Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple
Sweet, juicy pineapple slices caramelized on the grill with a warm cinnamon coating. The heat intensifies the fruit's natural sugars, creating a lightly charred, tender dessert or side dish ready in under 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Mix the cinnamon sugar coating.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and salt. Stir with a spoon until evenly blended.
- prep · ~2 min
Prepare the pineapple slices.
Brush both sides of each pineapple round lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle and press the cinnamon-sugar mixture onto both sides.
TIPPat the slices dry with a paper towel first — less moisture means better caramelization. - grill · ~6 min
Grill the pineapple until caramelized.
1.Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.2.Place the coated pineapple slices on the hot grates.3.Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until deep grill marks appear and the sugar is bubbly and charred at the edges.4.Remove from the heat once both sides are caramelized.TIPDon't move the slices for the first 2 minutes — they need uninterrupted contact to develop clean grill marks. - serve
Serve warm.
Transfer the grilled pineapple to a serving plate. Enjoy on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a ripe but firm pineapple so the slices hold their shape on the grill without turning mushy.
- 2Pat the pineapple rounds dry with paper towels before brushing with butter to ensure the sugar coating sticks and caramelizes evenly.
- 3Let the slices grill undisturbed for a full 2 minutes per side to develop deep, defined grill marks and a beautiful char.
- 4Brush the grill grates with a little oil before heating to prevent the sugar from sticking and tearing the pineapple.
- 5Serve immediately after grilling — the caramelized sugar firms up as it cools, so it's best enjoyed warm and slightly soft.
- 6If using wooden skewers for smaller pineapple pieces, soak them in water for 20 minutes first to prevent burning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a sweet-heat kick that pairs beautifully with the grilled pineapple.
coconut limeCoconut-lime
Swap butter for coconut oil and add a pinch of lime zest to the sugar mixture. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
honey gingerHoney-ginger
Replace the brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey and add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger — the honey glazes the pineapple with a golden, sticky sheen.
veganVegan
Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter — the coconut fat complements the pineapple's tropical flavor perfectly.
low sugarLow-sugar
Skip the brown sugar entirely and use a zero-calorie brown sugar substitute (like monk fruit brown sugar) — the natural sweetness of the grilled pineapple still shines through with a caramelized crust.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, a key antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Contains Bromelain
Pineapple naturally contains bromelain, a group of enzymes known to aid digestion and reduce inflammation when consumed.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Each serving of grilled pineapple supplies a modest amount of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Low in Saturated Fat
Using just a small amount of butter (or a plant-based swap) keeps this dessert very low in saturated fat compared to traditional baked sweets.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but pat them very dry with paper towels first — canned pineapple holds more moisture, which can prevent good caramelization and make the slices steam rather than char.
