Brown Sugar Spiced Rum Grilled Pineapple

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Easy Rum Grilled Pineapple for Summer Parties

If you're grilling this summer, don't forget about dessert! This easy rum grilled pineapple is perfect for BBQs, seasonal parties, and back yard hang-outs since you can prepare it outdoors. There's no need to make something fussy (and to be trapped indoors) when you can make dessert right alongside whatever else is on the outdoor cooking menu.

In addition to being easy though, this summer grilling dessert is also delicious, full of flavor, friendly for most diets, and feels indulgent (while still being light). Fresh pineapple slices get brushed with a simple spiced rum, brown sugar, and vanilla marinate, then delicately caramelized to golden brown on the grill. Top each slice with a scoop of your favorite vanilla or caramel ice cream and everyone at the BBQ will be smiling.

Because my husband and I spend winters on the northernmost Hawaiian island, I'm a huge fan of both pineapple and rum. In fact, I have a whole guide to tropical vegan recipes, many of which feature these two iconic island ingredients.

Brown Sugar Spice Rum Grilled Pineapple slices on a stone serving board, showing cross-hatched grill marks.

What is Grilled Pineapple?

Like the name implies, grilled pineapple is an easy dessert that involves grilling pineapple slices to bring out their sweetness and to yield a decadent, caramelized flavor. Grilled pineapple is often soaked in or brushed with a marinade to add vanilla, cinnamon, and spice notes, as well as some sweetness.

How to Grill Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a true delight. Although it's simple and fast, I have a few tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time.

  1. Choose the right pineapple. This rum grilled pineapple recipe will be most delicious with a fresh (not canned) pineapple that is juicy and ripe.
  2. Oil well. Pineapple is delicate and has a high sugar content, so it can stick easily. Oil the grill racks (or indoor grill pan) very thoroughly to ensure an easy release.
  3. Preheat the grill. You'll only grill the pineapple for a couple minutes, and that time should be at medium-high heat to get a nice delicate char. Don't add the pineapple until the grill is nicely preheated, otherwise it will get too soft without browning.
  4. Grill hot and fast. You want to lightly char and mark the pineapple, without making it feel soggy or over-cooked. It will only take a few minutes on each side.
  5. Rotate and flip. For optimal grill marks, grill each side until marked, then rotate it about 60 degrees and grill again to yield a cross-hatched pattern. Next, flip the slice and do the same on the other side.

Brown Sugar Spice Rum Grilled Pineapple topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, shown with a bottle of Koloa Rum spiced rum in the background.

How to Make Rum Grilled Pineapple

This easy summer dessert comes together quickly, with just a few ingredients. You'll start by making a very simple marinade with spiced rum, brown sugar, and vanilla. You'll then brush the marinade onto the pineapple slices before and during grilling. Remember to follow the pineapple grilling tips above! Serve the grilled pineapple while it's still warm, topped with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Rum Grilled Pineapple Variations

Although this tropical grilled pineapple is quite simple, there are a few ways you can tweak the recipe to make it feel especially indulgent. As I've shown in many of these photos, try topping the still-warm pineapple with a scoop of ice cream. A flavor like vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon will work best since it will pair nicely with both the pineapple and the warming spices in the rum. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream and/or a crunchy topping such as roasted macadamia nuts.

As written, this rum grilled pineapple is vegan and grain-free, so it's friendly for many diets. If you're vegan or are hosting guests who are, make sure to choose a vegan ice cream; a coconut-based option will go especially well with these tropical flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips

This easy summer dessert comes together quickly, but there are a few things you can do ahead of time to make it even faster. You can cut the pineapple and make the sauce up to two days in advance, storing them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. I don't suggest grilling the pineapple ahead of time though, since it's best when enjoyed warm right off the grill.

Brown Sugar Spice Rum Grilled Pineapple topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, shown with other grilled pineapple slices in the background.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this rum grilled pineapple recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Whole fresh pineapple. This recipe will not work well with canned pineapple.
  • Spiced rum. I love the spiced rum from Koloa Rum; it's 88 proof and incredibly flavorful.
  • Brown sugar. The marinade will be most flavorful if you use dark brown sugar, but light brown will also work. I have not yet tried this rum grilled pineapple with coconut sugar, but I expect it will work fine.
  • Vanilla
  • Oil of choice for grilling
  • Ice cream. You can top individual pineapple slices with a scoop of ice cream for serving if desired. Choose vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, or another flavor that will pair nicely with both pineapple and warming spices.

Close-up of a spoon drizzling Brown Sugar Spice Rum marinade onto a slice of grilled pineapple.

Closing Thoughts

This rum grilled pineapple is sure to be a hit at all your BBQs this summer. It's really the perfect summer dessert because it's fun, tropical, flavorful, and has an indulgent contrast of textures and temperatures. It also complements other grilled fare beautifully, making it a natural finish to a meal cooked outdoors. Because it's light, customizable, and friendly for most diets, it's a treat everyone can enjoy.

This summer pineapple dessert is great proof that simple is often best, especially for a low-key outdoor gathering. There's no need to be inside trying to make something fussy like a pie, especially if everyone else is outside enjoying themselves. Just toss the pineapple slices on the grill and you'll have the most wonderful way to end your BBQ.

Brown Sugar Spice Rum Grilled Pineapple topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, shown with other grilled pineapple slices on a serving board in the background.

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Pineapple Coconut Rum Fizz

Vegan Pineapple Seven Layer Dip

Tropical Coconut Lime Hummus

Pineapple Guacamole

Tropical Black Bean and Pineapple Tostadas

Disclosure: This recipe has been developed through a paid partnership with Koloa Rum. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.

Brown Sugar Spiced Rum Grilled Pineapple

This easy rum grilled pineapple is the perfect summer BBQ dessert. Pineapple slices get marinated with a brown sugar spiced rum sauce then delicately charred and topped with ice cream.

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • Whole fresh pineapple
  • 4 oz spiced rum
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Oil of choice for grilling
  • Vanilla or caramel ice cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut the top and bottom from the pineapple, then stand it upright and cut off the rind. Lay the pineapple back down and cut it into half-inch thick rounds, yielding about 8-10.
  2. In a small sauce pan, heat the spiced rum until warm. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves, then stir in the vanilla.
  3. Oil the bottom rack of the grill (or, conversely, an indoor grill pan) thoroughly.
  4. Brush the pineapple slices with the rum, sugar, and vanilla marinade, setting aside a few spoonfuls for topping the completed dessert.
  5. Grill the pineapple slices over medium heat-high for about 3-5 minutes per side until caramelized but not charred, then flip and grill the opposite side. Continue to brush the pineapple slices with the rum marinade as they cook.
  6. Serve while still warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzle the reserved rum marinade over the ice cream.

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Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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