Grilled Pineapple is a sensational dessert that turns simple fruit into a rich, caramelized treat with just a few ingredients. The heat from the grill intensifies the pineapple’s natural sweetness, creating golden-brown edges and a hint of smokiness. With a splash of dark rum and warm cinnamon, this easy recipe becomes a tropical delight—perfect for summer barbecues or when you crave a fruity twist. Serve with ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 fresh pineapple

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• ¼ cup dark brown sugar

• ¼ cup dark rum (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Pineapple: Slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple, remove the rind, and cut into ¾–1 inch spears or rings. If using rings, core them with a small cutter. Place pineapple in a large zip-top bag.

2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, rum (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Pour mixture into the bag and toss gently to coat the pineapple. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.

3. Grill the Pineapple: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat (375–400°F). Grill the pineapple pieces for 4–6 minutes per side until caramelized and lightly charred. Baste with leftover marinade while grilling.

4. Serve: Remove from grill and serve immediately. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a topping for meats or desserts.

Nutrients (Estimated per Serving)

• Calories: ~140 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Protein: ~1g

• Fat: ~6g

• Saturated Fat: ~3.5g

• Sugar: ~20g

• Sodium: ~60mg

• Fiber: ~2g

• Vitamin C: High (from pineapple)

The Allure of Grilled Pineapple

What makes grilled pineapple irresistible isn’t just the sweetness—it’s the way it develops complex flavors under heat. Caramelization occurs naturally when the fruit’s sugars react to the hot grill, creating a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior. The warmth of cinnamon and the richness of butter and brown sugar amplify this transformation, while dark rum (optional) adds depth and a slight boozy note for those who enjoy adult-friendly desserts.

The aroma of cinnamon mingling with sweet pineapple and smoky grill marks creates a sensory experience that feels indulgent and fresh all at once. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels like a treat but doesn’t rely on heavy processed ingredients or complicated steps.

Perfect for Gatherings and Backyard BBQs

Grilled pineapple is the quintessential summer dessert. It’s fast to prepare, can be made in advance, and doesn’t require heating up the kitchen. Because it’s grilled, it naturally fits into the rhythm of outdoor barbecues, making it easy to add to your menu while the grill is already hot.

Guests are always impressed by this tropical dessert—it looks elegant, smells amazing, and delivers an unexpected burst of flavor. It’s also easy to scale. Whether you’re feeding four or a crowd of twenty, pineapple can be sliced and grilled in large batches without any hassle.

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

This dish uses just six basic ingredients—most of which are pantry staples—and comes together in less than 30 minutes. The recipe allows for flexibility depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Don’t want rum? Skip it. Need a dairy-free version? Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.

The real star is the pineapple itself. Fresh, ripe pineapple is bursting with vitamin C, fiber, and natural enzymes that support digestion. Grilling it not only adds texture and color but enhances its taste in ways raw pineapple can’t match.

A Dessert That’s Surprisingly Good for You

While it tastes indulgent, grilled pineapple is a relatively healthy dessert option. Each serving contains around 140 calories, most of which come from natural sugars and a small amount of fat from the buttery marinade. It offers a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants from the pineapple, plus a small amount of fiber to support digestion.

Unlike most desserts loaded with refined sugars and artificial additives, this recipe feels clean and nourishing. It’s gluten-free, can easily be made dairy-free or vegan, and is light enough to enjoy after a big meal without feeling overly full.

Serving Ideas to Elevate the Experience

Grilled pineapple is fantastic on its own, but the serving possibilities are endless. Try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold contrast that’s always a crowd-pleaser. For a more adventurous twist, serve it alongside grilled pork chops, spicy chicken, or glazed ham—the sweetness complements savory, spicy, or smoky proteins beautifully.

It also makes a great topping for pound cake, angel food cake, or waffles. Add a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added richness and texture. Want to impress guests? Serve grilled pineapple skewers with a rum glaze and lime zest for a tropical dessert platter.

Quick Tips for the Perfect Grilled Pineapple

To get the best results, start with a ripe pineapple. Look for one that gives slightly when pressed and smells sweet at the base. Avoid overripe pineapples that feel mushy or fermented.

For the grill, a medium heat setting (around 375–400°F) works best to allow the sugars to caramelize without burning. Be patient when grilling—resist the urge to flip too soon. Let the fruit sit until it releases naturally from the grill grate and has developed a nice sear.

Basting during grilling is key. It ensures every bite is infused with buttery cinnamon-sugar flavor and helps create that signature caramel crust. If you’re using rum, you can even flambé the pineapple at the end for a dramatic finish.

Customizing the Recipe for Any Occasion

This recipe is extremely flexible. For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the marinade. Swap dark rum for spiced rum or coconut rum, or replace it with pineapple or orange juice for a kid-friendly version.

You can also cut the pineapple in different shapes depending on the occasion. Spears work well for casual eating, while rings are perfect for presentation. For parties, consider skewering pineapple chunks and serving them kabob-style for easy sharing.

Feeling indulgent? Dip grilled pineapple slices in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts. You can also serve them with a mascarpone whipped cream topping or a side of grilled peaches and berries for a summer fruit medley.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, grilled pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be eaten cold or quickly reheated on a skillet or in the microwave. The flavors intensify as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day.

You can also chop grilled pineapple and use it in salads, smoothies, or salsas. Pair it with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime for a refreshing grilled pineapple salsa that complements tacos, fish, or grain bowls.

Conclusion

Grilled Pineapple is a celebration of what makes summer cooking so special—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and unfussy preparation. With its caramelized edges, warm spices, and juicy sweetness, this tropical dessert hits all the right notes. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, planning a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself, grilled pineapple brings elegance, health, and flavor to the table with minimal effort.

Its versatility means you can adapt it to any occasion, and its beauty lies in its simplicity. Few desserts are this easy, this delicious, and this good for you. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite whenever fresh pineapple is in season.