Last Updated on October 12, 2021 by Anne-Marie

This grilled pineapple Tropical Ice Cream Sandwich recipe is a unique dessert. Make these for parties and cookouts that have a Hawaiian luau theme.

Why this recipe works

These ice cream sandwiches are somewhat of a guilt free treat. That's because they're made with healthy pineapple, unsweetened toasted coconut, and your favorite vanilla ice cream.

What’s nice about making these ice cream sandwiches is that it’s a naturally gluten free ice cream sandwich recipe.

Since one tropical ice cream sandwich is cut in half to make two servings, it makes a a cute romantic dessert.

Or they’re perfect for warm weather snacking! You can make them as an afternoon snack for the kids, since it only uses 1/2 cup of ice cream per serving.

How to make a Tropical Ice Cream Sandwich

Buying and cutting up pineapple

First, if you’re unsure about how to pick and slice up a fresh pineapple, I found this video on how to buy and cut up a pineapple very helpful.

Grilling the pineapple

Don’t want to fire up your outdoor grill when making this homemade ice cream sandwich recipe?

Try cooking up the slices of fresh pineapple on a stovetop grill pan or a countertop electric grill.

Electric grills are also terrific for grilling burgers, panini sandwiches, grilled cheese, and more.

How to make shredded coconut

This ice cream sandwich dessert recipe uses unsweetened shredded coconut.

Here’s how to make your own:

1. Place unsweetened shredded coconut in an already warm non-stick skillet.

2. Continue to cook coconut on low medium heat until the coconut starts to brown.

3. Stir the coconut frequently. Keep an eye on it as the coconut can start to burn before you know it!

4. As soon as the coconut has browned a bit, dump it out on a plate. Then cool it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before adding it to your Tropical Ice Cream Sandwich.

If you’re not crazy about coconut, you can leave it out or substitute crushed cookies, cake sprinkles, or decorative sugar. (Not as healthy, but still fun.)

Assembling the ice cream sandwiches

When putting together the tropical ice cream sandwiches, keep everything (ingredients, plates and utensils) cold as possible.

Otherwise, you’ll have a melty mess on your hands!

Go dairy free!

You can make these easy ice cream sandwiches dairy free by using soy or coconut ice cream.

Even a dairy free fruit sorbet would work.

How to store ice cream sandwiches

Here’s the best way to store the tropical pineapple sandwiches so they stay fresh in the freezer:

1. Make up a batch of Tropical Ice Cream Sandwiches in advance to when you want to eat them, like for a party. (You can make about four sandwiches per quart of ice cream or sorbet.)

2. Then wrap your vanilla ice cream sandwiches in heavy duty foil.

3. Place the wrapped in a plastic baggie. Press out as much air as possible and seal.

4. Keep them in the freezer until serving time.

More kid friendly desserts

Looking for more desserts that your children will love? Check these out:

This Watermelon Pizza is guilt free since it’s made with fruit.

These Ice Cream Cones Cupcakes don’t melt since the “ice cream” is made from frosting.

This Easy Mardi Gras King Cakes Recipe with Cream Cheese Cinnamon Filling is made with crescent dough.

Everyone loves Rice Flour Snickerdoodles Cookies.

Try these colorful red, white and blue Oreo Balls.

Originally posted on August 27, 2015. Updated with new pictures and information.