Grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze is a simple treat that captures everything we love about summer. Sweet, juicy, and caramelized to perfection, this dessert (or side dish) brings tropical vibes straight to your backyard grill. The combination of natural fruit sugars and a warm brown sugar glaze creates a golden, sticky coating that turns basic pineapple into something unforgettable.
What makes this dish so special is how grilling transforms the pineapple. The heat softens the fruit, concentrates its flavor, and adds just the right amount of smokiness. It’s the kind of magic that only happens on the grill. Add a brown sugar glaze, and the edges of the fruit begin to caramelize, creating a slightly crisp layer that plays beautifully against the tender interior.
The glaze itself is often as simple as melted brown sugar with a touch of butter and a splash of vanilla or cinnamon for extra depth. As it bubbles and thickens, it becomes glossy and rich, perfect for brushing onto pineapple slices just before they hit the grill. You can add rum for a grown-up twist or keep it alcohol-free for all ages.
Grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with a bit of honey, or pair it with coconut whipped cream for a tropical finish. It also holds its own as a side for grilled meats, especially pork or chicken. That sweet and savory balance makes it ideal for BBQs and outdoor dinners.
Best of all, this is a low-effort dish with big rewards. It comes together in minutes, requires just a handful of ingredients, and always earns compliments. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan, so it works for a wide range of diets.
Whether you’re entertaining or just want to treat yourself, grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s sunshine on a plate and a reminder that the best things are often the simplest.
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple peeled, cored, and cut into rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Brush the pineapple rings with the brown sugar glaze on both sides.
- Place the glazed pineapple rings on the grill.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the pineapple is heated through and has grill marks.
- Remove from grill and serve warm.
Nutrition
So simple and delicious! My kids loved it! Will make again for sure!
Why would you grill pineapple? That’s just wrong! 1 star from me.
Pineapple and vanilla???? Sounds weird, but ok. 3 outta 5.
Grilled pineapple is kinda bleh to me… but lots of people like it. So good for them I guess.
This was amazing! The caramelized taste with the spices is just perfect! 5 stars!
Eh, not for me. I think pineapples belong in a fruit salad, not grilled. Just my opinion!
I totally agree! The flavors are out of this world. I made this for my family and they loved it too!
I thought it was too sweet. Might cut down on the sugar next time. 3 stars.
I didn’t have cinnamon, so I used nutmeg instead. Still tasted good but not the same.
Y’all need to try this with some ice cream! It’s like a party in my mouth! 10/10 recommend.
I think it needs more vanilla—1 tsp felt kinda weak. Also my pineapple was way too sweet already, so I’d cut the sugar next time.
This was sooo good! The sugar caramelization made the pineapple taste like candy. Will definitely make again!