Name: Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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A simple yet stunning tropical dish, this grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fruit during BBQ season. The heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, and when paired with a rich, buttery glaze, the result is a juicy, smoky-sweet bite that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s just as fitting alongside savory grilled meats as it is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Directions

I start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat.

Then, in a small bowl, I whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until it’s smooth and well combined.

I brush the glaze generously on both sides of the pineapple slices.

Next, I place the pineapple directly on the grill grates and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until those beautiful golden-brown grill marks appear and the sugar begins to caramelize.

Once done, I remove the pineapple from the grill and brush with any remaining glaze for an extra boost of flavor.

I like to serve it warm—either on its own, or topped with vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories per serving: 110 kcal

Variations

I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of chili powder into the glaze for a spicy kick.

Swapping cinnamon for ground ginger creates a slightly different tropical profile.

I love serving this with a scoop of coconut sorbet or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

If I don’t have a grill, I use a grill pan on the stove or even a broiler for similar results.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop it back on a hot grill or warm it gently in a skillet to revive the caramelization. It’s also great chopped into salads or blended into smoothies straight from the fridge.

FAQs

How do I know if my pineapple is ripe enough to grill?

I look for a pineapple with a sweet aroma at the base and a slight give when I press it gently. A ripe pineapple makes a big difference in flavor when grilling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the glaze and slice the pineapple in advance. I just wait to grill it until right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use canned pineapple?

I prefer fresh pineapple for its texture, but in a pinch, thick slices of canned pineapple will work—just pat them dry before glazing to help them caramelize.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be. I use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of honey to make it completely vegan.

What should I serve this with?

I love pairing it with grilled meats like chicken or pork, or serving it as a dessert with ice cream or whipped cream. It also shines in tropical fruit salads.

Conclusion

This grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze is one of those effortless recipes that always impresses. Whether I’m serving it up as a dessert or a vibrant BBQ side dish, it never fails to bring out the best of summer. The sweet, spiced glaze and smoky char take fresh pineapple to the next level, and it’s something I keep coming back to all season long.

Recipe:

Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and stunning tropical treat, this grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze combines juicy, caramelized fruit with a rich, buttery glaze. Perfect as a BBQ side or light dessert, it’s easy to prepare and naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.