Desserts From The Grill
Grilled pineapple and pound cake paired with vanilla ice cream create a delightful, caramel-flavored dessert perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup of juice and 6 pineapple slices.
- Save remaining juice and pineapple for another use.
- In a microwave dish, combine butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and the reserved pineapple juice.
- Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes or until bubbly.
- Brush half of the mixture on both sides of the pineapple rings and cake slices.
- On an uncovered grill over medium heat, cook pineapple and cake for 1-2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned, brushing occasionally with the pineapple mixture.
- Place slices of cake on a plate, top with a pineapple slice, add vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with caramel ice cream topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider grilling the pineapple and cake slices a bit longer, just until they caramelize. If you don't have pound cake, a dense sponge cake or even store-bought angel food cake can work as a substitute. You can also experiment with adding a splash of rum to the butter mixture for an adult twist. This dessert pairs beautifully with Simple Banana Pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this grilled dessert warm for the best experience. Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts for extra crunch. It also pairs well with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of your favorite sorbet. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can enhance the flavors as well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the pineapple and cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place them on a grill for a minute to regain their texture. Avoid reheating ice cream; it’s best served fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Desserts From The Grill contains roughly 458 calories, with 2g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be grilled just like the canned version. Just slice it thick enough to prevent it from falling apart on the grill. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, grilling until it’s caramelized and tender.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor and moisture. Alternatively, coconut sugar or honey can be used, but be mindful of the moisture content if you choose a liquid sweetener.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this dessert vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a vegan pound cake. For the ice cream, there are many delicious dairy-free alternatives available, like coconut or almond milk-based ice creams.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).