Ice Cream Sundae Pina Colada Recipe

Tropical Paradise: Ice Cream Sundae Pina Colada Recipe

Summers sizzle with tropical flavors when you blend a classic pina colada sundae into a delightful dessert.

Sweet, creamy textures dance with coconut and pineapple notes in every spoonful.

Cold and refreshing, this sundae brings vacation vibes right to your kitchen.

Rum-soaked pineapple chunks add a playful kick to the smooth vanilla base.

Each layer promises a burst of Caribbean-inspired delight.

The dessert combines classic sundae charm with exotic cocktail inspiration.

Prepare to indulge in a cool, creamy escape that transports you to sunny beaches with just one bite.

Ice Cream Sundae Pina Colada Dessert Dreams Await

  • Discover the magic of this Piña Colada Sundae!
  • Transport yourself to a sunny beach with one sip, blending refreshing tropical flavors that dance on your taste buds.
  • Swap ingredients or adjust rum levels to match your personal preference, making this drink perfect for any cocktail enthusiast.
  • Wow guests with a stunning dessert drink that looks professionally crafted but requires minimal preparation skills.
  • Ideal for summer gatherings, poolside events, or cocktail nights where you want something uniquely delicious and Instagram-worthy.

What’s in Ice Cream Sundae Pina Colada

Alcohol Base:
  • Light Rum: A smooth spirit that adds a classic tropical flavor to the piña colada.
Cream and Dairy:
  • Coconut Cream: Provides a rich, creamy texture and authentic tropical taste.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Creates a smooth, sweet base that complements the tropical flavors.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy topping that enhances the dessert's indulgence.
Fruit and Juice:
  • Pineapple Juice: Delivers a bright, sweet, and tangy tropical flavor to the drink.
Garnishes and Toppings:
  • Chocolate Sauce, Maraschino Cherry, Pineapple Slice: Provide visual appeal and extra layers of flavor.
Other Ingredients:
  • Crushed Ice: Helps create a smooth, chilled consistency for the drink.

Tools for Crafting Creamy Sundaes

  • Blender: Essential for mixing rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice into a smooth mixture.
  • Tall Glass: Perfect for serving and showcasing the colorful pina colada sundae.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure liquid ingredients for balanced flavors.
  • Spoon: Needed for scooping ice cream and enjoying the dessert.
  • Straw: Ideal for sipping the delicious pina colada base.
  • Knife: Used for slicing pineapple garnish.
  • Whipped Cream Dispenser or Can: Required for topping the sundae with fluffy cream.

How to Build an Ice Cream Sundae Pina Colada

Step 1: Blend Piña Colada Base

Combine light rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice in a blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy with no ice chunks.

Step 2: Pour Into Glass

Pour the piña colada mixture evenly into a tall, chilled glass, leaving space for the ice cream layer.

Step 3: Add Ice Cream

Gently place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, letting it float beautifully over the tropical base.

Step 4: Decorate with Toppings

Drizzle chocolate sauce over the ice cream and around the glass interior. Add a fluffy dollop of whipped cream on top.

Step 5: Garnish Elegantly

Top with a bright maraschino cherry and a fresh pineapple slice on the rim for a tropical flair.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Present with a straw and spoon, ready to enjoy this indulgent tropical dessert drink.

Tricks for a Tropical Sundae Experience

  • Choose a high-quality light rum for a smoother, more refined flavor profile in your piña colada base.
  • Freeze glasses beforehand to keep the sundae extra cold and prevent rapid melting of ice cream.
  • Use full-fat coconut cream for a richer, more authentic tropical taste and smoother texture.
  • Stabilize homemade whipped cream by adding a touch of powdered sugar to prevent quick deflation.
  • Experiment with toasted coconut flakes or fresh pineapple chunks for added texture and tropical flair.

Sundae Swaps and Flavor Ideas

  • Virgin Coconut Delight: Replace rum with coconut water for a non-alcoholic version, maintaining the tropical flavor profile while keeping it family-friendly.
  • Tropical Sorbet Swap: Substitute vanilla ice cream with pineapple or coconut sorbet for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that enhances the tropical essence.
  • Vegan Paradise Sundae: Use coconut milk ice cream, plant-based whipped cream, and skip the rum to create a completely vegan-friendly tropical dessert that's creamy and refreshing.
  • Gluten-Free Sunshine: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially checking chocolate sauce and whipped cream labels to make the sundae safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Best Ways to Serve Ice Cream Sundaes

  • Tropical Beach Party Platter: Create a vibrant platter with additional tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, and papaya slices surrounding the sundae for a colorful presentation.
  • Rum-Soaked Twist: Drizzle extra rum around the glass rim or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for an enhanced adult dessert experience.
  • Festive Glass Decor: Use a tall hurricane glass or tiki-style glass to capture the tropical cocktail vibe, making the sundae look more authentic and fun.
  • Pineapple Boat Serving: Serve the sundae inside a hollowed-out fresh pineapple for an Instagram-worthy tropical presentation that enhances the fruity theme.

Sundae Storage for Make-Ahead Treats

  • Store leftover pina colada mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the ice cream to prevent melting and dilution.
  • Pour remaining pina colada liquid into ice cube trays or freezer-safe container. Freeze for future cocktail or smoothie use, lasting up to 1 month.
  • When ready to enjoy again, let refrigerated mixture sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Stir gently to restore original consistency before adding fresh ice cream.
  • Keep unused whipped cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator, consuming within 2 days for best taste and texture.

FAQs

  • What makes the Piña Colada base creamy?

The combination of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice creates a smooth, velvety texture when blended together, giving the base its rich and creamy consistency.

  • Can I make this dessert without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply replace the light rum with additional pineapple juice or coconut water to maintain the tropical flavor profile while keeping it non-alcoholic.

  • What type of ice cream works best for this recipe?

Vanilla ice cream is traditional, but you can experiment with coconut or pineapple-flavored ice cream to enhance the tropical theme and add more depth to the dessert.

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Ice Cream Sundae Pina Colada Recipe

Ice Cream Sundae Pina Colada Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Tropical pina colada ice cream sundae brings Caribbean flair to classic dessert. Creamy coconut and pineapple layers create refreshing summer treat you’ll crave after each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Alcohol and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces (57 grams) light rum
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) coconut cream
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) pineapple juice

Base and Texture Ingredients:

  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish
  • 1 pineapple slice, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chill a tall glass in the freezer for optimal serving temperature.
  2. In a blender, thoroughly mix light rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice until smooth and frothy at high speed for about 30 seconds.
  3. Pour the blended tropical mixture into the chilled glass, filling approximately two-thirds of the glass.
  4. Carefully slide a scoop of vanilla ice cream directly onto the piña colada liquid, allowing it to partially sink but maintain a floating appearance.
  5. Artfully drizzle chocolate sauce in a zigzag pattern over the ice cream and around the inner glass edges for visual appeal.
  6. Crown the dessert with a lavish layer of whipped cream, creating soft peaks and texture.
  7. Strategically position a vibrant maraschino cherry at the summit of the whipped cream.
  8. Accent the glass rim with a fresh pineapple slice, slightly tilted for an elegant presentation.
  9. Accompany the sundae with both a straw and long-handled spoon for convenient enjoyment.
  10. Serve immediately while the mixture remains chilled and ice cream is perfectly semi-melted.

Notes

  • Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base without ice chunks for the perfect texture.
  • Use high-quality coconut cream and fresh pineapple juice to enhance the tropical flavor profile and authenticity.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with coconut water or additional pineapple juice to maintain the tropical essence.
  • Choose premium vanilla ice cream with real vanilla beans for a richer, more indulgent dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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