Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

The sweet aroma of caramelizing grill marks mingled with the smoky scent wafting through the air is truly captivating. Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is a delightful dessert that takes about 40 minutes to prepare and marinate, and one bite reveals the perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of spice. This recipe works wonders by transforming plain pineapple into a gourmet treat.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress guests at a summer gathering or simply satisfy a sweet craving. It’s an excellent choice for barbeques and can be made ahead of time, letting the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The caramelized brown sugar creates a luscious glaze that enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
• Grilling adds a beautiful smoky flavor while keeping the texture juicy and tender.
• It’s simple to prepare, with only a handful of ingredients needed.
• The dish can be made ahead of time, making it stress-free when hosting.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful dessert.

For the Pineapple

• 1 fresh whole pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• Vegetable oil spray for grill

Make sure to choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Light brown sugar → Dark brown sugar for a richer taste
• Cayenne pepper → Ground cinnamon for a milder spice
• Vanilla extract → Almond extract for a different flavor profile

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps for a delicious grilled treat.

Prepare the Pineapple

Place the pineapple spears in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss to combine.

Marinate

Cover the pineapple with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the brown sugar mixture for 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also place the pineapple in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray just before adding the pineapple.

Grill Pineapple

Grill the pineapple for one to two minutes on each side, until grill marks develop and the pineapple becomes heated through.

Heat Marinade

While the pineapple is grilling, place the excess marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 90 seconds or until bubbly and syrupy. Set aside.

Serve

Remove the grilled pineapple to the serving platter and drizzle it with the excess marinade syrup just before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, it affects the texture.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a ripe pineapple for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
• Don’t skip the marination time; it deepens the flavor significantly.
• Adjust the cayenne if you prefer less heat or more kick.
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serve alongside grilled meats for a sweet contrast.
• Top with fresh mint for a refreshing finish.