If you are craving a dessert or snack that bursts with tropical sunshine and cozy warm spices, this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe is exactly what you need. The juicy sweetness of ripe pineapple meets the smoky char of the grill, while a luscious cinnamon-infused honey glaze ties all the flavors together perfectly. This recipe is wonderfully simple but packed with personality—a perfect way to elevate fresh fruit to an unforgettable treat that delights every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There is something so satisfying about using just a few straightforward ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. Each component in this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it contributes sweetness, a hint of spice, or that signature caramelized texture you’ll love.
- 1 whole pineapple: Choose medium-sized, ripe, with firm skin and a sweet aroma for maximum juiciness and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup honey: Opt for raw or organic honey to add natural sweetness and a smooth, floral note that complements the fruit.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A fragrant, finely ground cinnamon adds warm spice that balances the pineapple’s tang.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Begin by heating your grill to medium heat. This step is essential because a properly preheated grill ensures crisp, caramelized marks on the pineapple spears, bringing out their natural tropical sweetness in a way that no other cooking method can replicate.
Step 2: Prevent Sticking
Before placing the pineapple on the grill, lightly spray the grill grates with a non-stick spray. This simple step will make flipping the pineapple easier and help preserve the shape of those delicate spears so they remain intact throughout the cooking process.
Step 3: Grill the Pineapple
Place your pineapple spears directly on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see beautiful grill marks and the fruit feels warm and slightly tender to the touch. This grilling process enhances the pineapple’s natural sugars and gives it a delightful smoky flavor.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Honey Glaze
While the pineapple is grilling, gently heat your honey in the microwave for around 30 seconds to soften it, making it easier to work with. Then whisk in the ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth. This cinnamon honey glaze will add warmth and a subtle spicy kick to every bite.
Step 5: Finish with the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Once your pineapple spears are perfectly grilled, remove them from the heat and generously drizzle the cinnamon honey over the top. The glaze melds beautifully with the grill’s charred edges, creating an irresistible balance of smokiness, sweetness, and spice.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish can make your grilled pineapple look even more inviting. Consider fresh mint leaves to add a pop of green and refreshing aroma. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts like pistachios brings extra texture and tropical vibes that pair wonderfully with the cinnamon honey glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish shines both as a standalone dessert or dessert side. Pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic combo, or serve alongside grilled chicken or pork to add a sweet, tangy contrast that elevates your entire meal. Coconut rice also makes an excellent companion to intensify the tropical flair on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, consider serving the grilled pineapple spears on a stylish platter with small bowls of extra cinnamon honey for dipping. You can also thread the spears onto skewers for a fun finger-food presentation that encourages everyone to dig in. The vibrant colors and inviting aroma will surely catch attention wherever they are served.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the grilled pineapple along with any leftover cinnamon honey glaze in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a deliciously easy snack the next day that retains much of its original charm.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this particular recipe because the texture of pineapple changes when thawed, often becoming mushy. For the best experience, enjoy the grilled pineapple fresh or within a couple of days after refrigeration rather than freezing.
Reheating
To reheat leftover grilled pineapple, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave. Add a little extra cinnamon honey if it seems dry. Avoid high heat to preserve the juicy texture and depth of flavors in your Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of honey for the glaze?
The glaze relies on honey’s sticky sweetness and the spice of cinnamon to create contrast with the charred pineapple, so fresh pineapple juice alone won’t provide the same richness or coating effect.
Do I have to use a grill to make this recipe?
While grilling imparts wonderful smoky caramelized flavors, you can also use a grill pan or broiler if an outdoor grill isn’t available. Just watch carefully to avoid burning because the sugars caramelize quickly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Traditional honey isn’t vegan, but you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts for a vegan-friendly variation that still tastes fantastic with the cinnamon.
How do I pick the best pineapple for grilling?
Select a pineapple that feels heavy for its size with firm skin and a sweet fragrance at the base. These signs indicate ripeness, which ensures juicy, flavorful spears that grill up beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The sweet and tender grilled pineapple with a hint of cinnamon is usually a big hit with children. Just be sure to cut the spears into manageable sizes if serving to younger kids to avoid any choking risk.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a bit of tropical charm and cozy spice to your next meal or gathering, the Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe is your go-to option. It’s so simple yet packs a ton of flavor and charm in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy pineapple, guaranteed.
Print
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a tropical treat with a warm, sweet glaze. Grilling the pineapple enhances its natural sugars, creating caramelized edges and a smoky flavor, while the cinnamon-infused honey adds a fragrant sweetness that perfectly balances the fruit’s acidity. Ideal as a healthy dessert or a unique side dish, this preparation is quick to make and showcases the best of fresh pineapple.
Ingredients
Pineapple
- 1 whole pineapple (medium-sized, ripe, firm skin, sweet aroma), sliced into spears
Cinnamon Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey (raw or organic preferred)
- 1 tsp (2.6 g) ground cinnamon (fragrant, finely ground variety)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it is properly preheated. This step is crucial for creating caramelized grill marks and enhancing the pineapple’s tropical sweetness.
- Prepare the Grill Grates: Lightly spray the grill grates with non-stick spray to prevent the pineapple spears from sticking. This will make flipping the spears easier and help avoid breakage during cooking.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple spears on the grill and cook for 3 minutes on each side. The pineapple is ready when grill marks appear, the spears feel warm and slightly tender, highlighting their natural sweetness.
- Make the Cinnamon Honey Glaze: While the pineapple is grilling, soften the honey by microwaving it for about 30 seconds. Then whisk in the ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and drizzle generously with the cinnamon honey mixture. The sweet glaze will complement the charred pineapple edges, creating a deliciously balanced flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper in the cinnamon honey glaze for a subtle heat.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture as grilled pineapple is most enjoyable warm.
- Use fresh, ripe pineapple for optimal sweetness and firmness; underripe or overripe will affect texture and flavor.
- If you do not have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop as an alternative method.
