This easy grilled pineapple is a sweet treat you won’t want to miss! The natural sweetness of the pineapple shines when caramelized with brown sugar, creating delightful sticky bites.
Just imagine that warm, juicy pineapple right off the grill—it’s like a mini summer vacation! I love enjoying it with a scoop of ice cream; it’s a match made in heaven! 🍍🍨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for this recipe. Look for a ripe one with a sweet smell. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple rings can work, but they won’t have that same charred flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out, you can use white sugar or coconut sugar. Just know that they won’t provide the same flavor as brown sugar, so you may want to add a bit of molasses for extra richness.
Butter: Melted butter is essential for the caramelization. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well and adds a tasty tropical vibe.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds a nice warmth. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try nutmeg or a sprinkle of vanilla extract. Both can give a lovely flavor twist!
Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing is great, but feel free to swap in dairy-free ice cream or even yogurt for a lighter touch. I love using coconut ice cream for a tropical flair.
How Do You Get the Perfect Grill Marks on Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple takes a couple of steps to achieve those beautiful grill marks. First, make sure your grill is hot, as this helps caramelize the sugars quickly.
- Brush the brown sugar mixture on both sides of the rings to create a nice glaze.
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill and don’t touch them for 3-4 minutes. This will allow those marks to form.
- Once you see grill marks, flip them carefully with tongs.
- If you want extra caramelization, you can brush a bit more of the sugar mixture on right before flipping.
Letting the pineapple rest a bit after grilling helps it finish cooking and hold onto its juices. It’s all about patience and letting the heat do the work!
Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple dessert will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure that your pineapple gets the perfect caramelization and grill marks!
2. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir until everything is well combined. This sweet mixture is what will make your pineapple deliciously caramelized!
3. Coat the Pineapple Rings:
Using a brush or a spoon, generously apply the brown sugar mixture to both sides of each pineapple ring. Make sure they’re well-coated to achieve that yummy caramelized flavor when grilled!
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the coated pineapple rings carefully on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to get nice grill marks and caramelized edges—this adds all the flavor!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once the pineapple rings are done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle!
6. Add Ice Cream and Enjoy:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple rings alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle any remaining caramelized brown sugar mixture over the top for extra sweetness. Finally, garnish with some fresh mint leaves for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your delicious grilled pineapple dessert—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple for This Recipe?
While fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple slices in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture on the grill, and reduce grilling time as they’ll caramelize faster!
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with molasses. For every cup of brown sugar, mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This will replicate the flavor and moisture of brown sugar quite well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook it to maintain the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pineapple rings and the brown sugar mixture a few hours in advance. Just brush the mixture on the pineapple right before grilling to keep them fresh and flavorful!
