling repertoire, then this Grilled Pineapple with Spiced Rum Butter Sauce recipe is about to become your new favorite – and mine too! Imagine perfectly caramelized, juicy grilled pineapple, lavishly drizzled with a rich, subtly boozy spiced rum butter sauce, all served warm over a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s an unforgettable combination that truly captures the essence of summer indulgence. This dessert is not just easy to prepare; it’s undeniably delicious, offers a delightful hint of rum, and is guaranteed to earn rave reviews. Prepare for a culinary experience that’s both comforting and exciting. 🙌🏻

One of the many charms of this spectacular grilled fruit dessert is its fantastic make-ahead potential. The beautifully balanced and subtly sweet Spiced Rum Butter Sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance, allowing the warm, complex flavors of rum and cinnamon to meld and deepen even further. Simply warm it gently before serving, and it’s ready to transform your dessert experience into something extraordinary. The grilled pineapple component is equally straightforward, best prepared fresh right before serving to ensure maximum juiciness and that signature smoky-sweet char that only grilling can achieve. I wholeheartedly recommend serving this warm Grilled Pineapple with Spiced Rum Butter Sauce alongside a scoop (or two!) of high-quality vanilla ice cream. It’s not just a perfect summertime dessert; it’s also incredibly versatile – ideal for an intimate dinner for two or easily scaled up to feed a large crowd at your next barbecue. Did I mention the minimal effort involved? Seriously, friends, I’m all about recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, and this one truly hits the mark for a stress-free yet impressive sweet treat.

Mastering the Art of Grilling Pineapple for Sweet Perfection

Grilling pineapple might sound like a gourmet technique, but it’s surprisingly simple and adds an incredible depth of flavor that raw pineapple simply can’t match. The direct heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars present in the fruit, intensifying its inherent sweetness and creating a beautiful smoky char. This char introduces a delightful complexity that perfectly complements the tropical tang of the pineapple. If you’re looking for even more detailed instructions and expert tips, our dedicated post on how to grill pineapple provides a comprehensive guide. However, let’s walk through the essential steps right here to ensure your pineapple is perfectly grilled every time for this delicious and easy dessert.

Selecting and Preparing Your Fresh Pineapple

The foundation of any great dish starts with quality ingredients. Choosing the right pineapple is paramount for this recipe. Look for a pineapple that smells sweet and fragrant at the base – this is a key indicator of ripeness. Its leaves should be firm and green, and the skin should have a slight give when gently pressed, but never be too soft or mushy. To prepare this tropical fruit for grilling, follow these steps:

1. Slice Off the Ends: Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice off the leafy top crown and the tough bottom base of the pineapple. This creates two stable flat surfaces, making the next steps much safer and easier.
2. Remove the Skin: Stand the pineapple upright on one of its newly created flat ends. Carefully slice downwards, following the natural curve of the fruit, to remove the tough outer skin. Ensure you go deep enough to remove most of the fibrous “eyes” embedded in the flesh. For any stubborn eyes that remain, you can use a small paring knife to carve them out in a diagonal pattern – this creates a beautiful spiral effect.
3. Cut into Spears or Rounds: For this grilled pineapple recipe, spears are often preferred as they are easy to handle on the grill and present elegantly on a plate. To make spears, stand the skinned pineapple upright again and cut it into quarters lengthwise. Then, carefully slice off the hard, fibrous core from the inner edge of each quarter. Finally, cut each quarter into 2-3 spears, depending on your desired thickness and serving size. Alternatively, you can slice the pineapple into ½-inch thick rounds if you prefer a different presentation; just remember to remove the core from each round if desired.

Grilling Your Pineapple to Golden Perfection

Now for the most exciting part: bringing out the incredible flavor of the pineapple on the grill! Grilling is a quick process, resulting in tender, juicy, and beautifully caramelized slices with a delightful hint of smoke. This simple technique transforms the fruit into a truly irresistible dessert component.

Here’s how to achieve perfectly grilled pineapple every time:

4. Preheat Your Grill: Heat your chosen grilling equipment – whether it’s an indoor grill pan or an outdoor charcoal or gas grill – to a medium-high temperature. It’s crucial for achieving those desirable grill marks and ensuring even cooking. Lightly brush the grill grates or pan with a small amount of oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to prevent the pineapple from sticking.
5. Grill the Pineapple: Carefully place the prepared pineapple spears or rounds directly onto the hot grill surface. Grill for approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for beautiful golden-brown grill marks and for the pineapple flesh to soften slightly. The fruit should still retain a bit of its natural crispness; avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy. The goal is tender, not limp.
6. Remove and Serve: Once grilled to your desired tenderness and char, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill using tongs and place it on a clean serving platter. It’s now perfectly prepared and ready to be bathed in the irresistible spiced rum butter sauce!

The simple act of grilling not only enhances the pineapple’s natural flavors but also adds a lovely visual appeal with those distinct caramelized lines. This quick and easy step truly elevates the humble pineapple into a gourmet dessert component that’s ready to shine.

Crafting the Irresistible Spiced Rum Butter Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

This Spiced Rum Butter Sauce is undeniably the star of this dessert, a velvety, warm concoction that ties the entire experience together. My recipe is a delightful adaptation from Epicurious’ Spiced Rum Sauce, but I’ve made a few key tweaks to truly perfect it for this application. I opted for a little less sugar and a more generous pour of rich spiced rum, which I found to be absolutely spot-on. This subtle adjustment creates a richer, more nuanced flavor profile that perfectly balances the inherent sweetness of the grilled pineapple and the creamy decadence of high-quality vanilla ice cream. The result is a sauce that’s sweet, but never cloyingly so, boasting a wonderful depth from the rum and a comforting hint of warmth from the cinnamon. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything!

Key Ingredients for an Amazingly Easy Sauce:

You’ll be amazed at how quickly these simple, readily available ingredients transform into such a luxurious and flavorful sauce:

• Dark Brown Sugar: This is crucial for its deep, molasses-rich sweetness and for achieving that classic, irresistible caramel flavor when melted with butter. Dark brown sugar provides more complex notes than light brown sugar.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds essential richness, creamy texture, and helps to thicken the sauce to a luscious, pourable consistency. Don’t substitute with lighter creams, as the fat content is important.
• Unsalted Butter: The foundational element of our butter sauce, providing a smooth, velvety base. Using unsalted butter is always recommended, as it allows you to precisely control the overall saltiness of your dish.
• Spiced Rum (or dark rum): The hero ingredient! Spiced rum infuses the sauce with its distinctive warm, aromatic notes, which often include vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves. If spiced rum isn’t available, a good quality dark rum will provide a similar depth of flavor, though you might want to add a tiny pinch more cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: A touch of finely ground cinnamon enhances the “spiced” aspect of the rum, adding a comforting warmth and an inviting aroma that pairs exquisitely with both rum and pineapple.

Step-by-Step Sauce Preparation:

Making this spiced rum butter sauce is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even novice cooks or for whipping up quickly during a busy gathering. Follow these simple steps for a perfect sauce every time:

The process is quite simple: in a medium, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and syrupy. This forms the rich, caramel base for our sauce. Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully whisk in the heavy whipping cream, spiced rum, and ground cinnamon. Bring this delightful mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly for approximately 5 minutes. The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is absolutely divine – a true precursor to the deliciousness to come!

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage for Your Spiced Rum Butter Sauce

As mentioned earlier, one of the best features of this sauce is its make-ahead convenience, making it perfect for entertaining. Once your spiced rum butter sauce has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat the sauce gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s fluid and warm throughout. If the sauce appears too thick after refrigeration, a tablespoon of milk or cream can be stirred in to help restore its perfect pourable consistency. This flexibility means less stress on serving day and more time to enjoy your guests (or just yourself!).

Serving Your Delicious Grilled Pineapple Dessert with Flair

Once your pineapple is beautifully grilled and your spiced rum butter sauce is warm and ready, it’s time to assemble and serve this incredible dessert. The classic way, and my absolute personal favorite, is to serve this warm over good quality vanilla ice cream, allowing the heat of the sauce to create delightful little pools of melted creaminess. However, the versatility of this luscious sauce and grilled pineapple extends far beyond just this classic pairing! Let your creativity guide you.

Creative Serving Ideas for Grilled Pineapple and Spiced Rum Butter Sauce:

• Beyond Ice Cream: Drizzle the warm Spiced Rum Butter Sauce over other cold desserts like plain yogurt, crème brûlée, or even a rich rice pudding for an unexpected twist.
• Breakfast and Brunch Elevation: Transform your morning routine by pouring the sauce over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even a simple stack of crepes for an elevated and indulgent breakfast or brunch.
• Enhanced Fruit Platters: Serve grilled pineapple alongside other grilled or fresh fruits such as peaches, bananas, or mangoes, all finished with a generous coating of this glorious sauce.
• Unique Cocktail Element: For the adventurous, a small amount of this rich sauce can even be stirred into certain rum-based cocktails, such as a mojito or a daiquiri, for a unique and flavorful twist.
• Savory Pairings: Don’t limit yourself to sweet! The sweet-and-spicy profile of grilled pineapple and this sauce can beautifully complement savory dishes like grilled pork chops, glazed ham, or even chicken skewers, adding a sweet and tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness.

No matter how you choose to serve it, the harmonious combination of warm, tender grilled pineapple and the rich, aromatic spiced rum butter sauce creates a truly memorable culinary experience. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect sweet ending to any summer meal or special occasion. Enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow!

Inspired by this delicious recipe? We’d absolutely love to see your creations! Make sure to mention us or tag us on Instagram. All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com.

Grilled Pineapple with Spiced Rum Butter Sauce

Ana | Claudia’s Table

May 3, 2021

This easy, delicious, and slightly boozy grilled pineapple dessert with rich spiced rum butter sauce, served over good vanilla ice cream, is the perfect show-stopping yet simple treat for any summer gathering.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Caribbean

Servings 6

Calories 408 kcal

Equipment

• Medium Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for making the sauce, ensuring even heating and preventing the sugar from burning or sticking to the bottom.
• Airtight Container with Lid: Perfect for storing any leftover spiced rum butter sauce in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days.
• Grill Pan (or Outdoor Grill): Your choice for achieving those beautiful caramelization and signature char marks on the pineapple, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Ingredients

  

For the Spiced Rum Butter Sauce

• 1 cup dark brown sugar for deep caramel notes and rich flavor
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces for faster melting and a smooth base
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream for essential richness and thickening
• 4 tbsp spiced rum or your preferred dark rum for a warm, boozy kick
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon for aromatic spice and warmth

For the Grilled Pineapple

• 1 whole fresh pineapple ripe, sweet, and firm

For Serving

• good quality vanilla ice cream the perfect creamy, cool counterpoint to the warm pineapple and sauce

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Instructions

 

For Spiced Rum Butter Sauce

• Use a 2-quart sized, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat on your stovetop. A heavy pot is crucial here as it ensures even heat distribution, which helps prevent the sugar from burning and sticking to the bottom.
• Add the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar to the pot. Stir frequently, allowing the butter to melt and the sugar to completely dissolve. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and forms a luscious, syrupy caramel base.
• Once the sugar is completely melted and integrated, carefully add the heavy whipping cream, spiced rum (or dark rum), and ground cinnamon to the pot. Whisk gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, ensuring a homogenous mixture.
• Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat slightly if the sauce begins to bubble too vigorously, as we want a steady, gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sauce has visibly reduced and thickened to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Avoid rapid boiling, which can scorch the sugar.
• Remove the pot from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. For the best flavor and serving experience, serve this irresistible sauce warm.
• This recipe typically yields about 1 1/2 cups of luscious spiced rum butter sauce, which is ample for multiple servings or even for pairing with other desserts.
• Any extra sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warm and fluid.

For Grilled Pineapple

• Begin by carefully cutting off the top crown and the bottom base of the fresh pineapple to create two stable, flat surfaces. This makes handling the pineapple easier and safer.
• Stand the pineapple upright. Carefully slice off the tough outer skin, working downwards and following the curve of the fruit. Remove any remaining dark “eyes” by carving them out. Next, quarter the pineapple lengthwise and slice out the hard, fibrous core from each quarter. Finally, cut each quarter into 2-3 spears, depending on your desired thickness.
• Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the pineapple spears directly onto the hot grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side. The pineapple should develop appealing golden-brown grill marks and become slightly tender and caramelized, yet still hold its shape without becoming mushy.
• Once perfectly grilled, remove the pineapple from the heat using tongs and arrange it artfully on a clean serving platter, ready for assembly.

For Serving

• Arrange the warm grilled pineapple spears onto individual dessert plates, ensuring each guest gets a generous portion.
• Add a generous scoop or two of good quality vanilla ice cream alongside the pineapple. The contrast between the warm fruit and cold ice cream is a key element of this dessert.
• Luxuriously drizzle the warm Spiced Rum Butter Sauce over both the grilled pineapple and the vanilla ice cream. For an added touch of elegance, you can sprinkle a final pinch of cinnamon or garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
• Serve immediately and prepare to enjoy this spectacular combination of tropical fruit, rich sauce, and creamy ice cream!

Notes

Total Calories do not include vanilla ice cream.

Variations and Substitutions: For a delicious non-alcoholic version, simply replace the spiced rum with an equal amount of pineapple juice, apple juice, or even a splash of orange juice. If you desire a hint of rum flavor without the alcohol, a tiny splash of rum extract can be added. Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different aromatic profile in the sauce.
Tips for Selecting the Best Pineapple: Always choose a ripe pineapple that smells distinctly sweet at its base. The riper the pineapple, the more natural sugars it contains, which will lead to a wonderfully sweet and intensely flavorful grilled fruit. Avoid pineapples that smell fermented or have soft spots.
Achieving Perfect Grill Marks: For those appealing, professional-looking grill marks, ensure your grill pan or outdoor grill grates are thoroughly preheated before placing the pineapple on them. Crucially, resist the urge to move or turn the pineapple for the first 3-4 minutes on each side. This allows sufficient time for the sugars to caramelize and the marks to develop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 408kcal

Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Keyword easy dessert, Grilled dessert, Grilled fruit, spiced rum, summer dessert, boozy dessert, pineapple recipe, tropical dessert, BBQ dessert

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

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