Tropical Delight: Mastering Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream & Caramel

Hello, wonderful readers! I’m thrilled to be back (even if it’s just for a moment!) and, as always, I’m bringing a touch of tropical bliss with my favorite ingredient: coconut. Life with a newborn is a beautiful whirlwind of joy and endless activity, leaving little time for much else. Yet, I’m committed to popping in once a week to share a delightful recipe. Thank you for embracing the incredible guest posts from my blogger friends; they’re truly helping me maximize this precious time with our newest family member.

These initial weeks with our little Elliott have been an extraordinary journey—challenging, yes, but overwhelmingly fulfilling. I now truly understand what it means when people say motherhood is the most demanding yet most rewarding job on earth. I am absolutely enchanted to be his mom, cherishing every moment as I get to know him and care for him.

While my time in the kitchen has been limited, the desire to bake has been strong ever since we returned home. It’s astonishing how someone who sleeps 18-20 hours a day can keep you so wonderfully busy!

But amidst the beautiful chaos, I’ve found my culinary sanctuary on the grill. If you recall, I’ve been completely enamored with our new KitchenAid grill all summer long. It’s been a fun reversal of roles, with me taking the helm a few nights a week, much to my husband’s surprise. Grilling also offers a fantastic solution for quick dinners, a true lifesaver when you have a newborn. Initially, my grilling adventures focused on savory delights, like these incredibly flavorful hot dogs with grilled corn relish and mouth-watering grilled heirloom tomato pizzas. However, it wasn’t long before my sweet tooth took over, and I shifted my focus to desserts. I started with simple grilled fruits and gradually moved on to more ambitious grilled pies (this I Am Baker recipe for grilled peach pie is phenomenal!). But today, we’re zeroing in on the sheer perfection of this grilled pineapple with coconut ice cream.

The Art of Grilling Fruit: Elevating Simple Flavors

Grilling fruit is, without a doubt, one of the best techniques to intensify its natural juices and flavors. The heat of the grill caramelizes the fruit’s sugars, creating a beautiful char and a depth of flavor that raw fruit simply can’t achieve. This process brings out an inherent sweetness and a subtle smoky note, transforming an ordinary piece of fruit into an extraordinary dessert experience. You can grill a wide variety of fruits, from succulent pineapples and juicy watermelons to tender peaches and vibrant mangoes. Each fruit responds differently to the heat, developing unique textures and taste profiles that are truly captivating.

Our Star Dessert: Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream

For this particular grilled pineapple dessert, I carefully selected fresh, ripe pineapple slices. Their natural sweetness is already a delight, but grilling takes them to an entirely new level. Each slice is brushed with a hint of rum—yes, we’re adding a little spirited kick! (Coconut rum works exceptionally well here for an extra tropical punch). The warmth of the grilled pineapple, infused with that subtle rum essence, then meets a generous scoop of creamy coconut ice cream. It’s like a deconstructed pina colada in dessert form, an absolute dream for anyone craving tropical flavors. I personally used some homemade coconut marshmallow fluff ice cream I had on hand, but feel free to use your favorite store-bought coconut ice cream or even vanilla if you prefer a less intense coconut profile. To complete this masterpiece, I drizzled it with rich caramel sauce and sprinkled it with crunchy toasted coconut flakes. The result? A simple, easy-to-prepare dessert bursting with tropical flavors. The harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, creamy, and crunchy elements in this summer night treat is truly remarkable.

Beyond Pineapple: Grilling Peaches and Other Fruits

But what if pineapples aren’t your preference? Fear not, the world of grilled fruit is vast and accommodating! Peaches, for instance, grill beautifully. Their delicate flesh softens and their natural sugars caramelize, creating a juicy, tender delight. Enjoy grilled peaches with your favorite ice cream and a luscious caramel sauce, much like the pineapple. My husband can be a bit particular about his desserts, so I often prepare a variety. Offering different grilled fruits and toppings for guests creates a fun, interactive dessert bar where everyone can assemble their own personalized plates. Imagine grilled peaches, bananas, or even watermelon alongside the pineapple, each offering a unique flavor and texture profile to explore. This variety ensures there’s something to please every palate.

Consider other fruits for your grilling repertoire:

Watermelon: Grilling takes the refreshing sweetness of watermelon to a new dimension, adding a smoky char that’s surprisingly delightful.
Mango: The vibrant, tropical notes of mango become even more intense and caramelized on the grill, perfect for a exotic twist.
Bananas: Grilled bananas become incredibly soft and sweet, ideal for serving with ice cream, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Figs: For a more sophisticated dessert, grilled figs with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a dollop of mascarpone are divine.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Fruit

To ensure your grilled fruit turns out perfectly every time, here are a few simple tips:

Choose Ripe, Firm Fruit: While ripeness is key for flavor, choose fruits that are still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill. Overly soft fruit might fall apart.
Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill is essential for getting a good sear and caramelization without overcooking the fruit. Aim for medium-high heat.
Clean and Oil the Grates: Before placing your fruit, ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. This prevents sticking and helps create those appealing grill marks.
Slice Appropriately: Cut fruit into slices or halves that are thick enough not to fall through the grates but thin enough to cook relatively quickly.
Keep an Eye on It: Fruit sugars can burn quickly. Stay attentive and grill for just a few minutes per side until you see beautiful grill marks and a slight softening.
Enhance Flavors: While grilling enhances flavor on its own, a light brush of honey, maple syrup, rum, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add another layer of deliciousness.

This simple yet elegant dessert is a testament to how the grill can transform everyday ingredients into something truly special. It’s perfect for a summer evening, a backyard barbecue, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Yield: 4 servings

Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream and Caramel

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Total Time
15 minutes

Ingredients

6-8 fresh Pineapple Slices
3-4 fresh peaches, cut in half
1-2 tablespoons rum (coconut rum if you have it; optional)
1/2 pint coconut ice cream
1/4 cup caramel sauce
toasted coconut flakes, for topping

Instructions

Heat up your grill for 10-15 minutes.
Place your pineapple slices and peaches on the grill. Grill on each side for 2-3 minutes until your desired consistency, looking for lovely grill marks and slight softening.
Brush the warm grilled fruits with rum (optional).
Plate the grilled fruits and top generously with a scoop of coconut ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Making this Recipe?

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As grilling season winds down, make sure you seize the opportunity to try these sensational grilled fruit desserts! Whether it’s the tropical allure of pineapple and coconut or the sweet comfort of grilled peaches, you absolutely will not regret it. They’re a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer one last time. Happy grilling!