Ever get hit with a craving for something that tastes tropical but is still totally doable at home? Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream hits the spot (not kidding, it’s pretty much my summer weakness). Trust me, this treat brings vacation vibes without any plane tickets. Want to up your game? Pair it with a cold drink for a full-on experience. If you like the idea of dreamy creamy coconut cold foam iced coffee, you might even want to serve that on the side. Have you seen those sizzling grilled pineapple shrimp skewers recipes? If you love those, you’ll get why this dessert works too. Just wait till you smell that pineapple caramelizing on the grill.
Benefits of Grilling Pineapple
Listen, pineapple is great fresh, but throw it on the grill and something wild happens. The natural sugars go all caramel magic and you get these juicy, lightly smoky, golden rings that are basically fruit candy. Not joking, folks will start hovering around the grill smelling that sweetness in the air. Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream makes you look like a five-star chef with almost no effort. The warmth of the pineapple next to the cold, creamy coconut ice cream is just the right mix – its flavors pop even more, and let’s be honest, it’s way more fun than plain fruit salad.
Plus, grilling brings out those deep caramel notes, and if you forget and leave it on for an extra minute, that little bit of char tastes incredible. Who knew burning something…just a little could work out beautifully? If you haven’t tried grilled fruit before, start here. Seriously.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Pineapple
Want to make this dessert steal the show at your next cookout? Here’s how I serve it up:
- Cut the pineapple into thick rings and grill them right before serving for max juiciness.
- Add a couple scoops of coconut ice cream right on top – watch the ice cream melt (so satisfying).
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, a little cinnamon, or even drizzle caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra.
- For a real treat, pair it with one of those cold foam coffee drinks or even a light tropical cocktail.
Your guests will think you’re some dessert wizard. Trust me – you’ll get recipe requests.
Variations on Coconut Ice Cream
Okay, so coconut ice cream is just perfect, but…not everyone finds it at their local grocery. If that’s you, don’t stress! You can totally get creative. Vanilla bean ice cream works, especially with a splash of coconut milk or a few shreds of coconut tossed in. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with making my own vegan coconut ice cream using coconut cream, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt (super easy if you Google it). For those feeling fancy, roasted macadamia nuts mixed into the ice cream? Chef’s kiss. You can also explore flavored gelato if you’re curious – just check this gelato vs ice cream differences guide to see what fits your craving. There are so many playful combos, honestly, it’s hard to mess this up.
Or, really, even just regular ice cream with a bit of coconut or caramel syrup will work in a pinch. If anyone feels stuck for ideas, maybe check out a no bake coconut cream pie recipe for more coconut goodness in your life.
Nutritional Information
So, you’re probably wondering…is this actually good for me? Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream seems like a splurge, but it’s got some fun upsides. Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C and manganese (did you know your bones would thank you?). Grilling doesn’t take away any nutrients either! Coconut ice cream’s a little higher in fat, that’s true, but if you go for smaller scoops or even a dairy-free version, it’s totally manageable.
One thing: coconut ice cream can be sweeter and richer than classic vanilla, so if you’re watching sugar, just portion out smaller amounts. But you do get some healthy fats from coconut, right? It’s all about balance. Life’s too short for boring desserts anyway.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Pineapple
The big secret? Don’t overdo it. I’ve messed this up before by leaving the pineapple on the grill way too long, and you end up with mush – not ideal. Start with fresh pineapple, cut into thick rings or spears (thinner pieces dry out fast). Dab the pineapple dry before grilling; otherwise, it’ll steam instead of char. Preheat your grill so it’s nice and hot, then brush lightly with oil. A light sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon on the pineapple before it goes on the grill really bumps up the flavor. Flip only once for even grilling! Oh, and keep an eye out – a few minutes per side does the trick. You want grill marks, not blackened bricks.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: Sure, but fresh gives the best texture and flavor (canned’s a little softer). Drain and dry the slices well before grilling.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: Use a grill pan or even your oven broiler. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s still really good.
Q: Is this dairy-free?
A: If you pick a dairy-free coconut ice cream, then yes. There are great vegan options out there.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Honestly, it’s best eaten fresh, but you can keep grilled pineapple in the fridge. Don’t freeze once you’ve put ice cream on top – it gets weird.
Q: Any good drink pairings?
A: Oh yeah. I like a creamy coconut cold foam iced coffee, or even just a cold brew with a splash of milk. Something cool balances out the warm dessert.
Give This Tropical Treat a Try!
So, there you go – grilled pineapple with coconut ice cream is truly one of those ridiculously simple recipes that somehow tastes gourmet. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a scoop of creativity and let yourself riff on toppings and flavors. I promise, this dessert feels like a party even if you’re just making it on a random Tuesday night. For more drool-worthy inspiration, check out other takes like the Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream – KirksCookingAndCocktails and maybe peek at this delicious no bake coconut cream pie or explore gelato vs ice cream differences for extra treat ideas. Go ahead, treat yourself to a sunshiney dessert that’ll have everybody grinning.
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream
A tropical dessert featuring juicy grilled pineapple topped with creamy coconut ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple
- Coconut ice cream (or alternative like vanilla bean ice cream)
- Toasted coconut flakes for garnish
- Cinnamon for garnish
- Caramel sauce for drizzle (optional)
- Brown sugar (optional)
- Cooking oil for grilling
Instructions
- Preheat the grill and lightly brush with oil.
- Cut the pineapple into thick rings or spears, dabbing them dry to avoid steaming.
- Optional: Sprinkle with brown sugar or cinnamon for added flavor.
- Grill the pineapple for a few minutes on each side until you achieve nice grill marks.
- Serve the grilled pineapple with scoops of coconut ice cream on top.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
For alternative ice cream options, consider vanilla bean or homemade vegan coconut ice cream. Always aim for thick pineapple slices to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: grilled pineapple, coconut ice cream, summer dessert, tropical treat, easy dessert