Juicy pineapple spears brushed with a rich brown sugar cinnamon glaze and grilled until beautifully caramelized make the perfect summer dessert or side dish. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the sweet tropical pineapple, creating a warm and irresistible treat that’s simple yet packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and buttery flavors
Great for cookouts, barbecues, or simple desserts
Naturally refreshing with a warm caramelized finish
Delicious served alone or alongside grilled meats
Family-friendly and ideal for summer gatherings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into spears
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil for the grill
Directions
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or spray them with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the pineapple by cutting off the top and bottom. Remove the skin and core, then slice the pineapple into long spears.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth.
Brush the pineapple spears generously with the brown sugar cinnamon glaze on all sides.
Place the pineapple directly on the hot grill. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs.
Continue brushing the pineapple with the glaze while grilling so the sugars caramelize beautifully.
Grill until the pineapple develops golden brown grill marks and becomes tender with slightly crisp edges.
Remove from the grill and serve warm. Spoon any remaining glaze over the top before serving.
Enjoy as a dessert, side dish, or topping for ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or grilled dishes.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a deeper warm flavor.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Sprinkle toasted coconut over the grilled pineapple before serving.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a sweet-tart contrast.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for an easy tropical dessert.
Try using dark brown sugar for a richer caramel flavor.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Sprinkle with chili powder for a sweet and spicy version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the pineapple in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, though reheating on the stovetop helps preserve the caramelized texture.
Cold leftovers are also delicious chopped into fruit salads, smoothies, or yogurt bowls.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple?
Fresh pineapple works best because it holds its shape on the grill and develops better caramelization. Canned pineapple may become too soft.
Do I need an outdoor grill?
No. A grill pan on the stovetop works very well if you do not have an outdoor grill.
How do I know when the pineapple is done?
The pineapple is ready when it has clear grill marks, caramelized edges, and feels slightly tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the glaze and cut the pineapple ahead of time, then grill just before serving.
What can I serve with grilled pineapple?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, seafood, ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil.
Is grilled pineapple healthy?
Pineapple contains vitamin C and natural sweetness, making it a lighter dessert option compared to many baked desserts.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes. Roast the pineapple at 425°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Why is my pineapple sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is properly preheated and lightly oiled before placing the pineapple on it.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze grilled pineapple in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple is an easy and flavorful recipe that transforms fresh pineapple into a warm, caramelized treat full of tropical sweetness. Whether served as a dessert, side dish, or topping, this recipe brings smoky grilled flavor together with buttery cinnamon goodness in every bite. Perfect for summer gatherings or simple weeknight treats, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Fresh pineapple spears brushed with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze and grilled until caramelized, creating a sweet, smoky, and tropical dessert or side dish.
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into spears
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Nonstick cooking spray or oil for the grill
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, remove the skin and core, and slice into long spears.
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Brush the pineapple spears generously with the glaze on all sides.
Place the pineapple on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Continue brushing with glaze while grilling to help the sugars caramelize.
Grill until the pineapple has golden grill marks, caramelized edges, and a tender texture.
Remove from the grill and spoon any remaining glaze over the top.
Serve warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.
Notes
Fresh pineapple works best for grilling and caramelization.
A grill pan can be used indoors if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
Dark brown sugar gives a richer caramel flavor.
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
Leftovers are delicious in smoothies, yogurt bowls, or fruit salads.
