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.
This was sooo good! The sugar caramelization made the pineapple taste like candy. Will definitely make again!
I dunno, grilled fruit seems weird to me. Isn’t it supposed to be just for savory dishes? 🤔
This is not real cooking. Just slice fruit and slap it on the grill. Pretty basic.
I tried it but forgot the vanilla. It was still decent but I think it would be better with it. Maybe next time I’ll remember.
SIMPLE RECIPE! I even added a pinch of salt, and it was divine. Gonna try with peaches next!
I think it needs something, maybe sprinkle some nuts on top? Just feels incomplete.
Grill? Why not just bake them? Seems easier and less hassle!!!
Why bake when you can treat yourself to delicious grilled pineapple? Also, it tastes way better! 🍍🔥
Baking is good, but grilling gives it a nice smokey flavor. You should try it! 😊
Easy peasy! I followed the instructions and it came out great. Thanks for sharing!
Yum! Perfect for a summer BBQ. My guests loved it!!! 🌞🍍
I don’t like pineapple. Made it for my family tho and they loved it! What a weirdo fruit though.
Is it supposed to be this sweet? I feel like I need to take a toothache pill after eating!
Too much brown sugar for my taste! I prefer my fruit natural. But I guess some people like it sweet.
I don’t know, it tasted alright, but not as great as I thought. Maybe I’ll stick to fresh fruit instead.
I made this for my BBQ and everyone kept asking for the recipe! Definitely a hit.
This was so yummy! The brown sugar glaze really takes it to another level. My kids loved it!
This was super tasty! I loved the glaze, it caramelized perfectly. My family devoured it!
Yum! Perfect for summer BBQs. Everyone loved it! Just make sure not to overcook!
Sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it at my next family cookout. Thanks for sharing!
Grilled pineapple? Yuck! I would never eat that, sounds gross.
Simply amazing! Best dessert alternative I’ve tried. Great balance of sweet and tart.
This was super delicious! Never thought grilled pineapple could taste so sweet! Definitely making it again.
Grilling is too complicated for beginners like me. Maybe next time, I’ll bake them? 😂
Don’t worry! Grilling can be super easy once you get the hang of it. You might love the caramelized flavor from the grill! 😋
Baking might be easier, but grilled pineapple hits different! You should at least give it a shot! 🍍🔥
Grilling? Isn’t that just cooking pineapple on a fire? I did it with my toaster and it was fine. Same difference.
This recipe is so easy and delicious! I loved the caramelized sugar on the pineapple. Will make again!
It was okay, not my favorite. I expected something more, y’know? Pineapple is too watery when grilled.
I was skeptical but wow! This was actually really good. My kids gobbled it up!!
OMG love this! So easy and quick to make, tastes like summer! Thanks for sharing!
Isn’t this just a dessert pizza? Grilled pineapple sounds kinda weird to me too…
I can see how you’d think that, but it’s more like a sweet treat than a pizza. Give it a try, you might be surprised!
Turned out perfect! I used maple syrup instead of the vanilla and it was divine!
This recipe is so easy and delicious! My kids loved the grilled pineapple, especially with the brown sugar glaze. It’s a new summer favorite!
Tried it but I used a can of pineapple, was not as good.. LOL!
I think it could still be good, just different. I made it with canned peaches once and it was yum!
Funny! Fresh pineapple is way better. I wouldn’t recommend canned fruit for grilling!
Yumm!!! So good! Makes me wanna grill every fruit now! Tried with mango too, not bad. 🙂
Easy to make, but I think the glaze needed more spice. Maybe try adding nutmeg next time?
I totally agree! A bit of nutmeg would totally take this glaze to the next level. Thanks for the idea!
Nutmeg? Isn’t that for cookies? I thought the glaze was fine as is.
Seems too sweet for me. I prefer my pineapples raw. Why ruin it with butter and sugar?
I don’t know, this just didn’t work for me. The pineapple got too mushy and I didn’t really taste the cinnamon. 🤷♂️
I was skeptical at first; pineapple on the grill? But wow, it actually turned out really good. Who knew fruit could taste this amazing?
why would you put vanill extract? sounds weird… I don’t know about this recipe.
I don’t get the hype. Pineapple is fine but this didn’t really impress me. I thought it would be wamer.
I absolutely love this recipe! The glaze adds a fantastic flavor. Pineapple grilled is sooo good!
Just made this in a pan on the stove and it worked great! Who needs a grill?
I just threw it on the grill and forgot about it… burnt it a little. Still tasted alright tho, just not as pretty.
It’s too sweet, I could barely eat one ring without getting sick. Do people really like this?
Too sweet? Really? It’s grilled pineapple, it’s supposed to be sweet! 😂
I actually love the sweetness! But I guess it varies for everyone. Maybe try less sugar next time?
Glad you found it helpful! Grilled pineapple is not only delicious but also impresses at presentations. Good luck at college!
Too sweet for my taste! I thought it would be a nice balance but the sugar was overpowering. I won’t make this again.
I dunno, I thought it was too sweet. Maybe cut back on the sugar? Just a thought.
Grilling pineapple sounds weird, but it actually worked out pretty good! Who knew? 🤷♂️
I don’t like cinnamon much, so I left it out. Still tasted amazing!!
Absolute perfection! The glaze was on point and the grill marks made it look fancy. Definitely will be serving this at our next party!
Wow, that sounds delicious! I’ve been looking for a fun way to grill fruit. Can’t wait to try it out at my BBQ!
This recipe is amazing! The grilled pineapple was a hit at my BBQ. Sweet and smoky perfection!
I’m so glad you liked it! Grilled pineapple really does elevate any BBQ. Did you serve it with anything else?
Delish! My kids loved it! Can I use canned pineapple or fresh is better?
Canned pineapple can work, but fresh is way tastier! Trust me, your kids will love it even more!
Easy to make, but my grill isn’t working and I had to bake them instead. Still delish!
Grilling pineapple is a weird thing to me. I mean who does that? But it’s pretty good I guess. Good for a BBQ.
So easy! I didn’t have butter, used coconut oil instead. Still turned out great! Can’t wait to do it again.
Pineapple? No thanks! I like my fruit fresh, not grilled… What’s next, grilled grapes? 🤦♀️