This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a sweet treat you won’t forget! The sugar creates a lovely, sticky glaze as it caramelizes on the grill, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
It’s perfect as a dessert or a fun topping for ice cream. I like to serve it warm; it feels like sunshine on a plate. Who knew fruit could be this exciting? 🍍✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for sweetness and flavor. Look for one that’s firm with a sweet smell at the base. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple slices can work, though you might want to reduce the sugar as they’re often packed in syrup.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient gives the pineapple its lovely caramelization. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for similar flavor and color. You can also try coconut sugar for a different twist.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds a warm flavor. If you want to add a spiced vibe, nutmeg or even allspice can work well too. Adjust based on your taste preference!
Butter: Unsalted butter ensures you control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both will still provide great richness.
Cooking Spray or Oil: You’ll need this to keep the pineapple from sticking. Olive oil is a healthy choice, but any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will do the trick. Alternatively, use a grill mat for easy cleanup.
How Do I Cut the Pineapple Properly for Grilling?
Cutting a pineapple correctly is crucial to avoid a mess and ensure even cooking. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Start by slicing off the top and bottom of the pineapple to create a stable base.
- Stand the pineapple upright. Using a sharp knife, cut down the sides in vertical strips to remove the skin and the “eyes.” Try to avoid cutting too much of the fruit.
- Once peeled, slice the pineapple into thick wedges or rectangular slices, about 1 inch thick. This thickness helps them grill well without falling apart.
If cutting it seems daunting, a ripe pineapple should feel firm but have a little give when pressed gently. If it’s too soft, it’s likely overripe. Happy grilling!
Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- Cooking spray or oil, for grilling
For the Brown Sugar Mixture:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to grill, making it a quick and delightful treat! So in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy this sweet grilled dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple to create a flat surface. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the skin in vertical strips, making sure to remove all the little ‘eyes’ (the brown spots). Once that’s done, cut the pineapple into thick rectangular slices or wedges, aiming for at least 1 inch thick. This will help them hold up better on the grill.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, optional ground cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything until it’s well combined and looks like a thick paste. This mixture will give your pineapple a lovely caramelized flavor!
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Now, take your pineapple slices and brush both sides generously with the brown sugar mixture. Make sure to cover them well so that the sugar can caramelize beautifully while grilling.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. To avoid any sticking, spray the grill grates with cooking spray or brush them lightly with oil.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the coated pineapple slices on the hot grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see beautiful grill marks and the sugar is caramelizing, turning golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
6. Serve:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve warm on its own or sprinkle over some vanilla ice cream, or add it to a fresh tropical fruit salad for a delightful twist. Enjoy your tasty grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Pineapple?
Absolutely! Other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or bananas can work wonderfully with this recipe. Just ensure they are ripe and cut into thick slices to prevent them from falling apart on the grill. Adjust the grilling time as needed since different fruits will caramelize at different rates.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, simply reheat briefly on the grill or in a microwave until warmed through. They can also be enjoyed cold, added to smoothies or fruit salads!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can use white sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar. Keep in mind that brown sugar gives a richer flavor and color due to its molasses content, so if you switch to white sugar, you might want to add a touch of maple syrup or molasses to mimic that flavor.
What Can I Pair This Grilled Pineapple With?
This caramelized pineapple pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes. You can also incorporate it into savory dishes like grilled chicken or shrimp tacos for a delightful contrast of flavors.
