Aged Rum-Caramelized Pineapple Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet pineapple chunks caramelized in aged dark rum and brown sugar, grilled to smoky perfection for a tropical treat. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers aged dark rum, tablespoons brown sugar, tablespoons, melted unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup aged dark rum, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pineapple chunks evenly onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pineapple skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved rum mixture, until caramelized and slightly charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve warm as a tropical appetizer or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aged Rum-Caramelized Pineapple Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Aged Rum-Caramelized Pineapple Skewers?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aged Rum-Caramelized Pineapple Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aged Rum-Caramelized Pineapple Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aged Rum-Caramelized Pineapple Skewers?

Caribbean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.