Sweet Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Sweet Caramelized Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Nothing beats the tropical delight of sweet brown sugar grilled pineapple that caramelizes into a golden, irresistible treat.

Juicy pineapple slices dance with rich brown sugar, creating a mouthwatering dessert that sings of summer.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between tangy fruit and deep caramel notes.

The grill adds a smoky char that elevates this simple dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Flames kiss the fruit, creating gorgeous grill marks and intensifying its natural sweetness.

Serve this delectable dessert warm and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.

Summer nights were made for this sweet, smoky indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

For Glaze:
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps brown sugar caramelize beautifully.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness that transforms the pineapple's flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements the fruit's natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor complexity with its smooth, sweet undertones.
For Fruit Base:
  • Fresh Pineapple: Select ripe, golden pineapple with a sweet aroma and firm texture for best grilling results.
For Optional Serving Extras:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, caramelized grilled pineapple.
  • Extra Cinnamon: Offers an additional sprinkle of warm spice for those who love intense flavor.

Tools You’ll Need For Grilled Pineapple

  • Grill: Essential for creating caramelized, smoky pineapple slices.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the delicious brown sugar glaze.
  • Shallow dish or large zip-top bag: Great for marinating pineapple in the sweet mixture.
  • Tongs: Helpful for safely turning pineapple slices on the grill.
  • Pastry brush (optional): Useful for evenly coating pineapple with glaze.
  • Knife: Needed to slice the pineapple into even pieces.

Steps To Make Grilled Pineapple

  • Whip Up the Magical Glaze

Blend melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla into a silky smooth mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Shower Pineapple with Flavor

Drench fresh pineapple slices in the decadent glaze, letting them soak up all the sweet goodness for about 10 minutes.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to medium-high heat and give the grates a quick oil massage to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Grill to Caramelized Perfection

Lay those glistening pineapple slices on the grill, transforming them into golden-edged treasures. Sizzle each side for 2-3 minutes until gorgeous grill marks appear and edges turn a deep, caramel brown.

  • Serve with Sweet Excitement

Plate the grilled pineapple while it’s warm and provocative. For an extra indulgence, crown it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon magic.

Tips And Swaps For Grilled Pineapple

  • Grill Master Technique: Pat pineapple slices completely dry before grilling to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent excessive steaming.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the brown sugar glaze up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick marinating when ready to grill.
  • Dietary Swap Options: Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar for a lower-sugar alternative.
  • Indoor Cooking Hack: No grill? Use a grill pan or broiler to achieve similar caramelized results with the same delicious flavors.
  • Flavor Boost Trick: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the glaze for a unique twist on the classic grilled pineapple recipe.

Serving Ideas For Grilled Pineapple

  • Sweet Summer Dessert Companion: Pair the grilled pineapple with creamy vanilla ice cream for a luxurious hot-cold contrast that melts beautifully on the warm fruit.
  • Tropical Breakfast Twist: Chop the grilled pineapple and serve atop fluffy pancakes or waffles, drizzling any remaining glaze as a delectable syrup alternative.
  • Elegant Party Platter: Arrange the caramelized pineapple slices on a wooden board with dollops of whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, and a light dusting of cinnamon for an impressive presentation that guests will adore.
  • Quick Breakfast Boost: Layer the grilled pineapple slices over Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a protein-packed morning treat that feels indulgent yet nutritious.

How To Store Grilled Pineapple Right

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the slices separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual pineapple slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen grilled pineapple stays fresh for 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to retain its juicy flavor.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the brown sugar glaze ahead of time and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. This saves time when you're ready to grill and adds convenience to your cooking routine.
  • Serving Suggestion: Transform leftover grilled pineapple into a delicious topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or blend into smoothies for an extra burst of tropical sweetness. These versatile slices can elevate multiple dishes beyond their original grilling moment.
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Sweet Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Sweet Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Grilled pineapple with brown sugar creates a caramelized tropical dessert that elevates summer gatherings. Sweet, tangy slices offer a simple yet elegant finale to barbecue meals you will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into spears or rings)
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Glaze Preparation: Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until a glossy, unified mixture forms, releasing a rich, aromatic essence.
  2. Pineapple Marination: Thoroughly coat pineapple slices with the prepared glaze, ensuring each piece is completely enveloped in the sweet, spiced mixture, allowing flavors to meld for 10 minutes.
  3. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, meticulously oiling the grates to prevent sticking and create optimal grilling conditions.
  4. Grilling Process: Carefully place marinated pineapple slices on the heated grill, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes to develop caramelized char marks and intensify the fruit’s natural sweetness.
  5. Serving Finale: Transfer golden-edged pineapple slices to a serving platter, crowning with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of cinnamon to elevate the dessert’s complexity and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Marinate with Precision: Let pineapple soak in the brown sugar glaze exactly 10 minutes – no longer to prevent fruit from becoming too soggy or losing its natural texture.
  • Control Grill Temperature: Keep medium-high heat around 375-400°F to caramelize sugars without burning the delicate pineapple slices, creating perfect golden-brown char marks.
  • Prep Fruit Carefully: Select ripe, firm pineapple with minimal soft spots and slice uniformly (about 1/2 inch thick) to ensure even grilling and consistent caramelization across all pieces.
  • Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with alternative spices like nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon, or swap vanilla for rum extract to create unique taste profiles that complement different dessert styles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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