This grilled pineapple treat is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. The warm pineapple pairs perfectly with a light and fluffy coconut cinnamon whipped cream. Yum!
Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be adding it to your summer BBQ menu! I can’t resist smothering the whipped cream all over. It’s just that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is the star here. Choose one that smells sweet at the base and has a little give when you squeeze it. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you could use canned pineapple rings. Just be sure to drain them well for grilling!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute granulated sugar with a little bit of molasses mixed in. Even honey or maple syrup could work, just adjust the amount since they’re liquid sweeteners.
Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream for a rich, creamy texture. If you’re avoiding coconut, dairy whipped cream or a whipped topping like Cool Whip could also be used. Just pick a dairy-free option if needed!
Ground Cinnamon: While cinnamon is key, nutmeg or allspice can also add unique flavor if you want to shake things up. Just use about half the amount of these spices, as they are stronger.
How Do I Get Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple to get those great grill marks is all about the right prep and timing. Preheating your grill is crucial, as it helps caramelize the sugars in the fruit. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your grill is clean and well-preheated to medium-high heat.
- Spray the grill grates lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil to keep the pineapple from sticking.
- Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes without moving them around too much. This gives them time to caramelize and form those beautiful grill marks!
- Keep an eye on them—your grill’s heat may vary, and you don’t want to overcook.
Let the pineapple cool slightly after grilling; this helps enhance the texture and flavor.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple With Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray or oil for grilling
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to grill the pineapple. So, in total, you’ll need around 20 minutes to whip up this delicious tropical dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your pineapple will cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks!
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet mixture will enhance the flavors of the pineapple as it grills.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Lightly spray or brush the grill grates with cooking oil. This will help prevent the pineapple from sticking and make for easy flipping.
4. Season the Pineapple:
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over both sides of the pineapple rings, making sure each slice is coated well. This step is key to adding that delicious sweetness!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Now, place the pineapple rings on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see lovely grill marks and the pineapple starts to caramelize. This will enhance its natural sweetness.
6. Make the Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
While the pineapple is grilling, you can prepare the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, scoop out the chilled coconut cream, being careful to leave the liquid behind (you can either discard it or save it for smoothies). Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whip everything together using an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s light and fluffy.
7. Serve It Up:
Once your pineapple is perfectly grilled, take it off the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm pineapple rings topped with a generous dollop of the coconut cinnamon whipped cream. For an extra pop of color and flavor, feel free to add fresh mint leaves as a garnish!
Enjoy this delicious tropical dessert!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but it may not have the same texture as fresh. Rinse the canned pineapple rings to remove excess syrup and pat them dry with paper towels before grilling. You might want to reduce grilling time to 1-2 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
What If I Can’t Find Coconut Cream?
If you can’t find coconut cream, you can substitute it with full-fat coconut milk. Just chill the can overnight, then scoop the solid part from the top, discarding the liquid. Alternatively, heavy cream can work if you’re not concerned about keeping it dairy-free—just whip it as you would the coconut cream.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it on the grill or a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make the Whipped Cream Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The coconut cinnamon whipped cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick whip with a mixer before serving to restore its fluffy texture, as it might thicken in the fridge.
