Experience a dessert revolution! Glazed doughnuts are lightly grilled to perfection, then crowned with cinnamon-sugar-coated grilled pears. Finish this masterpiece with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream and a luxurious caramel drizzle for an utterly decadent sundae that will redefine your perception of dessert.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. This is especially true when the transformation involves a grill, a touch of cinnamon, and the unexpected star of the show: a glazed doughnut. Forget everything you thought you knew about sundaes. We’re about to embark on a culinary journey that blends warm, tender fruit, caramelized pastries, and classic ice cream indulgence into an unforgettable experience. This Grilled Doughnut and Pear Sundae is more than just a dessert; it’s an adventure for your taste buds, a perfect symphony of textures and flavors designed to delight.
A Culinary Escape: When Kitchen Creativity Shines
My enthusiasm for home improvement shows, particularly the real estate variety like Property Brothers, House Hunters, Fixer Upper, and Flip or Flop, is boundless. I could binge-watch episodes for hours, captivated by the transformations and the seemingly effortless design choices. It’s a wonderful escape, a peek into the lives of others creating their dream spaces. However, when it comes to translating that inspiration into my own home, my enthusiasm wanes considerably. I’ve lived in my current house for nearly a year, and the walls still largely echo our initial move-in day. DIY projects, especially those involving tools and extensive planning, often feel like a monumental task I’d rather delegate!
But my creative energy doesn’t disappear; it simply redirects. While I might not be a wizard with a paintbrush or a drill, my true passion ignites the moment I step into the kitchen. The kitchen is my sanctuary, my workshop, and my canvas. It’s where creativity flows freely, where ingredients combine in magical ways, and where the results are not just visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. This stark contrast is perhaps why I fell head over heels for this particular sundae recipe. It embodies the kind of creative “DIY” I excel at and genuinely love. It’s about taking simple components and, with a little imagination and a dash of heat, turning them into a show-stopping dessert that requires minimal effort for maximum impact.
The inspiration for this magnificent creation came from an unexpected source: my copy of Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. As I was leafing through the pages, searching for fresh ideas, this recipe immediately caught my eye. It was presented early in the magazine, almost as if it couldn’t wait to be discovered. And it’s easy to see why – it truly is the perfect dessert for the fall season, offering warmth, spice, and comfort in every bite.
The Art of Grilling for Dessert: Unexpected Flavors
The concept of grilling for dessert might seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer. Grilling adds a depth of flavor and a unique texture that simply cannot be achieved through other cooking methods. In this recipe, the grill works its magic on two key components: the glazed doughnuts and the fresh pears. The results are nothing short of spectacular, transforming familiar elements into something entirely new and exciting.
Transforming Glazed Doughnuts
First, let’s talk about the doughnuts. You might think, “Doughnuts are already perfect, why mess with them?” But trust me, a light grilling takes a simple glazed doughnut to an entirely new level. As the doughnut halves hit the warm grates, the glaze slightly caramelizes, creating a delicately crisp exterior while the interior becomes wonderfully soft and warm. This brief encounter with heat imparts a subtle smoky note and a delightful chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the doughnut’s inherent sweetness. It’s a revelation – a warm, slightly toasted, perfectly gooey foundation for your sundae.
Enhancing Pears with Cinnamon Sugar
Next up are the pears. Pears are a quintessential fall fruit, offering a delicate sweetness and a tender texture. But when sliced and coated in a simple cinnamon sugar mixture, then grilled, they become truly irresistible. The heat from the grill softens the pears further, intensifying their natural sugars and creating beautiful grill marks that add visual appeal. The cinnamon sugar mixture adheres to the pears, caramelizing into a delightful, spiced crust that hints at autumn flavors. This combination of warm, spiced, and slightly caramelized pears is the ideal complement to the grilled doughnut, introducing a fresh, fruity element with a comforting spice.
A word of caution: grilling items coated in sugar can lead to a sticky situation on your grill. The sugar can burn easily and cause some smoke, especially if your grill isn’t perfectly clean. I often opt for an indoor grill pan for convenience, and even then, quick attention is key to prevent excessive smoking. However, the grilling time for both the doughnuts and pears is relatively short, making it manageable. And I promise you, any minor clean-up is absolutely worth the incredible flavor and texture explosion you’re about to experience.
Building Your Decadent Sundae: A Symphony of Sweetness
Once your grilled doughnuts and cinnamon-sugar pears are ready, the assembly of this incredible sundae is swift and immensely satisfying. This is where all the wonderful components come together to create a dessert that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- The Foundation: Begin by placing a warm, grilled doughnut half, cut side up, onto a plate or into a sundae dish. The warmth of the doughnut will gently melt the forthcoming ice cream, creating a delightful interface of temperatures and textures.
- The Fruity Crown: Pile a generous portion of the sweet, spiced grilled pear slices over the doughnut. Their soft texture and aromatic cinnamon notes are the perfect counterpoint to the rich doughnut base.
- The Creamy Heart: Add a generous scoop (or two!) of high-quality vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream immediately begins to mingle with the warm pears and doughnut, creating that classic hot-and-cold dessert sensation that is so incredibly satisfying.
- The Golden Drizzle: To complete this masterpiece, generously drizzle the entire sundae with rich, flowing caramel sauce. The caramel adds another layer of decadent sweetness and a silky texture that ties all the elements together.
This sundae recipe is perfect for a special family night treat, an early fall gathering with friends, or simply when you’re craving something truly extraordinary. It comes together in mere minutes, and I guarantee your plate will be sparkling clean just as quickly. The combination of warm, soft, spiced, and creamy elements makes it an irresistible indulgence that everyone will adore. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch, or a dollop of whipped cream for even more luxury. The possibilities for customization are endless, but the core flavors remain a testament to simple ingredients transformed.
The beauty of this dessert lies not only in its innovative combination of flavors and textures but also in its surprising simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create something truly spectacular. With just a few staple ingredients and a grill (or grill pan!), you can whip up a dessert that feels luxurious and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation, brings smiles, and leaves a lasting impression long after the last spoonful has been savored.
So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that breaks the mold, one that marries comfort with a touch of culinary adventure, look no further than this Grilled Doughnut and Pear Sundae. It’s a testament to the joy of cooking and the endless possibilities that await in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and share this delightful creation with those you love. It’s a fall dessert experience you won’t soon forget!
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Grilled Doughnut and Pear Sundae Recipe
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 pears, cored and sliced
- 4 glazed doughnuts, split in half
- 8 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- caramel sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sugar and the cinnamon. Add the pear slices and stir to coat evenly.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill the pear slices, turning once, until tender and lightly caramelized (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Place the doughnut halves on the grill, cut side down, and grill for 1-2 minutes until warmed through and lightly toasted with subtle grill marks.
- To assemble each sundae, place a grilled doughnut half on a plate, grilled side up. Top with some of the warm grilled pears, then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create all 8 sundaes.
Recipe Notes:
Source: Every Day with Rachael Ray October 2014
For best results, use firm, ripe pears that will hold their shape on the grill, such as Bosc or Anjou. Adjust grilling time slightly based on the thickness of your pear slices and the heat of your grill.
While an outdoor grill provides a wonderful smoky flavor, an indoor grill pan works perfectly for this recipe, especially if weather isn’t cooperating or you prefer cooking indoors. Just be mindful of the sugar caramelizing.