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This cinnamon glazed grilled pineapple transforms an already delicious tropical fruit into a caramelized dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. The heat from the grill caramelizes the natural sugars while the cinnamon-maple glaze creates a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone gathering around the barbecue.
I first made this grilled pineapple during a backyard barbecue when I needed a quick dessert. The combination of sweet caramelization and smoky char marks had everyone asking for the recipe before the night was over.
Ingredients
- Pineapple: Around 5 pounds; selecting a pineapple that yields slightly to pressure ensures ripeness without being overripe
- Maple syrup: Authentic maple syrup provides a complex sweetness that complements the natural flavors of the pineapple
- Vietnamese cinnamon: This variety has a more intense sweet heat than regular cinnamon and creates an incredible aromatic quality
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the grill:
- Heat your grill to high initially to ensure proper temperature. This creates the perfect environment for quick caramelization without turning your pineapple mushy. The high initial heat helps the grates reach optimal temperature for those beautiful grill marks.
- Prepare the pineapple:
- Stand the pineapple on its base after cutting off both ends. Carefully slice away the spiny exterior working from top to bottom in strips. Then cut away from the woody core by making vertical cuts around it. Slice into wedges about 2 inches thick or into rounds depending on your preference. The size matters here as too thin will fall apart and too thick won't caramelize properly.
- Create the glaze:
- Mix the maple syrup and Vietnamese cinnamon thoroughly in a bowl until well combined. Drizzle this aromatic mixture over all pineapple pieces ensuring each piece gets coated evenly. The syrup will create that beautiful caramelization while the cinnamon adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Grill to perfection:
- Lower the grill temperature to medium or medium high around 450°F before placing pineapple pieces with space between them. Grill each side for 3 to 5 minutes watching carefully for those beautiful caramelized grill marks. The pineapple should develop a golden brown exterior while maintaining its juicy interior texture.
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Vietnamese cinnamon truly makes this recipe special with its intensely sweet and spicy profile. I discovered this ingredient at a specialty spice shop years ago and now keep it as a kitchen staple. My family knows summer has officially arrived when this grilled pineapple makes its first appearance of the season.
Selecting the Perfect Pineapple
The success of this recipe starts with choosing the right pineapple. Look for one with a slight give when pressed not too firm and not too soft. The leaves at the crown should be green and fresh looking. A ripe pineapple often has a sweet fragrance at the base. Color is less important than many people think as some varieties remain green even when fully ripe. If your pineapple is not quite ripe let it sit at room temperature for a day or two before grilling.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your personal preferences. For a tropical twist substitute coconut sugar for maple syrup and add a sprinkle of lime zest after grilling. If you enjoy heat try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet and spicy combination. For special occasions a light brushing of dark rum instead of maple syrup creates a sophisticated flavor profile. The natural sweetness of the pineapple means this recipe works well with many flavor adjustments.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own this grilled pineapple becomes a show stopping dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot caramelized fruit and cold creamy ice cream creates an irresistible texture combination. For a healthier option serve with Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. During summer brunches add grilled pineapple to a tropical fruit platter. For a savory application this pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled pork or chicken where the sweet acidity complements the savory meat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular cinnamon instead of Vietnamese cinnamon?
Yes, you can substitute regular cinnamon for Vietnamese cinnamon. However, Vietnamese cinnamon (also called Saigon cinnamon) has a more intense, sweet flavor with higher essential oil content. If using regular cinnamon, you might want to increase the amount slightly to achieve a similar flavor impact.
- → Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey makes an excellent substitute for maple syrup in this dish. It will create a slightly different flavor profile but will still caramelize beautifully on the grill. You may need to warm the honey slightly to make it easier to coat the pineapple evenly.
- → How do I know when the pineapple is perfectly grilled?
The perfectly grilled pineapple should have distinct brown grill marks on both sides and a slightly softened texture while still maintaining its shape. After about 3 minutes, lift a piece with tongs to check for caramelization. The pineapple should look golden-brown but not charred or mushy.
- → Can I prepare this dish without a grill?
Yes, you can achieve similar results using a grill pan on your stovetop or even by broiling in your oven. With a grill pan, follow the same instructions. For broiling, place the glazed pineapple on a baking sheet about 4 inches from the heating element and broil for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- → How should I serve grilled pineapple?
Grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile! Serve it warm as a dessert topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It's also excellent as a side dish for grilled meats, especially ham or pork. You can chop it to add to fruit salads, use as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or even incorporate it into tropical cocktails.
- → How long does grilled pineapple stay fresh?
Grilled pineapple is best enjoyed immediately while warm and caramelized. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or enjoy cold. The texture will soften slightly during storage.