Published: Jul 16, 2020 · Modified: Jan 2, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 36 Comments

Rum Raisin Pineapple Sundaes

Name: Rum Raisin Pineapple Sundaes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 6 TB salted butter; 1 C brown sugar (packed); 1/3 C rum; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 c raisins (golden and/or regular); 6 slices fresh pineapple (1/2" thick); 2 pints ice cream (rum raisin or vanilla); whipped cream (optional); additional raisins (optional)

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.

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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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