Rum raisin ice cream sundaes with grilled pineapple and a homemade brown sugar caramel rum sauce are so decadent. The boozy treat we all need in our life. The easy recipe for an amazing Bacardi rum sauce is the star of this rum raisin ice cream delight. Drizzle it over vanilla or rum raisin ice cream that is scooped on top of a juicy grilled pineapple slice. The perfect combination of flavors reminiscent of a tropical vacation hit your tastebuds. No better way to have an island staycation than making this recipe all summer long.
Before we start getting into the makings for this sweet treat, let's make sure you enjoy this to the fullest. Also, do not worry, this can be kid-friendly or alcohol-free with a small tweak. But also if you want to boost up the rum party, one extra step can make this a serious party. Continue on and I will share how to adjust and make this the perfect rum raisin ice cream sundae that everyone will love.
Rum Raisin Pineapple Sundae
Does Rum Raisin Ice Cream have Alcohol?
Here in the United States, rum raisin ice cream may or may not contain alcohol. Most store-bought brands or ice cream shops make their ice cream by soaking the raisins in a bit of rum. That is typically the only place the rum is used in the recipe. Some brands may use "rum flavoring" which doesn't contain any alcohol. If you want to know if what you purchase has or does not have alcohol, check the label for the list of ingredients. Most of the time the final ingredient in the list is rum, such as here where you can view the rum raisin ice cream label for the Haagen Daz brand - probably one of the most popular here.
How to Make Rum Raisin Pineapple Sundaes
The ingredients needed for these amazing sundaes include fresh pineapple, vanilla or rum raisin ice cream, Bacardi, and a few more items to make the rum raisin caramel sauce. Using brown sugar is key to making a rich buttery caramel sauce that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart fresh pineapple. Here is what you need.
Ingredients needed
How to Slice a Fresh Pineapple
- To start, cut off the top and the bottom of the pineapple.
- Next, trim the outer edges by cutting down slowly along the outside to remove the spikey skin and the "eyes". As long as you cannot feel the skin or eyes if you run your hand down the edge, you have trimmed off enough. You may lose some pineapple flesh but this is the best way to ensure you cut deep enough to get all the rough outsides off.
- Turn the pineapple on its side and now cut ½" slices to make large round slices.
- If you have a corer, you can use that now to remove the inside core. If not, just use a sharp knife to remove the inner circles.
Slice the pineapple
How to Grill Pineapple Slices
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Sear each slice for about 5 minutes on each side. Keep the grill lid open so that they cook on the outside but do not "bake" through and become too soft and soggy. You want them to still be firm enough to hold up as the base for the sundaes but soft enough to be able to break apart with your spoon as you eat. Once they are done, let them cool and put them in the refrigerator so they are cool. The last thing you want is your ice cream to melt immediately if you scooped it onto hot pineapple.
- FOR ADDED RUM FLAVOR - drizzle the grilled pineapple with some rum while it is cooling. It will infuse into the fruit and make for a boozier dessert ready for any party menu!
Grill the pineapple slices
Make the Homemade Caramel Rum Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Mix to combine and melt.
Start the rum raisin caramel sauce
Add the rum and the vanilla extract. (leave out the rum if you want this alcohol free) Whisk together and cook on medium-high heat. Make sure you stir constantly as this will start off thin but thicken soon.
It will start off thin
Stir constantly and continue to cook for about 7-10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and reduce to about half. It will be bubbly and a richer color once it is ready. To test for doneness, dip a spoon into the sauce and let cool about 5 seconds. It should coat the back of the spoon and then swipe your finger along the back of the spoon. It should wipe clean down where you swiped and stay that way and be thick like the image below.
It is ready once the back of a spoon will coat and wipe clean
Turn off the burner, add the raisins to the sauce. Stir to combine and set aside while you assemble the sundaes.
Add raisins to the sauce
Assemble the Sundaes
The last step is to plate a slice of pineapple, scoop on the ice cream, and drizzle with the warm rum raisin caramel sauce. For added fun, you can squirt on whipped cream and sprinkle with more raisins! OH YEAH! The flavor is simply amazing!
Rum Raisin Pineapple Sundaes
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Rum Raisin Pineapple Sundaes PIN
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Rum Raisin Pineapple Sundaes
Ingredients
- 6 TB salted butter
- 1 C brown sugar packed
- ⅓ C rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ c raisins golden and/or regular
- 6 slices fresh pineapple ½" thick
- 2 pints ice cream rum raisin or vanilla
- whipped cream optional
- additional raisins optional
Instructions
- Cut pineapple into slices as instructed above.
- Grill each pineapple slice over medium heat on your barbecue. (a grill pan indoors on your stove can be used also) Sear each side with the lid open on your grill for about 3-5 minutes each. You want the pineapple to be cooked but not too soft. This way it will hold up to the rest of the sundae ingredients.
- Place the cooked pineapple slices in the refrigerator while you make the rum sauce. This way they will be cool and not melt your ice cream once you start assembling.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and whisk to dissolve. Add the rum and vanilla and whisk to combine. Continue to cook over medium-high heat and stir constantly.
- Continue to stir and cook about 7-10 minutes. This will bubble and start to thicken. Cook the sauce until it is reduced by about half. It is ready when you dip a spoon into the sauce and it coats the back of the spoon. If you let it cool a few seconds and then drag your finger carefully down the back of the spoon, a trail should be left in the middle of it if it is thick enough. Remove from heat.
- To assemble the sundaes, place a slice of pineapple on a plate. Top with a scoop of ice cream and then drizzle on the rum raisin sauce. Add whipped cream and additional raisins if desired.
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Diane says
I have been wanting to try grilled pineapple and I think this might be the perfect way. I have never had rum raisin ice cream, but It sounds like something I would enjoy. I just happen to have a bottle of Bacardi!
Angela says
Well, it sounds like this is a great recipe for you to try.
Beth says
Rum raisin is my favorite fudge of all time (and the best was handmade fudge from Canterbury Cathedral, England) so these look like a winner for sure! Starting with fresh pineapple is inspired, too.
Angela says
Oh, I hope you try this and enjoy it with some fresh Hawaiian pineapple and finish with some great rum raisin memories.
Erin says
This looks absolutely incredible!! I can't wait to try it. All of your recipes look amazing.
Angela says
Thank you for the kind words, Erin. I hope you enjoy this fun sundae.
Sabrina DeWalt says
Wow! This sounds amazing.
Adrienne says
Oh wow, this looks amazing! A great break from the ordinary for a delicious summer treat.
christina d taylor says
Sooo...this looks so amazing. I can't even handle it. lol
Angela says
I hope you give it a try.
Jessica says
Yum! Anything with grilled pineapple is delicious in my book!
Sarah says
Ok well this looks absolutely heavenly!! Anything pineapple and I'm game! A great summer treat!
Beth Shields says
These look absolutely delicious, rich and yet refreshing. Thanks for the recipe!
Amanda says
Looks like something you'd order at a restaurant!
Santana says
What a combo! I never would have thought to put raisins and ice cream together, but I can see how it would work!
Barbara says
Looks great!
Eva Keller says
This is an awesome recipe! I'm sure using the pineapple as the base instead of like a bread pudding or brownies saves a ton of calories, but still gives the added texture that ice cream alone can't give.
Angela says
Yes, pineapple and ice cream are a great flavor and texture combination. Then add the sticky gooey caramel with rum raisins and wow, everything wonderful is going on!
Judean says
I am not a raisin fan but everything else sounds delicious!
Stephanie says
I’ll take the sauce without rum and raisins. 😂
Angela says
The caramel sauce is pretty amazing so without the two it is likely still really good.
Cindy Mailhot says
You had me at grilled pineapple...add the rest and I am in heaven.
Michelle says
Wow, I didn't know you could make your own rum syrup! That is so cool!
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
This is such an amazing treat! I love pineapple and ice cream 🙂
Angela says
We do too, pineapple milkshakes are so yummy too.
Lina says
Yum! I can't wait to try this one out. Grilled pineapple and ice cream. delish!
Rachel Nelson says
I've never had rum raisin before, but this looks delicious!
Patrice says
This looks so yummy and perfect for the summer. Thanks for all the pineapple tips.
Angela says
I am glad - how to cut pineapple tips helped you.
Anindya Sundar Basu says
My entire family has a sweet tooth and this will be enjoyed by all Will try this .
Jacqueline Debono says
This is a great summer dessert! I love rum and raisin ice cream and this takes it to a whole new level!
Angela says
So glad you love this rum raisin ice cream dessert.
Travel Clans says
I LOVE a good sundae! gonna try it this weekend!
Kez says
I like the idea of recreating these sort of popular flavours yourself at home. I never thought of adding pineapple to rum and raisin and it seems like a very interesting combination.
Ana Smith says
Yummy,!
I must try this on Sunday since I'm not working on that day... I can hardly wait!
Mrs d says
At first I thought, what a strange combination, but the more I read, the more I wanted to eat it. Thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely be trying this.