This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a sweet treat that’s as easy as it is tasty! The brown sugar gives the pineapple a lovely caramel flavor that really shines when grilled.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of pineapple sizzling on the grill. I love serving it with ice cream for a fun dessert! 🍍❤️ Just slice, sprinkle, grill, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Use a ripe pineapple for the best flavor! Look for one that’s slightly soft and has a sweet smell at the stem. If you can’t find fresh pineapple, canned pineapple works in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly different.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pineapple. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or even coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but it brings a warm spice that pairs wonderfully with pineapple. If you’re not a fan, leave it out or try cardamom or nutmeg to change things up!
Butter: Unsalted butter is suggested, but you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, adding a nice tropical flavor.
Cooking Spray or Oil: Any light oil like canola or grapeseed works for grilling. Make sure to spray or brush your grill basket properly to prevent sticking!
How Do You Grill Pineapple to Get Perfectly Caramelized Results?
Grilling pineapple can be a little tricky if you want to achieve that golden caramelization. Start by prepping your grill. It’s key to preheat it to medium heat; too hot, and you’ll burn the sugar!
- Prepare your grill by greasing it to avoid sticking.
- Brush the pineapple wedges well with the sugar mixture for even caramelization.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side. Watch for those lovely grill marks!
- Let the pineapple rest a bit after grilling; this allows juices to redistribute and enhances flavor.
These steps help the sugar caramelize beautifully, giving you that fantastic taste and texture!
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges or planks
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or oil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need around 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dessert or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. If you have a grill basket you’re using, lightly grease it with some cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. This will help achieve those lovely grill marks later!
2. Making the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it looks smooth and is well combined. This sweet mix is going to add a wonderful flavor to your pineapple!
3. Coating the Pineapple:
Take the pineapple wedges or planks and brush them generously with the brown sugar mixture on all sides. Make sure each piece is evenly coated so that the caramelization happens nicely during grilling.
4. Grilling the Pineapple:
Carefully place the coated pineapple directly on the grill or in your prepared grill basket. Grill the pineapple for about 3-5 minutes on each side, keeping an eye on it until you see those beautiful grill marks and the sugar has caramelized to a nice golden brown. It’s going to smell amazing!
5. Serving Your Delicious Pineapple:
Once the pineapple is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a moment before serving. For an extra treat, serve it warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy this sweet, grilled delight!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! In fact, fresh pineapple delivers the best flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s ripe for optimal sweetness. If using canned pineapple, choose products packed in juice or water, and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Substitute Brown Sugar with Another Sweetener?
Yes! You can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey as alternatives. If using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, reduce the amount slightly to prevent the mixture from being too runny. Adjust to taste based on your sweetness preference!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, enjoy it cold or reheat gently on a skillet to retain some of its caramelized flavor.
Can I Grill Pineapple on a Stovetop Grill Pan?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan works just fine. Preheat it over medium heat and follow the same instructions. Just make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning, as grill pans can sometimes heat unevenly.
