Looking for a healthy summer dessert that’s easy, refreshing, and full of tropical flavor? These Vegan Grilled Pineapple “Nice Cream” Sundaes are a whole food plant-based treat you’ll want to make on repeat! Naturally sweet and dairy-free, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert – no refined sugar, no oil, and no guilt.

What Is Banana “Nice” Cream?

Banana “nice” cream is a vegan ice cream alternative made with just frozen bananas and vanilla extract. When blended, bananas become incredibly creamy – mimicking soft-serve ice cream without any dairy or added sugar. It’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying plant-powered and nutrient-dense.

How to Grill Pineapple for a Caramelized Flavor

Grilling fresh pineapple slices enhances their natural sweetness and adds a rich, caramelized flavor. Just grill each slice for 2–3 minutes per side until you see those beautiful grill marks. Don’t have a grill? A cast-iron skillet or your oven’s broiler works too!

Topping Ideas for the Perfect Vegan Sundae

Top your sundae with a drizzle of date syrup, toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs, or fresh berries. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger on the pineapple for a hint of spice. For extra fun, try layering the ingredients into a jar for a parfait-style presentation.

A Healthy Dessert the Whole Family Will Love

This grilled pineapple banana “nice” cream sundae is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of clean, delicious, plant-based eating. It’s perfect for backyard BBQs, family gatherings, or a cool treat on a warm day. With no dairy, added sugar, or processed ingredients, you can indulge freely while nourishing your body.

Other whole food plant-based recipes you might like:

Vegan Grilled Pineapple “Nice Cream” Sundaes

A good sundae is all about contrasts. In this case, warm caramelized pineapple, straight off the grill, forms a smoldering base for icy cold, creamy banana "nice" cream. Fruit brings all the sweetness to this party, so there's no need for added sugar. Fresh, whole ingredients are the not-so-secret to success. It’s simple but bold, refreshing but rich, and the kind of dessert that feels indulgent without weighing you down. Perfect for summer nights when you want something satisfying, but still light and clean.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 260kcal
Author: Hannah Kaminsky

Ingredients

Banana "Nice" Cream

Grilled Pineapple

  • 1 fresh pineapple  peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
  • Ground cinnamon or ground ginger for dusting

Optional Toppings

  • date syrup
  • toasted coconut flakes
  • chopped toasted nuts
  • cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips
  • fresh berries

Instructions

  • First, make the banana "nice" cream by placing the frozen banana slices in a food processor with the "s" blade attachment. Pulse a few times to begin breaking down the bananas, then blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container with your spatula as needed. Add the vanilla and blend to combine.
  • Transfer to a container and freeze for 10 – 25 minutes, until firm enough to scoop but not solid. If prepared too far in advance, it will become as hard as a block of ice. You can always re-blend the banana ice cream in case that happens.
  • To grill the pineapple, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the pineapple slices directly on the grill. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes per side, or until deeply caramelized with distinct grill marks.
  • Remove from the grill and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon or ginger.
  • When you're ready to assemble your sundaes, start with one or two rings of grilled pineapple in a shallow bowl per person. Top with a scoop or two of banana “nice” cream, then finish with as many toppings as your heart desires. Dig in right away, while the pineapple is still warm and the ice cream is still frosty!

Notes

Serving suggestion: For a tropical twist, try adding mango chunks or a swirl of passionfruit pulp to enhance the fruity flavor of your banana “nice” cream. Alternately, to spice things up, blend the banana with a pinch of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger for a chai-like vibe. 
Switch up the presentation by layering grilled pineapple chunks, banana “nice” cream, and your favorite toppings in a jar or glass to create a refreshing frozen parfait-style dessert.
Notes: If you don’t have a grill or grill pan handy, sauté the pineapple in a cast-iron skillet, or broil in the oven for similar results.
For a smoother banana “nice” cream, blend in a splash of unsweetened non-dairy milk if needed. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1sundae | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 753mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 154mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

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