This Easy Grilled Pineapple is a sweet treat that will make your mouth water! The juicy pineapple slices are grilled to perfection and coated with yummy caramelized brown sugar.
Who knew fruit could taste this good? It feels like a mini vacation with every bite! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Perfect for summer nights!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple can work, but it won’t have the same texture. Just make sure to choose unsweetened for a better result.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work, but I prefer dark for its deeper flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, try using white sugar mixed with a little molasses or maple syrup to mimic that caramel sweetness.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but if you like a warm spice flavor, definitely add it! If cinnamon isn’t available, nutmeg or even a dash of ginger can give a nice twist to the flavor profile.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Any flavor works well, but vanilla is classic. For a non-dairy option, coconut or almond milk ice cream can be a great substitute.
Fresh Mint: Mint adds a refreshing touch, but feel free to skip it if you don’t have it on hand. Basil can be an interesting and tasty alternative!
How Do I Grill the Pineapple Perfectly?
Getting perfectly grilled pineapple requires some attention. You want it to be nicely caramelized and soft but not mushy. Here are the key steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This ensures the pineapple cooks evenly.
- Brush the brown sugar mixture generously on both sides of the pineapple. The sugar caramelizes as it hits the heat, creating a delicious crust.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side. Look for those lovely grill marks and a slight softening of the fruit.
- Don’t leave it too long; otherwise, it may become too mushy or burn. It’s all about timing!
Let the pineapple cool for a moment before serving to avoid burns and let those flavors settle in. Enjoy your sweet treat!
Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into thick slices (about 1 inch)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilled pineapple dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to grill, totaling approximately 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium heat. This will be perfect for getting those beautiful grill marks and caramelizing the sugar on the pineapple.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a nice paste. This mixture will help the pineapple achieve that lovely caramelized flavor!
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your thick pineapple slices and brush the brown sugar mixture generously on both sides. Make sure they are nicely coated so that they caramelize well when grilling.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Carefully place the pineapple slices on the grill. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You should see some lovely grill marks and the pineapple should become slightly tender. This will also help the sugars caramelize beautifully!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once grilled, gently remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. It’s tempting to dive in right away, but a moment of patience will make it even better!
6. Add the Final Touches:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. If there are any leftover caramelized sugars from the grill, drizzle them over the pineapple and ice cream for an extra sweet treat. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if you’d like!
Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but be aware that it might not grill the same way as fresh. Drain the canned pineapple well and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Grill for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes per side, to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can easily substitute it with white sugar by adding a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of sugar). Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar or honey, though honey will make a sweeter mixture, so start with less and adjust to taste.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the grill for a minute or two, or place it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through. It’s great on top of oatmeal or yogurt!
Can I Add Other Toppings Besides Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings. You could try serving it with whipped cream, yogurt, or drizzling it with chocolate sauce. Adding nuts or toasted coconut flakes also adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
