Let me tell you, there’s just something magical about the combination of brown sugar and grilled pineapple! The way the heat brings out the natural sweetness of the pineapple and caramelizes that brown sugar makes my heart sing. I can still remember those summer gatherings with friends, where we’d fire up the grill and toss on slices of fresh pineapple, transforming them into a sweet, smoky treat that everyone would rave about. And the best part? This recipe is super easy and quick to whip up! In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dessert that bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
How to Prepare Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious brown sugar grilled pineapple! Trust me; it’s as easy as pie—well, easier, actually! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Preheat the Grill
First things first, preheat your grill to medium heat. This is super important because it ensures even cooking and helps achieve that gorgeous caramelization on the pineapple. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it burns the sugar.
Prepare the Pineapple
Next, take your fresh pineapple and slice it into thick rounds. Aim for about an inch thick; this thickness helps the pineapple hold up on the grill without falling apart. Plus, it gives you that lovely char on the outside while keeping it juicy and sweet inside!
Make the Brown Sugar Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and fresh lime juice. Mix them all together until it’s well combined and looks like a thick syrup. Oh, the smell of that mixture is heavenly!
Brush the Pineapple Slices
Now, grab a brush or a spoon and evenly coat both sides of your pineapple slices with that luscious brown sugar mixture. Make sure they’re well covered; this is what creates that beautiful caramelized crust when grilling!
Grill the Pineapple
Place the pineapple slices on the grill and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and a little caramelization around the edges. Use tongs to flip them gently to avoid splattering the sugar mixture!
Serve Warm
Once they’re beautifully grilled, remove the slices from the grill and serve them warm. They’re fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat. Enjoy every juicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time (just 10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking)
- Delicious caramelization from the brown sugar that creates an irresistible crust
- Refreshing summer dessert that’s perfect for warm evenings
- Great for parties or gatherings—everyone loves grilled fruit!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen
- Versatile—enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even as a topping for yogurt or pancakes
- Healthy option packed with vitamins and flavor
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make sure your brown sugar grilled pineapple turns out absolutely perfect! First, always choose a ripe pineapple; the sweeter the fruit, the better the flavor! If you’re unsure, look for one that’s slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet aroma.
Next, don’t skip the preheating step! A medium heat is key to getting that gorgeous caramelization without burning the sugar. Also, keep an eye on the grill time—3-4 minutes per side is ideal, but every grill is different, so watch for that beautiful golden-brown color.
And here’s a little pro tip: if you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top just before serving! It enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this brown sugar grilled pineapple recipe! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the brown sugar mixture for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the pineapple beautifully.
- Rum-Infused: For an extra kick, splash a bit of dark rum into the brown sugar mixture. The rum will caramelize beautifully, adding a rich flavor that’s perfect for summer parties!
- Coconut Delight: Brush the pineapple slices with coconut milk before applying the brown sugar mixture. This adds a tropical vibe that pairs perfectly with the pineapple.
- Maple Magic: Swap out brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a unique flavor profile. It’ll give your grilled pineapple a delightful maple twist!
- Herbaceous Touch: Try adding some finely chopped fresh mint or basil to the brown sugar mixture. This will bring a refreshing brightness to each bite!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own signature grilled pineapple dish. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them all!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover brown sugar grilled pineapple (though I doubt it will last long!), storing it is easy! Just place the slices in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3 days, but trust me, you’ll want to savor them sooner rather than later!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the grill again if you want to bring back that delicious caramelized flavor. Just preheat the grill to low and warm the pineapple slices for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This will help maintain that lovely texture and flavor.
If you’re in a rush, you can also reheat them in the microwave. Just pop them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or they might get mushy! Enjoy those sweet, juicy bites again—because they’re just as delightful the second time around!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious brown sugar grilled pineapple:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure, this grilled pineapple is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a guilt-free indulgence packed with flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple?
While fresh pineapple is definitely the star of the show, you can use canned pineapple in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well, and keep in mind that it might not get as caramelized as fresh. The flavor will still be sweet and delicious, though!
How do I know when the pineapple is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the pineapple slices are golden brown with a bit of caramelization around the edges. They should be tender but still hold their shape. Give them about 3-4 minutes on each side, but feel free to peek to ensure they’re not burning!
What can I serve with grilled pineapple?
Oh, the options are endless! Grilled pineapple is amazing on its own, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of honey, or even some yogurt. It also makes a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or Greek yogurt bowls. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with savory dishes like grilled chicken or shrimp for a delightful contrast!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Also, if you’re interested in a refreshing side dish, try our honey-glazed carrots!
For more information on the health benefits of pineapple, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple: 20 Minutes to Sweet Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled pineapple with brown sugar caramelization.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Cut the pineapple into thick slices.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and lime juice.
- Brush the mixture onto both sides of the pineapple slices.
- Place the pineapple on the grill.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until caramelized.
- Remove from the grill and serve warm.
Notes
- Use ripe pineapple for best flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.
- Serve with ice cream for dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: brown sugar grilled pineapple, grilled fruit, summer dessert