If you are craving a tropical treat that bursts with flavor and warmth, look no further than this Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe. Combining juicy pineapple spears with the irresistible sweetness of brown sugar and the cozy spice of cinnamon transforms simple fruit into a decadent dessert or snack that will impress everyone at your table. The grilling process adds a smoky char and caramelization that elevates every bite, making it a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy pineapple all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a few essential ingredients that work together to create an unforgettable flavor experience. Each element plays a unique role—pineapple provides juicy sweetness and tang, brown sugar offers deep caramel notes, butter brings richness, and cinnamon adds that signature warm spice.
- 1 pineapple, cut into spears: Choose a ripe pineapple for maximum juiciness and natural sweetness; the spear shape makes it perfect for grilling.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Binds the sugar and cinnamon while lending a luscious, buttery texture to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Imparts a warm, aromatic spice that complements the pineapple’s tropical flavor.
How to Make Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by cutting your fresh pineapple into spears—this shape is ideal for grilling because it holds up well over heat and offers perfect bite-sized portions. Lay the spears out evenly on a pan or tray to keep things organized and ensure each piece gets an even sprinkle of cinnamon.
Step 2: Lightly Coat with Cinnamon
Sprinkle the spears lightly with cinnamon to coat the surface. This initial layer of spice will infuse the pineapple with warmth and meld with the sweet glaze you’ll add later. A gentle dusting is enough to perk up the fruit without overpowering it.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and an additional pinch of cinnamon until smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a creamy, syrupy texture. If your glaze feels too thick to brush easily, simply microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds to loosen it up.
Step 4: Brush the Pineapple with Glaze
Using a cooking brush, generously coat every side of the pineapple spears with your cinnamon-butter glaze. This helps each bite develop that crave-worthy caramelized crust once it hits the grill, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Grill the Pineapple
Preheat your grill to medium heat and arrange the coated pineapple spears directly over the grates. Grill for 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even caramelization and a beautiful golden-brown color. The grilling imparts a subtle smoky flavor that’s the perfect counterpoint to the sweet glaze.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Extra Glaze
Once grilled, transfer the pineapples onto a serving platter and brush them with any remaining caramel sauce from the pan. This final touch adds shine and a burst of extra flavor, making each piece glossy and irresistible.
How to Serve Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your presentation pop, try garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. These add vibrant color and enhance the tropical vibe. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold, sweet and creamy.
Side Dishes
This grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, adding a sweet and spicy brightness to the meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a fresh green salad or coconut rice to balance out the caramelized sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pineapple spears on skewers for an easy-to-eat party treat or chop some grilled pineapple and mix it into a salsa with chopped cilantro, red onion, and jalapeños for a fun twist. Another idea is layering slices in a parfait with yogurt and granola for a breakfast or snack that feels a little special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover caramelized grilled pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Because the pineapple is cooked and glazed, it stays flavorful but is best enjoyed within a short time frame to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover grilled pineapple by placing the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen solid. This method helps prevent clumping. Frozen pineapple works great in smoothies or desserts but might lose a bit of texture after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pineapple gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for short bursts just until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the fruit from becoming mushy. A quick reheat is all you need to revive that lovely caramelization and juicy softness.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple works best for grilling because it offers firmness and natural sweetness that holds up under heat. Canned pineapple is softer and may become mushy, so it’s not ideal for this caramelized grilling method.
What kind of grill should I use?
You can use either a gas or charcoal grill. Both impart great flavor, though charcoal adds a smokier taste. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop is a good alternative.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
While brown sugar gives the best caramel flavor, you can substitute with coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a different twist. Keep in mind these alternatives may change the glaze’s thickness and color slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and yummy option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. This change keeps the lusciousness of the glaze while staying true to vegan dietary choices.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the scent and taste of caramelized, cinnamon-kissed grilled pineapple fresh off the grill. This Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe is such a simple way to transform everyday pineapple into a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, elegant desserts, or just a cozy treat. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors with tender, caramelized pineapple spears. Perfect as a side dish, dessert, or a tropical treat, this recipe features pineapple coated in a rich cinnamon-butter-brown sugar glaze and grilled to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple
- 1 pineapple, cut into spears
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Cut the pineapple into spears and arrange them evenly on a pan or tray. Lightly sprinkle cinnamon over the pineapple spears to coat their surface with a subtle spice.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. If the mixture is too thick, microwave for a few seconds to thin it for easy brushing.
- Coat the Pineapple: Use a cooking brush to generously spread the cinnamon-butter mixture over all sides of the pineapple spears, ensuring even coverage.
- Grill the Pineapple: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the coated pineapple spears directly on the grill grates. Grill for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pineapple is caramelized and edges are golden brown.
- Serve: After grilling, brush any remaining caramel sauce over the hot pineapple spears for added flavor and a shiny finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a ripe but firm pineapple for best texture and sweetness.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Watch the pineapple closely while grilling to avoid burning the sugar glaze.
- For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of nutmeg to the caramel sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or as a side for grilled meats.
