Hey there! If you’ve never grilled pineapple before, you’re in for a real treat. This simple recipe takes fresh pineapple, adds a buttery brown sugar glaze, and transforms it into a warm, sweet dessert that tastes like summer on a plate. Seriously, it’s that good.
I love making this on a weeknight when I want something a little special without too much effort. The natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize beautifully on the grill, and when you pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—oh wow. Pure happiness!
Key Ingredients & Simple Swaps
Let’s talk about what goes into this dish—and how you can tweak it to fit what you have at home.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is your best bet for sweet flavor and juicy texture. If you’re short on time, canned pineapple rings can work—just pat them dry. You could even try peaches or mango slices if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Brown Sugar: This adds that deep, caramel flavor we love. No brown sugar? Use white sugar mixed with a little molasses, or try coconut sugar for a nutty twist.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the sweetness. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter are great alternatives.
- Cinnamon: Totally optional, but it adds a warm, cozy note. Nutmeg or a pinch of allspice can work too.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: It’s the perfect match! But whipped cream, yogurt, or dairy-free ice cream all make delicious alternatives.
Tips for Getting Those Perfect Grill Marks
Grilling pineapple is easy, but here are a few tips to really make it shine:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat so the pineapple doesn’t burn.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill—give each slice some space!
- Let each side cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to build up those lovely marks.
- Brush on the brown sugar mixture after flipping to get maximum caramelization.
- Let the pineapple rest briefly before serving—it helps hold in the juices!
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Grill
Turn your grill to medium heat and let it preheat fully. This helps the pineapple cook evenly and develop those sweet charred edges. - Make the Brown Sugar Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon (if using). Mix until everything is smooth and slightly thickened. Set it aside—it’s your golden glaze! - Grill the Pineapple Rings
Place the pineapple slices directly on the hot grill grates. Let them cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving them too much. - Flip & Brush with Glaze
Flip the pineapple rings over and brush the grilled side with the brown sugar glaze. Grill the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the pineapple is golden, juicy, and lightly caramelized. - Let It Rest
Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and let it rest for a minute or two. This helps keep it juicy and prevents burning your tongue when you dig in! - Serve & Enjoy!
Plate the pineapple rings, top them with scoops of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle any leftover brown sugar glaze over the top. Add a few fresh mint leaves for a beautiful touch—and dig in!
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes! Just drain the slices really well and pat them dry before grilling. Canned pineapple won’t caramelize quite like fresh, but it’ll still taste great.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or toss back on the grill for a quick warm-up.
Can I make this without butter?
Absolutely. Just use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. You’ll still get that rich, caramelized flavor without the dairy.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can mix white sugar and molasses (1 tbsp of molasses per 1 cup of sugar) to mimic brown sugar. Coconut sugar works well too for a different but delicious flavor.
The Sweetest Way to End a Meal
This Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar is simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress—whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something sweet after dinner. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes hardly any effort.
Let me know if you give it a try—I’d love to hear how it turned out! And if you’re into easy desserts with big flavor, be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more treats like this.
