Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple is highly recommended, as it holds up better to grilling and has a brighter flavor. Canned pineapple rings can work, but they tend to be softer and won’t caramelize as nicely.

What kind of grill is best for this recipe?

Any grill is perfect—gas, charcoal, or even a grill pan. If you’re worried about the sugar burning, indirect heat works well, but a bit of char is delicious!

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Absolutely. Mix the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon ahead and store in the fridge. Warm it just before using to make it easy to spread.

How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?

A clean, well-oiled grill is key. The buttery glaze also helps create a nonstick surface, but if you’re worried, gently brush a little oil on the grates before grilling.

Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Name: Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pineapple, cut into spears; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Bursting with sweet, spiced flavor and kissed by the smokiness of the grill, this Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple recipe is a must-try treat. Creating beautifully golden, juicy pineapple spears with a sticky, buttery brown sugar glaze, this dish comes together effortlessly with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re searching for a wow-worthy dessert, a fruity side, or a playful snack for family nights, this grilled pineapple is the perfect fix for your busiest evenings—done in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Fuss-Free: Minimal chopping, no fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and a grill. You’ll go from prep to table in about 20 minutes.
Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort: Sweet brown sugar, spicy cinnamon, and rich butter meld to create a caramel-like exterior that’s downright irresistible over the warm, juicy pineapple.
Incredibly Versatile: Works as a dessert, a side for grilled meats, or even tossed into salads for a tropical twist.
Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: The richness and sweetness appeal to kids, but the depth of flavor is impressive enough for guests, too.

Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pineapple: Fresh and cut into spears. The natural sweetness and juiciness get even better when grilled—don’t skimp on the freshness here!
Brown Sugar: The secret to that fantastic caramel crust. It melts and bubbles, coating each piece with a perfect sticky glaze.
Butter: Melted for luscious richness; helps the brown sugar cling beautifully while giving a hint of indulgence.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, earthy spice that balances the sweet notes. A dusting on the spears before grilling works wonders here.
Tip: If your brown sugar-butter mixture feels too thick, a quick zap in the microwave makes it perfectly pourable.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze for heat that contrasts the sweet.
Coconut Pineapple: Swap half the butter for coconut oil and sprinkle the finished spears with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flavor bomb.
Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lime or orange juice for brightness—a squeeze right before serving really makes it pop.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a completely plant-based version.
Honey Lovers: Drizzle a bit of honey after grilling for extra floral sweetness.

How to Make Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple

Start by slicing a fresh pineapple into sturdy spears. Lay them out in a single layer on a pan or tray so they’re ready for maximum glaze coverage.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Glaze

In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. If your glaze is too thick or grainy, just warm it for a few seconds in the microwave until it turns pourable and smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Pineapple

Lightly dust the pineapple spears with more cinnamon. Using a cooking brush, slather each spear with that shiny, aromatic glaze. Don’t be shy—the more coverage, the better the caramelization.

Step 4: Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the pineapple spears directly onto the grates. Let them cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning once, until they’re golden and the glaze is bubbling and sticky.

Step 5: Serve

Brush any remaining sauce over the warm spears before serving. The sweet, spiced aroma will let everyone know something delicious is ready.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Perfect Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple—it will be fragrant and yield slightly to pressure. Riper fruit means juicier results.
Direct Heat is Key: Medium heat gives you that golden color without burning the sugar. Keep an eye out; sugar can scorch quickly.
Extra Caramelization: After turning once, brush your spears with more glaze for a thicker caramelized coating.
No Grill? No Problem: You can also cook these under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors.
Note: Don’t skip the final sauce brushing—it doubles the flavor and shine!

How to Serve

This grilled pineapple is wildly flexible!

Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for pure heaven.
As a Side: Pair with grilled chicken, pork, or ham—the sweet-spicy glaze works magic with smoky meats.
In Salad: Chop and toss into a leafy salad with grilled shrimp and avocado for a tropical vibe.
Taco Topper: Drop onto pulled pork tacos or sliders for sweetness and pop.
Brunch: Add spears alongside pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor intensifies as it sits!

Freezing

Grilled pineapple freezes quite well—lay spears in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Reheating

To recapture that caramelized magic, reheat in a skillet on medium or pop under the broiler for a few minutes. Microwaving also works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple is highly recommended, as it holds up better to grilling and has a brighter flavor. Canned pineapple rings can work, but they tend to be softer and won’t caramelize as nicely.
What kind of grill is best for this recipe?

Any grill is perfect—gas, charcoal, or even a grill pan. If you’re worried about the sugar burning, indirect heat works well, but a bit of char is delicious!
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Absolutely. Mix the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon ahead and store in the fridge. Warm it just before using to make it easy to spread.
How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?

A clean, well-oiled grill is key. The buttery glaze also helps create a nonstick surface, but if you’re worried, gently brush a little oil on the grates before grilling.

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple is pure magic, bringing gooey caramel sweetness and a burst of tropical flavor to every bite—with almost no effort. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. It’s perfect for any occasion, easily customized, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table grinning. Fire up the grill and enjoy the simple pleasures of great food tonight!