Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Sweet Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe: Summer’s Golden Treat

Tropical breezes carry the sweet aroma of brown sugar grilled pineapple through your kitchen, promising a delightful escape.

Caramelized edges promise an irresistible crunch that dances between smoky and sugary sensations.

Each golden slice promises a burst of sunshine-infused flavor waiting to surprise you.

The grill transforms ordinary fruit into a decadent dessert with minimal effort.

Charred marks tell stories of summer gatherings and spontaneous culinary adventures.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to devour, this treat will become your new favorite summer indulgence.

Grab a fork and let the delicious journey begin.

Everything You’ll Need For Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Marinade Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the pineapple surface.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides sweet caramelization and deep flavor complexity.
  • Cinnamon: Offers warm, aromatic spice that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor depth and adds subtle sweetness.
Main Ingredient:
  • Pineapple: Fresh, ripe fruit that becomes wonderfully caramelized and tender when grilled.
Optional Serving Accompaniments:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy contrast to the warm, grilled pineapple.
  • Extra Cinnamon: Additional sprinkle for extra warmth and spice.

How To Grill Brown Sugar Pineapple Without Burning It

Step 1: Craft the Delectable Glaze

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they create a smooth, glossy mixture that promises pure deliciousness.

Step 2: Marinate the Pineapple

Select a shallow dish or large zip-top bag and place your fresh pineapple slices inside. Pour the prepared glaze over the pineapple, ensuring each slice gets a generous coating. Let the tropical fruit soak up the sweet flavors for about 10 minutes, allowing the magic to happen.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Use a clean cloth or paper towel lightly coated with oil to grease the grates. This prevents the pineapple from sticking and helps create those gorgeous caramelized grill marks.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Carefully transfer the marinated pineapple slices onto the hot grill. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, watching for beautiful golden-brown caramelization and those classic crosshatch grill lines. The sugars will start to bubble and create an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled pineapple to a serving platter. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or sprinkle a pinch of additional cinnamon. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, straight off the grill, capturing the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tropical flavors.

Tips For Making Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Just Right

  • Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate pineapple for at least 10 minutes to ensure the brown sugar glaze penetrates deeply into the fruit's flesh, creating a rich, caramelized taste.
  • Perfect Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve beautiful caramelization without burning the delicate pineapple slices, creating those appetizing grill marks.
  • Prevent Sticking Trick: Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to ensure easy flipping and prevent the pineapple from tearing or sticking during grilling.
  • Serving Suggestion Upgrade: Pair the warm grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between hot and cold, sweet and creamy textures.
  • Quick Dietary Modification: Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use a sugar alternative for a lower-sugar option that still delivers incredible flavor.

How To Store Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple After Grilling

  • Refrigerate leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Keep the slices separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore some of the original warmth and caramelized flavor.
  • For best taste and quality, consume within 2 days of grilling, as the fruit's moisture can affect its crispness over time.

Perfect Pairings With Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

  • Scoop Up Sweet Harmony: Pair this grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo that balances warm, caramelized fruit with cool, creamy sweetness.
  • Rum-Soaked Celebration: Serve alongside a chilled rum cocktail or mojito, which complements the tropical pineapple and enhances the caramelized brown sugar notes.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Transform the grilled pineapple into a morning delight by adding it to Greek yogurt or layering over buttermilk pancakes for a decadent breakfast treat.
  • Cheese and Spice Fusion: Match with a creamy mascarpone or ricotta cheese drizzled with honey, creating a luxurious contrast between the grilled fruit's warmth and the cheese's smooth texture.

Sweet Variations On Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

  • Tropical Rum Splash: Swap vanilla with dark rum in the glaze for a Caribbean-inspired flavor that adds depth and warmth to the grilled pineapple.
  • Spicy Chili Honey Glaze: Replace brown sugar with honey and add a pinch of chili powder for a sweet-heat combination that tingles your taste buds.
  • Coconut Crunch Edition: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the grilled pineapple after cooking to introduce a crispy tropical texture and nutty undertone.
  • Maple Bourbon Fusion: Mix maple syrup and bourbon into the original glaze, creating a rich, smoky-sweet profile that elevates the pineapple's natural sweetness.

Quick FAQs About Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

  • What makes brown sugar special in this grilled pineapple recipe?

Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully when heated, creating a rich, golden coating that adds deep sweetness and helps develop gorgeous grill marks on the pineapple.

  • Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or a preheated broiler. Both methods will help you achieve similar caramelization and delicious results.

  • How ripe should my pineapple be for this recipe?

Choose a pineapple that’s golden yellow with a slight give when pressed. Avoid completely green or overly soft pineapples for the best flavor and texture.

  • Is this dessert considered healthy?

While it contains some sugar, grilled pineapple offers nutritional benefits like vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. It’s a lighter dessert option compared to many traditional sweets.

Why Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Is A Sweet Must-Try

  • Maximize Flavor Explosion: This recipe transforms ordinary pineapple into a caramelized, sweet delicacy with a simple brown sugar glaze that locks in mouthwatering taste and creates irresistible grill marks.
  • Quick Weekend Dessert Hack: Preparation takes less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings, backyard barbecues, or when you want a fast yet impressive sweet treat that looks professionally crafted.
  • Versatile Summer Crowd-Pleaser: The grilled pineapple works beautifully as a standalone dessert, a creative side dish, or a complementary topping for ice cream, appealing to both kids and adults with its universally loved sweet-and-smoky profile.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few pantry staples like butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, this recipe proves you can create something extraordinary without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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