Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Turn Up the Heat! Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple That Tastes Like Vacation

There’s something magical about grilling fruit—especially when that fruit is ripe, golden pineapple dusted in cinnamon and kissed with brown sugar. It’s tropical, sweet, a little spicy, and downright irresistible. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a beach vacation in every bite, this grilled pineapple recipe with brown sugar might just become your new summer obsession.

As someone who spends her days developing recipes and obsessing over flavor pairings, I can tell you that few things light up a backyard BBQ quite like this juicy treat. The way the sugar caramelizes on the grill, the subtle heat from the cinnamon and chili, the tropical aroma—this dish hits every note of indulgence while still being surprisingly healthy.

I first whipped this up on a whim during a casual cookout with friends. The meat was done, the drinks were flowing, and I spotted a ripe pineapple sitting untouched on the counter. With a little brown sugar and some grilling magic, dessert was born—and it instantly stole the show.

Now I’m sharing the recipe (plus a few of my favorite tools and serving tips) so you can bring that same warm-weather joy to your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Dessert

This grilled pineapple recipe with brown sugar isn’t just delicious—it’s also:

Quick and easy (10 minutes on the grill)

Naturally sweet and healthy

Customizable—go spicy or keep it simple

Perfect for BBQs or a weeknight treat

Versatile: serve it with ice cream toppings or on its own

And the best part? It tastes like vacation—sunny, warm, and just a little indulgent.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make the magic happen. The measurements are exact, because I know how important it is to get the balance just right:

1 ripe pineapple (or 1 can of pineapple rings in juice, drained well)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or a pinch of cayenne for more heat)

1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil (optional, for added richness)

Optional ice cream toppings:

• 1 scoop vanilla bean ice cream
• 2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon chopped macadamia nuts or almonds

If you’re using canned pineapple, just be sure to pat the rings dry before grilling. Fresh pineapple will give you the best flavor and texture, but canned works well in a pinch.

How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

This process is super simple, and it’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but requires very little effort. Perfect for entertaining!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F–400°F).

2. Prep your pineapple:

If using fresh, peel, core, and slice into 1/2-inch rings or spears.

If using canned, drain and pat dry.

3. Mix your seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.

4. Coat the pineapple: Brush slices with melted butter or coconut oil, then sprinkle generously with your sugar-spice mix.

5. Grill: Place slices on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and slightly charred.

6. Serve warm, with optional toppings like ice cream, coconut, or chopped nuts.

That’s it! The result is sticky, juicy, caramelized perfection with just enough kick to keep things interesting.

Must-Have Tools for Grilling Fruit Like a Pro

As someone who cooks and writes about food for a living, I’ve tested my fair share of tools. Here are three items that make grilling and serving this dessert a total breeze—and they’re all available on Amazon.

1. Cuisinart Grill Wok (Stainless Steel)

Why I love it:

This grill basket is perfect for smaller fruit pieces that might fall through the grates. I especially love using it when I’m grilling canned pineapple or mixed fruit like mango and banana for tropical kabobs.

Features:

Durable stainless steel

Perforated design for maximum flame flavor

Handles for easy movement

Ready to upgrade your BBQ game? Grab this grill wok on Amazon and keep your fruit sizzling, not slipping!

2. Zeroll Original Ice Cream Scoop

Why I love it:

There’s nothing worse than fighting with hard ice cream while your grilled pineapple gets cold. This scoop glides through ice cream like butter, making dessert plating smooth and easy.

Features:

Heat-conductive handle

Ergonomic design

Professional-grade scoop

Want that perfect scoop every time? Order the Zeroll scoop here and make your desserts look as good as they taste.

3. Kona BBQ Grill Brush with Safe Bristles

Why I love it:

Grilled fruit leaves behind sticky sugar residue, and you don’t want leftover sweetness messing with your next round of burgers. This brush is safe, tough, and built to last.

Features:

Rust-resistant stainless steel

Safe bristles for all grill types

Long handle for no-burn cleaning

Clean grill = delicious food. Get the Kona grill brush and keep those grates spotless.

Sweet or Healthy? Why Not Both!

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. Depending on how you serve it, it can go from light and healthy to rich and decadent in seconds.

Healthy Serving Ideas:

Serve warm pineapple slices over plain Greek yogurt

Drizzle with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of granola

Add to a fruit bowl with berries and mango for a tropical mix

Dessert Serving Ideas:

Top with vanilla ice cream and toasted coconut

Serve alongside grilled pound cake or angel food cake

It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by skipping the butter or using coconut oil and non-dairy ice cream.

Can You Use Canned Pineapple?

Absolutely. While fresh pineapple will always have the edge in flavor and texture, canned pineapple is a great alternative—especially when fresh fruit is out of season or you want to save time.

Just make sure to:

Drain the pineapple slices well

Pat them dry with paper towels

Add a little extra brown sugar for better caramelization

Pro tip: look for pineapple rings in juice, not syrup. It’s a healthier option and lets you control the sweetness.

Chef Tips for Extra Flavor

Want to take things up a notch? Here are a few chef-approved ways to elevate your grilled pineapple:

Zest it up: Add lime zest or a squeeze of lime juice before serving for a bright, tangy contrast.

Booze it up: Soak pineapple slices in a splash of dark rum for 15 minutes before grilling.

Spice it up: Try a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of chili-infused honey for a deeper kick.

Chill it down: Serve grilled fruit over a scoop of frozen Greek yogurt for a refreshing twist.

Make It a Full Summer Spread

This grilled pineapple makes the perfect ending to any summer meal. Here’s how to build a whole tropical-themed BBQ menu around it:

Main course:

Grilled jerk chicken or shrimp skewers

Coconut rice or grilled corn

Side dishes:

Mango avocado salad

Grilled veggie skewers with red onion and zucchini

Dessert:

Brown sugar grilled pineapple (of course!)

Ice cream bar with toppings like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and honey

Why Women Love This Recipe (Including Me!)

As a woman in my 30s balancing work, family, and that eternal “what’s for dinner” question, I crave recipes that hit a few key marks: they must be simple, flavorful, and satisfying—without a lot of cleanup or fuss. This grilled pineapple dessert checks all those boxes.

It’s a dish that feels special without being complicated. It’s a sweet treat that doesn’t wreck your healthy habits. And let’s be honest—it looks downright gorgeous on a plate, which makes it perfect for entertaining or posting on Instagram (yes, guilty as charged!).

Plus, kids love it. Adults love it. And you’ll love how easy it is to turn one humble fruit into the dessert that everyone remembers.

Final Thoughts: Your Ticket to a Tropical Escape

There’s no plane ticket required to enjoy this tropical treat. With a ripe pineapple, some brown sugar, a little cinnamon, and a quick trip to the grill, you’ve got all the ingredients for a mini vacation—right in your backyard.

Whether you're looking to wow guests at a BBQ or just want something sweet after a long day, this grilled pineapple recipe with brown sugar is your new go-to. It’s healthy, spicy, sweet, and totally tropical—exactly what summer should taste like.

So the next time you're at the store, toss a pineapple in your cart. Turn up the heat. And let your taste buds take a trip.