Grilled pineapple with cinnamon sugar is an effortless way to add a bright, tropical finish to any meal. A light coating of brown sugar and cinnamon caramelizes quickly on the grill, producing golden, slightly smoky wedges that are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of ice cream. This recipe is fast, forgiving, and perfect for summer gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.
Here is Why This Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple Recipe Works
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: The recipe uses just pineapple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. With so few components, each one shines and combines to create a rich, caramel-like crust.
Fast and approachable: Prep is simple—slice, dust, and grill. In about 10 minutes on the grill you have a dessert or side that looks and tastes special without complicated steps.
Perfect caramelization: High heat quickly draws out the pineapple’s natural sugars and caramelizes the cinnamon-brown sugar coating, producing a tender interior and slightly crisp exterior.
Flexible serving options: Serve grilled cinnamon pineapple as a stand-alone dessert, pair it with vanilla ice cream or yogurt, or use it alongside grilled meats and kebabs for a delightful sweet-and-savory contrast.
The Ingredients
- Produce: 1 fresh pineapple
- Pantry: 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Spices: 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Variations on Cinnamon Sugar Pineapple
Spiced rum cinnamon pineapple: Toss a teaspoon or two of spiced rum into the brown sugar-cinnamon mix for a boozy warmth—brush the mixture lightly on the spears before grilling.
Coconut-lime cinnamon pineapple: After grilling, sprinkle toasted shredded coconut over the slices and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavors.
Chili-lime pineapple: Add a pinch of chili powder to the cinnamon-brown sugar for heat. Serve with a squeeze of lime to balance the spice and sweetness.
If you enjoy this simple grilled fruit, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken kabobs that feature pineapple for a matching tropical note.
Tips for Success
- Choose a ripe pineapple: Look for fruit that is fragrant at the stem and has a golden color. A ripe pineapple will be sweeter and grill more evenly.
- Cut uniform spears: Evenly sized pieces cook at the same rate, which helps achieve consistent caramelization on each side.
- Sprinkle sugar right before grilling: Applying the sugar mixture just before the pineapple hits the heat prevents it from drawing out too much moisture and helps it caramelize into a crisp coating.
- Consider wood smoke: On a pellet grill, apple or cherry wood complements the pineapple’s natural sweetness and adds subtle smoke flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool the grilled pineapple completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use within that time for best texture and flavor.
Freezer: Lay cooled spears on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, press out excess air, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or serving in smoothies.
Reheating: Warm grilled pieces in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes per side, or microwave in short 15–20 second bursts to avoid overheating. Reheating briefly helps revive the caramelized surface without making the fruit overly soft.
BBQ Pineapple
Grilled pineapple with cinnamon sugar is a straightforward, flavorful recipe that adds a touch of tropical sunshine to any meal. Whether you serve it as a warm dessert with ice cream, a breakfast topping over yogurt, or a grilled side with savory entrees, the caramelized sweetness and hint of spice make it a memorable dish. Grab a pineapple, mix a quick cinnamon-brown sugar rub, and get grilling.
More Recipes to Enjoy
Try other simple baked or grilled fruit desserts such as baked grapefruit, roasted apples with aged goat cheese, or baked pears with ricotta and yogurt cream for light, flavorful ways to end a meal.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar — Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium or medium-high heat (about 350–450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates or use a nonstick spray. An indoor grill pan works well too.
- Trim the pineapple: slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, and cut away the outer skin. Remove any dark “eyes” and cut the pineapple into even spears. The core may be left in; it softens and becomes sweet when grilled.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pineapple spears just before placing them on the grill.
- Grill the spears 4–5 minutes per side, or until they are golden and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning; sugar can char quickly on very high heat.
- Serve warm: enjoy plain, top with vanilla ice cream or yogurt, or pair with grilled meats for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
Nutrition (approx.)
Serving: 2 pineapple spears — Calories: 75 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Sugar: 18 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 5 mg
Nutrition information is an approximation and may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
