Grilled Pineapple Ice Cream Sundae

How to Make a Grilled Pineapple Ice Cream Sundae

When it comes to summertime desserts, nothing beats the combination of fresh fruit, creamy ice cream, and a touch of smokiness from the grill.

This Grilled Pineapple Ice Cream Sundae is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors, making it an irresistible sweet treat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something indulgent, this pineapple sundae will satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Sundae

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in fresh pineapple, caramelizing the sugars and adding a touch of smokiness.

Paired with vanilla ice cream, toasted coconut, macadamia nuts, and a drizzle of hot honey, this sundae delivers a tropical explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s simple to make and comes together in minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 Fresh Pineapple Slices
• 1 pint Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
• ½ cup Finely Chopped Macadamia Nuts
• ½ cup Toasted Coconut Flakes
• 2 tbsp Bachan’s BBQ Sauce
• Hot Honey, for drizzling

Optional for Skillet Cooking:

• 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
• ¼ cup Butter

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Pineapple Ice Cream Sundae

1. Prepare the Pineapple

Start by removing the tough outer skin from the fresh pineapple. Slice the pineapple into 1-inch thick slices.

To create that classic sundae presentation, core the pineapple using a pineapple peeler to remove the tough center. You can also use a shot glass to press the middle out if you don’t have a peeler.

2. Marinate the Pineapple

Drizzle Bachan’s BBQ Sauce over each pineapple slice, letting it sit for 2-3 minutes. This enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness and adds a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the toppings.

3. Grill the Pineapple

Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the pineapple slices on the grill in a single layer. Flip them every 2 minutes until they develop beautiful caramelized grill marks. The oil naturally present in the BBQ sauce helps create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

If using a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat, then cook the pineapple slices for about 3 minutes per side. Sprinkle brown sugar towards the end to enhance the caramelization.

4. Assemble Your Sundae

Once the pineapple is grilled, plate each slice as the base of your sundae. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Allowing it to slightly melt into the warm pineapple for a luscious texture.

Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and finely chopped macadamia nuts over the sundae for added crunch and tropical flavor. Finally, drizzle with hot honey to balance the flavors with a hint of heat and sweetness.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Sundae

• Use ripe pineapple – The riper the pineapple, the sweeter your sundae will be.
• Don’t skip the grill marks – The light charring adds a smoky caramelized flavor that elevates the dessert.
• Serve immediately – The contrast between the warm pineapple and the cold ice cream is what makes this dessert irresistible.
• Try different toppings – Feel free to experiment with caramel sauce, crushed graham crackers, or even a sprinkle of sea salt .

The Perfect Tropical Dessert

This Grilled Pineapple Ice Cream Sundae is a delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit in a dessert that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make.

The combination of caramelized pineapple, creamy vanilla ice cream, crunchy macadamia nuts, and the subtle heat from hot honey makes every bite pure bliss. Fire up the grill and give this tropical-inspired sundae a try. It’s bound to become a favorite at your next gathering!

Enjoy your pineapple sundae and happy grilling!

More recipes to try!

Be sure to try some of these other recipes before you serve up this Grilled Pineapple Ice Cream Sundae. All of these recipes are tested, approachable and family approved!

Appetizer Ideas

Any of these recipes below are super easy to make and they are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser!

Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon Jam – This smoky, creamy delight is topped with sweet and savory bacon jam for an irresistible spread. Perfect with crackers or crostini, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Hot Honey Candied Bacon Crackers – A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy. These addictive crackers feature crispy bacon, caramelized sugar, and a drizzle of hot honey for the ultimate bite-sized snack.

Bourbon Bacon Jam Wings – These wings are coated in a rich, smoky bourbon bacon jam glaze, delivering the perfect combination of crispy, sticky, and flavorful in every bite.

Street Corn Queso Dip – A creamy, cheesy dip infused with the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, roasted corn, cotija cheese, and a hint of spice.

Main Dishes Ideas

All of these main dishes are some of my most popular recipes! They’re unique, yet approachable recipes that will leave your guests craving more.

Smoked Sweet Honey Party Ribs – These fall-off-the-bone ribs are coated in a sticky-sweet honey glaze, slow-smoked to perfection, and packed with deep barbecue flavor.

Grilled Steak with Cowboy Butter – A juicy, flame-grilled steak served with a rich and buttery cowboy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat for a bold, flavorful experience.

Brisket Street Corn Tacos – Tender, smoky brisket meets the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, all wrapped in a warm tortilla for a taco bursting with rich and savory goodness.

Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers – Classic shrimp boil flavors on a skewer! Juicy shrimp, corn, and sausage grilled to perfection with Cajun seasoning for a quick and delicious meal.

Side Dishes Ideas

The sides below are all super easy to make and they’re designed to feed a crowd! Don’t be afraid to make 2 or 3 of these at your next gathering!

Smoked Mac & Cheese – A creamy, cheesy classic with a smoky twist! This mac & cheese is slow-smoked for extra depth of flavor and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.

BBQ Baked Beans – A rich and hearty side dish loaded with smoky barbecue flavors, crispy bacon, and a hint of sweetness for the ultimate backyard barbecue accompaniment.

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad – A fun twist on cowboy caviar. This pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, black beans, corn, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and zesty side.

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad – A creamy and flavorful potato salad featuring crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and fresh herbs. This dish is the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy goodness.

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