Easy (& Flameless!) Pineapple Foster Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and crave something tropical, then this Easy (& Flameless!) Pineapple Foster Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all the caramelized, spiced goodness of traditional Bananas Foster, but swaps out bananas for juicy pineapple rings and skips the intimidating flambé step completely. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, packed with vibrant flavors like cinnamon and brown sugar, enhanced by a warm rum-infused sauce—all perfectly grilled for just the right caramelized bites. Ready in about 20 minutes and effortlessly elegant, it’s the perfect dessert to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to a little tropical vacation at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the flavors just right in this Easy (& Flameless!) Pineapple Foster Recipe is all about using a handful of simple ingredients that bring sweetness, warmth, and that lovely tropical twist. Each component plays a part: the rum provides depth and a touch of spirited sweetness, the brown sugar and cinnamon create that classic caramelized flavor, and the pineapple offers fresh tanginess and juiciness that balances it all beautifully.

• 1/2 cup dark rum: Adds a rich, warming depth and a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings natural sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon: Infuses cozy warmth; reserve a little extra cinnamon for a final dusting if you want.
• 1 pineapple, cored and cut into rings: The star of the dish—choose the thickness you prefer for your grilled rounds.
• Cooking spray: Ensures your pineapple grills up with perfect caramelization without sticking.
• Favorite vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold contrast that makes this dessert irresistible when paired with warm pineapple and sauce.

How to Make Easy (& Flameless!) Pineapple Foster Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Pineapple

Start by mixing the dark rum, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl—that intoxicating blend of sweetness and spice is what sets this dish apart. Place your pineapple rings in a glass baking dish, pour the mixture over them, and toss gently so every slice gets evenly coated. Let them soak up all those flavors for at least 15 minutes, flipping the pineapple halfway through. This soaking step is pure magic because it infuses the pineapple with flavor and tenderizes it just right for grilling.

Step 2: Reduce the Rum Sauce

Once your pineapple has thoroughly soaked, strain out the extra rum syrup and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat, and then let it gently bubble away on a lower heat setting until it’s reduced by half—about 6 to 8 minutes. This reduction concentrates the flavors, making the sauce lush and syrupy, perfect for drizzling over your caramelized pineapple and melting ice cream.

Step 3: Grill the Pineapple

While the sauce is thickening, heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Lay the pineapple rings in the pan in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded so they caramelize evenly. Grill each side for 1 to 2 minutes until you see gorgeous grill marks and the pineapple softens slightly. The grilled pineapple develops a smoky sweetness that’s downright addictive. Repeat this process for all the rings and then transfer them to your serving plate.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Now the exciting part—top each warm pineapple ring with a generous scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Drizzle the reduced rum sauce over the top and, if you’d like, give it a little dusting of extra cinnamon to finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect bite of warm, caramelized pineapple paired with cold, creamy ice cream. This dish truly feels like a tropical celebration in every forkful.

How to Serve Easy (& Flameless!) Pineapple Foster Recipe

Garnishes

While the rum sauce and vanilla ice cream are stars of the show, a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor profile. Try sprinkling a pinch of toasted coconut flakes or chopped toasted pecans for added crunch and nuttiness. A sprig of fresh mint can add a vibrant, cooling note and brighten the plate visually, making your dessert look like it just came from a high-end tropical resort.

Side Dishes

Though pineapple foster shines as a dessert on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a memorable meal experience. Fresh fruit salad with citrus segments or a light coconut rice pudding can echo the tropical flavors and add textural contrast. Serving alongside a cup of hot coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea also creates a cozy balance of tastes and temperatures.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic plate presentation by turning this into a special occasion treat. Serve grilled pineapple rings stacked like a tower and drizzle sauce between each layer, topped with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For a fun twist, use the pineapple as a fancy ‘bowl’ by cutting a larger chunk to cradle the ice cream and sauce. Presentation is part of the joy, so experiment with colors and textures to delight the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though this dish tends to disappear fast), store the grilled pineapple and the reduced rum sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping them separate helps preserve the pineapple’s texture and prevents the sauce from making it soggy. They will stay fresh for up to two days.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled pineapple rings, but keep in mind that the texture might soften slightly upon thawing due to the fruit’s high water content. If you do freeze them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags. The rum sauce freezes well and can be thawed gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pineapple gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Warm the rum sauce separately on the stove or in the microwave to restore its luscious syrupy consistency. Once reheated, assemble with fresh ice cream for a dessert experience that almost tastes freshly made off the grill.

FAQs

Can I use light rum instead of dark rum?

Yes, you can substitute light rum if that’s what you have on hand, but dark rum adds richer, deeper flavors that complement the brown sugar and cinnamon more robustly. Light rum will make the dish a little lighter in taste but still delicious.

What if I don’t want to use alcohol?

No worries at all! Simply replace the rum with an equal amount of pineapple juice or orange juice. While it won’t have the alcohol’s warmth, the fruitiness will still blend nicely with the brown sugar and cinnamon for a tasty flameless treat.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based vanilla ice cream or sorbet in place of dairy ice cream, and you’re good to go. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly unless you opt for traditional vanilla ice cream.

How thick should I cut the pineapple rings?

About 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick works best—thick enough to hold up during grilling without falling apart, but thin enough to caramelize nicely and soak up the sauce flavors.

Can I use fresh pineapple chunks instead of rings?

Yes, fresh chunks work well, too! Just be mindful to keep the pieces similar in size so they grill evenly and soak up the marinade uniformly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy (& Flameless!) Pineapple Foster Recipe is my go-to when I want a dessert that’s impressive, tropical, and totally fuss-free. The combination of warm rum sauce, caramelized pineapple, and creamy ice cream is nothing short of heavenly—and the fact it doesn’t require flaming makes it beginner-friendly and perfect for any occasion. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be ready to make it again and again, sharing that vibrant tropical warmth with everyone around your table.

Print