This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a sweet treat that brings sunshine to your plate! The pineapple gets a lovely golden color and a melt-in-your-mouth taste that’s simply magical.
Seriously, who knew fruit could taste this good? It’s like a mini-vacation with each bite! I love serving it with ice cream or yogurt; it’s the perfect summer dessert that never disappoints.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe, fresh pineapple is essential for the best flavor. Look for one that smells sweet at the base and has a firm feel. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple can work, but be sure to drain it well before grilling.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient creates that lovely caramelization. You could substitute with coconut sugar or even white sugar in a pinch, but brown sugar brings a rich flavor that’s hard to beat.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is used for moisture and richness. You can swap it for coconut oil or a dairy-free spread for a lighter or vegan option.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can work well, but use it sparingly, as it is stronger.
Ground Cinnamon: The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm spice. If you don’t have it, you might try nutmeg or leave it out entirely if you prefer the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
How Do I Properly Grill Pineapple for Perfect Caramelization?
Grilling pineapple to get those perfect caramelized marks can be tricky, but it’s easier than it sounds! Here’s how:
- First, **cut the pineapple correctly.** Be sure to remove all the skin and eyes for a clean finish. Cutting into long wedges helps them grill evenly.
- **Mix the ingredients well.** Combine the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until you have a smooth paste. This makes it easier to coat the pineapple.
- Make sure your grill (or grill pan) is at a **medium heat.** This ensures the sugar caramelizes without burning.
- **Generously coat each wedge** with the sugar mix. Apply it to all sides for maximum caramelization.
- **Don’t overcrowd the grill.** Give each piece space to allow even cooking. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until you see those beautiful marks and bubbling sugar.
Let the pineapple rest briefly after grilling to enhance the flavor, and enjoy it warm or chilled!
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 10-12 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes to prepare and enjoy your delicious grilled caramelized pineapple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pineapple:
Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the whole pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright on a cutting board and carefully peel off the skin, making sure to remove any little brown eyes you see. Once it’s all peeled, cut the pineapple into long rectangular wedges or planks. These will be perfect for grilling!
2. Making the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it forms a nice, thick paste. This will add a sweet, caramel flavor to the pineapple!
3. Preheating and Grilling:
Now it’s time to get the grill ready! Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it until it’s hot and ready. While that’s warming up, generously brush the brown sugar mixture over each pineapple wedge, making sure to coat all sides well.
4. Grilling the Pineapple:
Place the coated pineapple wedges on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see lovely grill marks forming and the sugar starts to caramelize, turning golden brown and bubbling a bit.
5. Serving Your Delight:
Once your pineapple wedges are all grilled up, carefully remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. You can enjoy your grilled caramelized pineapple warm or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, drizzle a little more melted butter over the top or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your tasty treat!
Can I Use Brown Sugar Substitute?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar or a granulated sweetener like stevia, but the flavor might differ slightly. If using a granulated sweetener, you may want to add a bit of molasses for that deep brown sugar taste. Keep in mind that it might not caramelize as beautifully, so monitor the grilling closely!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it gently on the grill or in the oven for a few minutes to revive some of that grilled flavor!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple for This Recipe?
You can, but fresh pineapple is recommended for grilling as it has a firmer texture. If using canned pineapple, make sure it’s well-drained and pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which can affect the grilling process.
What Can I Add to Enhance the Flavor?
You can sprinkle some fresh herbs like mint or basil after grilling for a refreshing twist. Adding a squeeze of lime juice just before serving can also brighten the flavors beautifully!
