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!
Pineapple on the grill is life-changing. Can I put brown sugar on other fruits?
Absolutely! You can use brown sugar on peaches, bananas, or even apples. They all taste great when grilled!
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!
Wow, this looks soooo good! 😍 I never thought of grilling pineapple. Gonna try it this weekend!
Omg, yes! Grilled pineapple is the best! Can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Grillin’ pineapple? That sounds kinda weird. I thought pineapples were just for pizza. 🤔
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.
Super delicious and quick! I didn’t have vanilla extract so I used almond instead and it turned out fab!
Sounds amazing! I love that you substituted almond for vanilla. Can’t wait to try it! 😍
Almond extract?? Hmmm, not sure about that. Vanilla is the classic choice. Hope it tasted good tho.
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.