Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Irresistibly Sweet Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Tropical breezes whisper through my kitchen when I craft this brown sugar grilled pineapple delight that promises pure summer magic.

Sweet caramelization dances across golden fruit slices, creating a sensational dessert experience.

Juicy rings sizzle with golden-brown edges, promising a mouthwatering treat that feels both elegant and rustic.

Crisp grill marks tell stories of smoky sweetness waiting to surprise you.

Summer gatherings demand spectacular desserts that everyone remembers, and these pineapple slices deliver pure joy.

Minimal ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few simple techniques.

Savor each bite and let this easy recipe become your new warm-weather favorite.

Pro Tips for Juicy, Caramelized Pineapple Rings

  • Marinate Wisely: Let pineapple sit in the glaze for exactly 10 minutes to absorb maximum flavor without becoming soggy.
  • Prevent Sticking: Always lightly oil grill grates before placing pineapple to ensure perfect grill marks and easy removal.
  • Check Caramelization: Watch closely during grilling to achieve golden-brown color without burning the delicate fruit.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat for even caramelization and perfect grilling results.
  • Serve Creatively: Pair with vanilla ice cream or dust with extra cinnamon for a delightful dessert experience.

How to Save Grilled Pineapple for Later

  • Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Warm the pineapple slices directly on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side. This method helps restore the caramelized texture and smoky flavor.
  • Quickly reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent mushiness and loss of texture.
  • Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or as a sweet side dish. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon for added warmth.

What to Serve with Brown Sugar Pineapple

  • Blend tropical coconut rum, fresh pineapple juice, and a touch of cream for a decadent drink that mirrors the dessert's sweet, caramelized flavors.
  • Whip rich mascarpone with vanilla bean paste, creating a luxurious, silky accompaniment that complements the grilled pineapple's warmth and sweetness.
  • Bake buttery, crisp almond cookies that provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft, caramelized pineapple, adding a pleasant crunch to each bite.
  • Brew a warming chai tea with aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon, echoing the dessert's spice profile and offering a comforting, complementary beverage.

Pineapple Recipe Ideas You’ll Want to Try

  • Tropical Vegan Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based version that maintains rich, sweet flavors.
  • Citrus Kick Variation: Add orange zest and a splash of rum to the marinade for an elevated Caribbean-inspired grilled pineapple experience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the brown sugar, and use alternative spices like cardamom for added complexity.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly dessert that keeps the caramelized essence.

Got Pineapple Questions? Here’s Your Guide

  • Can I use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe?

You can use both fresh and canned pineapple. Fresh pineapple gives a more vibrant flavor, while canned pineapple works well if fresh isn’t available. Just ensure the pineapple slices are thick enough to hold up on the grill.

  • Do I need a grill to make this recipe?

While a grill is ideal, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or a preheated broiler in your oven. The key is to get those caramelized marks and enhance the pineapple’s natural sweetness.

  • How ripe should the pineapple be?

Choose a pineapple that’s golden-yellow with a sweet aroma at the base. It should be firm but yield slightly when pressed. Overripe pineapples might become too soft on the grill.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade and coat the pineapple slices in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fruit more deeply.

Why Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Tastes So Good

  • Whips up in just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for quick dessert cravings.
  • Transforms simple pineapple into a caramelized masterpiece with minimal cooking skills required, making it ideal for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings.
  • Serves as a stunning dessert, side dish, or topping for ice cream, appealing to both kids and adults with its rich, warm flavors and simple preparation.
  • Uses common pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon to create an impressive dish without complex shopping or complicated techniques.

What You Need for Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar

Sweet Marinade and Glaze:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create a golden caramelized exterior.
  • Butter, Melted: Creates a rich, smooth base for the glaze and helps prevent sticking.
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with its rich, sweet undertone.
Fruit Base:
  • Pineapple: Fresh, ripe fruit with natural sugars that caramelize beautifully when grilled, providing a juicy and sweet base.
Grilling Essentials:
  • Cooking Oil: Prevents pineapple from sticking to grill grates and helps achieve nice char marks.

Grilling Pineapple with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Create Delectable Glaze

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Blend ingredients until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 2: Coat Pineapple Slices

Place pineapple slices into a shallow container or resealable plastic bag. Pour glaze over fruit, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage. Allow pineapple to absorb flavors for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare Grilling Surface

Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature. Lightly brush grill grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy fruit removal.

Step 4: Grill Pineapple Slices

Transfer pineapple pieces from marinade directly onto hot grill. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, rotating to create beautiful caramelized grill marks. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer grilled pineapple onto serving plate. Optional garnish ideas:
  • Vanilla ice cream scoop
  • Additional ground cinnamon sprinkle
  • Fresh mint leaves

Serve immediately while warm and slightly crispy.

Print
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Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet caramelized Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple elevates summer desserts with tropical charm. Warm sugary slices melt in your mouth, offering a simple yet elegant finale to any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into spears or rings (454 grams)

Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, aromatic glaze.
  2. Arrange pineapple slices in a shallow container, gently cascading the prepared glaze over the fruit and ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated. Allow the tropical fruit to absorb the sweet marinade for approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Ignite the grill to medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment. Delicately brush the grates with oil to prevent potential sticking.
  4. Carefully transfer the glossy pineapple slices onto the heated grill, positioning them to achieve optimal caramelization and distinctive char marks. Rotate each slice after 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
  5. Once the pineapple exhibits a beautifully caramelized surface and enticing grill lines, transfer to a serving platter. Enhance the dessert by accompanying with a luxurious scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or sprinkling additional ground cinnamon for an extra aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Tenderize pineapple slices before grilling by cutting them slightly thicker (around 1/2 inch) to maintain juiciness and prevent breaking during cooking.
  • Enhance caramelization by ensuring pineapple is patted dry before grilling, which helps create beautiful golden-brown grill marks and intensifies natural sugars.
  • Transform this dessert into a dairy-free option by substituting butter with coconut oil, which adds a subtle tropical flavor and keeps the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Elevate presentation by garnishing with toasted coconut flakes or chopping grilled pineapple to top yogurt, pancakes, or use as a salsa for grilled meats.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks, Breakfast
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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