One sticky summer afternoon during a long weekend at my cousin’s lake house, we all decided to throw an impromptu backyard barbecue. It wasn’t anything fancy—just grilled burgers, watermelon slices, corn on the cob—but we had a full house, and everyone was hungry from swimming all day. As the grill sizzled and kids raced around with water balloons, my teenage daughter came up behind me and whispered, “Mom, we should do something sweet—but not cake. Something grilled.”
I glanced at the fruit basket we had lugged from the city and spotted a perfectly golden pineapple. My cousin’s husband, who used to bartend in Hawaii, looked over and said, “Brown sugar and fire—that’s all you need.” We grabbed some cinnamon, melted a bit of butter, and got to work. The grill hissed the moment the pineapple slices hit the heat, and soon the air smelled like a tropical bakery.
That smoky-sweet aroma lured every adult and child to the patio. The first bite had us wide-eyed. Caramelized edges, juicy core, warm spice. We ate them standing up, right off the tongs, barely giving them a chance to cool.
Now it’s a little tradition. Whenever we fire up the grill, I slice a pineapple, mix the sugar, and know something good is coming. This recipe’s not only easy and budget-friendly—it turns simple fruit into a sunset-colored treat that brings people together.
Short Description
Juicy pineapple slices brushed with cinnamon-brown sugar butter, then grilled until caramelized—this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert or side that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 15 minutes.
Key Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into ½-inch rings or spears
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)
- Optional: Lime zest, chili powder, or vanilla ice cream for serving
Tools Needed
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
Slice your pineapple into ½-inch thick rings or spears. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel—this helps the sugar mixture stick better and reduces flare-ups on the grill.
Step 2: Coat with Spiced Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush each pineapple piece with melted butter or coconut oil, then sprinkle the sugar mixture over both sides, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
Step 3: Grill to Caramelized Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place pineapple directly on the grates and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until golden grill marks appear and the sugar caramelizes. Watch closely—sugar can burn quickly!
Step 4: Serve & Sizzle!
Remove from grill and serve warm. Dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a squeeze of lime, or a pinch of chili powder for a sweet-heat combo. It’s delicious any way you serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Naturally sweet, fruity, and warm with caramelized edges
– Fast and fuss-free (ready in 15 minutes!)
– Great for cookouts, BBQs, or a quick weeknight dessert
– Pairs beautifully with savory or spicy dishes
– Easily customizable with dairy-free, vegan, or low-sugar options
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Using wet pineapple
Problem: Excess moisture keeps the sugar from sticking and causes steaming instead of grilling.
Solution: Pat each piece dry thoroughly before coating.
2. Overcrowding the grill
Problem: Crowding traps steam and prevents caramelization.
Solution: Grill in batches with space between pieces.
3. Skipping the butter/oil
Problem: Dry pineapple won’t hold the sugar mixture or develop that golden crust.
Solution: Always brush with melted butter or coconut oil.
4. Grilling on too high heat
Problem: Sugar burns quickly and can char the fruit.
Solution: Use medium-high heat and watch closely.
5. Not flipping carefully
Problem: Pineapple can stick or break apart.
Solution: Use tongs and gently flip after 2–3 minutes when the underside has solid grill marks.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This grilled pineapple shines both as a dessert or a fun side:
As dessert: Top with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or whipped coconut cream
As a side: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or blackened fish for a tropical touch
With toppings: Add a dash of chili powder, a sprinkle of lime zest, or a few mint leaves
Serving styles: Try a family-style platter, skewer them for easy grabbing, or plate individually for more formal meals
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side to revive caramelization. Avoid microwaving—it softens the texture.
Freezing: Not recommended, as thawing affects texture. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh gives a firmer texture and better flavor. If using canned, choose rings packed in juice, not syrup, and pat them dry very well.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter and it’s fully plant-based.
3. How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is hot, clean, and lightly oiled. Also, don’t move the pineapple too early—wait for the grill marks to form before flipping.
4. What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the pineapple slices in the oven for 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can slice and coat the pineapple up to a few hours ahead. Grill just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Try spears instead of rings if serving with a savory dish—they’re easier to handle.
Want deeper flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the sugar mix.
For extra caramelization, press the sugar mix gently into the pineapple.
Make cleanup easier by brushing the grill grates with oil before cooking.
If you love a smoky edge, try using a charcoal grill—it adds an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Variations
Coconut-Lime Pineapple
Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar and add 1 tsp lime zest to the sugar mixture. Grill as directed and serve with shredded toasted coconut on top.
Spicy Grilled Pineapple
Mix ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne into the sugar mix. Grill as usual, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lime for a sweet-spicy flavor.
Boozy Rum-Glazed Pineapple
Add 1 tbsp dark rum to the melted butter before brushing. Grill and serve with vanilla ice cream or over pound cake.
Maple-Cinnamon Pineapple
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Brush it on after grilling instead of before to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
After that lakeside afternoon, brown sugar grilled pineapple always reminds me of barefoot evenings, sticky fingers, and laughter echoing off the water. It’s funny how the simplest things—fresh fruit, a little sugar, and time around a grill—end up being what everyone remembers most.
Now, even if we’re just grilling at home after work or having a quiet dinner for four, I still make this. My son asks for it by name, my husband adds lime juice every time, and I swear my daughter has the timing down better than I do.
It’s not just dessert—it’s a memory in the making. And in the middle of a busy week, that’s a beautiful way to slow down.
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple peeled and cut into ½-inch rings or spears
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- Optional: Lime zest chili powder, or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Cut pineapple into ½-inch rings or spears. Pat dry with paper towels to help the sugar stick and avoid grill flare-ups.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush pineapple with melted butter or coconut oil, then coat both sides with the sugar mix, pressing gently.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill pineapple 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and grill-marked. Watch closely—sugar burns fast!
- Serve right off the grill. Add ice cream, a splash of lime, or chili powder for an extra kick.
