This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a sweet and tasty treat! The warm, juicy pineapple gets a lovely caramel coating that makes it extra special.
I love how easy this recipe is! Just sprinkle brown sugar on the pineapple, grill it until it’s golden, and enjoy. It’s perfect as a dessert or a fun topping for ice cream!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe medium pineapple for the best flavor. If fresh is unavailable, you can use canned pineapple rings, but they may have a softer texture when grilled.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a nice caramel flavor. If you need to avoid sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative like stevia or erythritol.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. If you want to switch things up, try using nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds a lovely flavor. You can skip it entirely or use almond extract for a different taste.
How Do You Prepare Pineapple for Grilling?
Cutting and preparing the pineapple correctly is key for a delicious grilled treat. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the pineapple upright on a cutting board and slice off the top and bottom, creating a flat surface.
- Stand the pineapple on its base and carefully run a knife along the curve of the fruit to remove the skin, taking care to get rid of the “eyes” (the brown bumps).
- Slice the fruit into thick wedges or rings, about 1-inch thick. Thicker slices hold up better on the grill.
These steps will ensure you have beautiful grilled pineapple that caramelizes perfectly. Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 medium pineapple
For the Caramelizing Mixture:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Grilling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes of prep time, plus about 10 minutes of grilling time. In total, you should set aside around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dessert or side dish that’s sure to please!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Start by preparing your pineapple. Carefully slice off both the top and bottom of the pineapple to create a stable base. Next, use a sharp knife to remove the skin by slicing downward along the curve of the fruit. Once that’s done, cut the pineapple into thick slices or wedges, about 1-inch thick. This will help them grill evenly and prevent them from falling apart.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This sweet and spicy mixture will create a lovely caramelized coating on the pineapple.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. To prevent the pineapple from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates or spray them with some cooking spray. This step is important for easy flipping later!
4. Prepare the Pineapple for Grilling:
Now it’s time to brush each pineapple slice with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps the sugar mixture stick better. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on both sides of each slice, ensuring an even coating for maximum caramelization.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Carefully place the pineapple slices directly onto the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see attractive grill marks and the sugar has caramelized to a nice golden brown. It’s okay to peek a little but be careful not to let them burn!
6. Add Optional Vanilla:
If you’re feeling fancy, you can drizzle some vanilla extract over the grilled pineapple slices just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramelization.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once grilled to perfection, remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm on its own, or pair it with ice cream, pancakes, or even as a sweet side with grilled meats. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener Instead of Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or even honey. If using honey, keep in mind to brush it on the pineapple slices shortly before grilling to prevent burning, as it caramelizes faster than brown sugar.
How Do I Choose the Right Pineapple?
Look for a pineapple that is firm with a sweet smell at the base. The leaves should be green and healthy-looking. If the skin has a bit of a golden hue or if you can slightly squeeze it, it’s likely ripe and ready for grilling!
Can I Prep the Pineapple Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pineapple slices a few hours in advance! Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Brush them with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning before storing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy it cold, or warm it up on the grill or in the microwave for a delicious treat!
