If you want a quick and irresistibly tasty way to bring a little sunshine to your table, this grilled pineapple with a cinnamon sugar glaze is your golden ticket. It comes off the grill warm, caramelized, and kissed with just the right amount of spice, tasting like summer in dessert form. Whether you are firing up the grill for a backyard hangout or simply craving something sweet without any fuss, this one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Back in my private chef days, this was one of my go-to desserts for outdoor dinners. It is simple, stunning, and feels genuinely elegant with almost no effort involved. The aroma alone as it caramelizes on the grill is enough to draw everyone into the yard, and it is ready in the time it takes to scoop the ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The magic of this dessert is the contrast. Grilling concentrates the pineapple’s natural sugars and adds a smoky char, while the cinnamon sugar glaze melts into a glossy, caramel-like coating. Each bite is warm and juicy on the inside with those crave-worthy caramelized edges on the outside.
It is also wonderfully low-effort and inclusive. The whole thing is ready in under fifteen minutes, uses just five pantry-friendly ingredients, and is naturally gluten-free, so it works for nearly any gathering. Kids adore it, adults request it, and it looks far more impressive than the short ingredient list suggests.
Best of all, it is flexible. Serve the warm slices on their own for a light finish to a meal, pile them over vanilla ice cream for something more indulgent, or spoon them onto pancakes for a tropical brunch. Once you taste how good grilled fruit can be, you will keep coming back to this method all summer long.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to pull this together. Start with one fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into spears or rings. A ripe but still firm pineapple is ideal here, since it holds its shape on the grill and caramelizes beautifully without turning to mush.
For the glaze, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir in a quarter cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. That small pinch of salt is what keeps the sweetness balanced and makes the caramel flavor pop. Brown sugar melts into the deepest, most molasses-rich glaze, though coconut sugar makes a lovely substitution if that is what you have on hand.
Want to add a little extra depth? A dash of vanilla extract stirred into the melted butter rounds everything out and gives the glaze a bakery-like warmth. It is a tiny addition that makes a noticeable difference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well and gives you those same attractive grill marks indoors.
While the grill heats, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and pourable. It should look glossy and smell deeply of warm spice.
Brush the glaze generously over each pineapple slice, coating both sides so every surface has a chance to caramelize. Do not be shy here; that glaze is exactly what turns ordinary pineapple into something special.
Lay the slices on the hot grill and cook for about two to three minutes per side. You are looking for golden-brown grill marks and bubbling, caramelized sugar. Keep a close eye on them, because sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in a matter of seconds over high heat.
Once both sides are marked and glossy, transfer the pineapple to a serving plate and enjoy it warm. For a little extra decadence, top each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let it melt into the warm fruit.
Tips for the Best Grilled Pineapple
The number one rule is to not walk away from the grill. The sugar in the glaze caramelizes quickly and can scorch in an instant, so stay close and flip the moment you see deep golden marks. Cutting the pineapple into evenly sized slices also helps everything cook at the same rate, and a pair of metal tongs makes flipping the slippery slices far easier.
This dessert plays beautifully with a whole summer menu. Serve it after a smoky main course like a batch of grilled veggies, or round out a lighter meal alongside my classic gazpacho with heirloom tomatoes for a refreshing sweet-and-savory pairing. If you are building a full cookout spread, the caramelized fruit is a natural sweet counterpoint to something zesty like my Baja fish tacos with slaw and chipotle mayo.
Finally, treat the glaze as a starting point. A drizzle of honey, a shower of toasted coconut, or even a tiny pinch of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy edge all take the dish in delicious new directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple slices?
Yes, though you will get the best results with fresh. If you use canned, drain the slices well and pat them thoroughly dry so they can caramelize rather than steam.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the glaze and slice the pineapple in advance, but grill it just before serving for the best texture, juiciness, and flavor.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I serve grilled pineapple with?
It is wonderful over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles, and it also makes a fantastic sweet-savory side alongside grilled chicken or pork.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely. Coconut sugar is a dreamy one-to-one swap for brown sugar and lends a slightly caramel, toffee-like note to the glaze.
If you make this grilled pineapple with cinnamon sugar glaze, I would love to hear all about it in the comments. For more wholesome inspiration, explore our sister site’s collection of healthy eating ideas, and be sure to snap a photo and tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram. Let’s keep bringing sweet and simple joy to your table!
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze
American · Dessert
Warm, caramelized grilled pineapple brushed with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze, ready in about 10 minutes and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into spears or rings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400F.
- In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Brush the glaze generously over both sides of each pineapple slice.
- Grill the pineapple 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden grill marks appear and the sugar caramelizes.
- Serve warm on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition: 120 calories
