Grilled Pineapple With Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
You might not realize that grilling pineapple transforms its enzymes, making it both sweeter and easier to digest than its raw counterpart. When you brush this tropical fruit with melted butter and dust it with cinnamon sugar, you’ll create a caramelized exterior that shatters like candy while maintaining a tender, juicy center. It’s a technique that professional chefs use to elevate simple desserts, and now you can master this restaurant-worthy creation in your own backyard.
Overview
- Fresh pineapple rings are brushed with melted butter and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before grilling.
- Grill pineapple rings on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized with visible grill marks.
- Core removal and 1-inch thick slices ensure even cooking and optimal texture for the finished dessert.
- Simple ingredients include fresh pineapple, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and cooking spray for the grill grates.
- Each grilled pineapple ring contains 120 calories and creates a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
Recipe
Transforming fresh pineapple into a caramelized dessert creates the perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. When grilled, the natural sugars in the pineapple develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a juicy center, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
The addition of a cinnamon-sugar coating elevates this simple dessert to new heights, adding warmth and aromatics that perfectly complement the grilled fruit. This quick and impressive dessert requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum impact, making it an ideal finale for outdoor gatherings or summer meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray
Cooking Steps
Begin your grilled pineapple journey by slicing fresh rings and removing the cores, then mix your aromatic cinnamon-sugar coating until perfectly blended.
Brush each golden ring generously with melted butter and sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly across both sides before placing them on your preheated, well-oiled grill.
Watch as the natural sugars caramelize and create those signature crosshatch marks, transforming the pineapple into sweet, smoky perfection that’s ready to serve piping hot.
Step 1. Prepare Fresh Pineapple Rings
To prepare perfect pineapple rings, start by cutting off the crown and base of the fresh pineapple to create stable flat surfaces. You’ll know you’ve chosen a ripe texture when the fruit yields slightly to pressure and emits a sweet, tropical fragrance at its base.
Stand the pineapple upright and, using a sharp knife, slice downward to remove the tough outer skin in strips, making sure to cut deep enough to remove the “eyes.” Once peeled, lay the pineapple on its side and cut it into uniform 1-inch thick rings. For the cleanest pineapple cutting, use a small round cookie cutter or apple corer to remove the woody core from each ring, leaving you with perfect circles ready for grilling. Your rings should look professional and consistent in thickness.
Step 2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar Coating
With your freshly cut pineapple rings ready, prepare the aromatic cinnamon-sugar coating that will transform into a caramelized glaze on the grill.
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. You’ll achieve ideal sugar consistency by using your fingers to break up any clumps, ensuring the spices blend uniformly. For balanced sweetness levels, gently whisk the mixture until you see an even, golden-brown color throughout.
While your cinnamon sugar awaits, brush both sides of your pineapple rings with melted butter – this will help the coating stick and create that irresistible caramelization. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each ring, making sure you’re getting even coverage on all surfaces.
Step 3. Brush Butter on Rings
Once your pineapple rings are arranged on a clean work surface, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it’s golden and fragrant. Using a pastry brush, gently apply the warm butter to both sides of each pineapple ring, ensuring you don’t miss the edges.
The butter serves two vital purposes: it helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to the fruit’s surface and promotes that irresistible caramelized texture you’re aiming for. Make sure you’re creating an even coating across each ring – this will guarantee uniform caramelization on the grill. If you notice the butter starting to cool and thicken, simply warm it for a few seconds to maintain its liquid consistency. Your pineapple rings should now have a glistening appearance, ready for their sweet cinnamon-sugar embrace.
Step 4. Spray Grill, Add Rings
Now that your pineapple rings glisten with buttery goodness, your grill needs proper preparation for the main event. Give your preheated grill grates a thorough coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate even browning of your tropical treats.
Place each ring carefully on the medium-high heat surface, listening for that satisfying sizzle that signals the caramelization process has begun. You’ll want to preserve freshness by working quickly but deliberately – overcrowding the grill will lead to uneven cooking. Leave about an inch of space between each ring, allowing the heat to circulate properly.
Like fellow grill masters before you, you’ll know it’s time to flip when golden-brown grill marks appear and the edges begin to caramelize, typically after 3-4 minutes.
Step 5. Plate and Serve Hot
The tantalizing aroma of caramelized pineapple signals the perfect moment to dish up your grilled masterpiece. Using tongs, carefully transfer your golden-brown rings to warmed serving plates, making sure to preserve those beautiful grill marks you’ve worked to achieve.
You’ll want to serve these beauties while they’re still hot, when the caramelized coating is at its most delectable. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle caramel sauce in a decorative pattern across the plate and garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color that’ll make your dessert restaurant-worthy.
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the rings on a large platter in an overlapping pattern. The warm, sweet aroma and stunning presentation will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Top Tips
Success with grilled pineapple depends on mastering a few key techniques that’ll elevate your dish from good to extraordinary. You’ll want to maintain the ideal grilling temperature at medium-high heat, around 375-400°F, ensuring those gorgeous caramelized grill marks without burning the sugars.
Accurate timing is essential – watch for the pineapple’s edges to turn golden brown, typically 3-4 minutes per side. You’ll know you’ve nailed it when the fruit develops a slight char while remaining juicy inside. Don’t flip the rings more than once, as you’ll interrupt the caramelization process.
Choose a pineapple that’s fully ripe but still firm, with a sweet aroma at the base. For extra flavor depth, let the buttered and sugared rings rest for 10 minutes before grilling, allowing the seasonings to penetrate the fruit.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 ring |
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 21g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 25mg |
Additional Nutritional Notes:
Grilled pineapple provides vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. The caramelization process may slightly reduce the vitamin C content, but the fruit maintains most of its nutritional benefits. The addition of butter and cinnamon sugar increases the caloric content compared to raw pineapple.
Disclaimer:
Nutritional values may vary based on pineapple size, specific ingredients used, and preparation method. These figures are estimates and should be used as general guidance only.
Final Thoughts
Mastering grilled pineapple with cinnamon sugar offers you a perfect balance of smoky caramelization and tropical sweetness that’ll transform any outdoor gathering into a memorable dining experience. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again, as the sweet caramelization creates an irresistible golden crust while the smoky pineapple flavor deepens the fruit’s natural charm.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or seeking a light dessert for your family, this grilled treat connects you to the timeless tradition of outdoor cooking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – it’s approachable enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress seasoned grillers. You’ll join countless others who’ve discovered that sometimes the simplest preparations yield the most extraordinary results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Like a limp noodle, canned pineapple’s softer texture and watery consistency won’t hold up well on the grill. You’ll want to stick with fresh pineapple to achieve that perfect caramelized exterior.
How Long Will Grilled Pineapple Keep in the Refrigerator?
You’ll want to enjoy your grilled pineapple while it’s still warm, but if needed, it’ll keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For the best flavor, serve it at room temperature.
What Other Spices Can I Substitute for Cinnamon?
Delightfully daring spices that’ll work wonderfully include warming nutmeg, which adds earthy richness, or zesty fresh ginger that brings a peppery punch. You can also try cardamom, allspice, or vanilla for exotic flavors.
Is Grilled Pineapple Keto-Friendly?
You’ll want to skip grilled pineapple on keto due to its high natural sugar content (21g per ring). Even without the cinnamon-sugar coating, pineapple’s carbohydrate levels aren’t compatible with your keto lifestyle.
Can This Recipe Be Made on an Electric Indoor Grill?
You’d think you need a fancy outdoor grill, but your electric indoor grill works perfectly! Set it to medium-high (around 375°F), and you’ll get those beautiful caramelized marks in the same 3-4 minute cooking time.
