If you are looking for a tropical treat that bursts with sweetness, a hint of spice, and a charred smoky flavor, this Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe will become your new favorite. The juicy pineapple spears get luxuriously glazed with a buttery, brown sugar mixture spiked with fragrant allspice, then grilled to golden perfection. It’s a simple dessert or snack that feels extraordinary, bringing sunshine and cozy warmth to any table with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in just a few simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in flavor and texture. The fresh pineapple offers natural juiciness and sweetness, brown sugar adds deep caramel notes, unsalted butter brings richness, and ground allspice gives an aromatic warmth that ties everything together perfectly.
- 1 fresh pineapple (cut into spears): Choose a ripe, fragrant pineapple for maximum juiciness and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Provides the rich caramel flavor that transforms grilled pineapple into a dessert sensation.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds a luxurious mouthfeel and helps the sugar caramelize beautifully while grilling.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Delivers a warm, slightly spicy note that elevates the flavor complexity of this dish.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by warming your grill or grill pan to medium heat. A steady medium heat is key to caramelizing the sugar without burning the pineapple. This will help you achieve those gorgeous grill marks and sweet, smoky edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground allspice in a bowl until fully combined. This luscious glaze is what transforms the pineapple into a caramelized delight and infuses it with cozy spices that sing on your palate.
Step 3: Glaze the Pineapple Spears
Arrange your pineapple spears on a baking sheet or cutting board. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each spear with the butter, sugar, and spice glaze. Be thorough so every bite will be rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Grill the Pineapple
Place the glazed pineapple spears on the grill grates. Cook them for about 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even caramelization and charring. The aroma will be unbelievably inviting as the sugars melt and char to perfection.
Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once your pineapple spears are irresistibly caramelized and slightly charred, remove them from the grill. Let them cool for a few minutes so they can set up just right without completely losing that warm softness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the grilled pineapple warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which pairs beautifully with the warm spices and caramel glaze. This Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels special yet effortless.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by adding fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top. The bright green hue of mint adds a fresh contrast to the golden pineapple, while toasted coconut lends a tropical crunch that complements the texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish makes a fantastic dessert on its own but also shines beside grilled meats such as chicken or pork. The sweet and spicy pineapple glaze adds a delightful counterpoint to savory flavors, making your meal feel like a complete island-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grilled pineapple on skewers for an easy-to-eat finger food experience at your next barbecue. You can also chop the pineapple after grilling and toss it into salads or atop your favorite yogurt bowls for a caramelized twist. This Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe lends itself to many fun, creative variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Grilled pineapple keeps well for up to 3 days but is best enjoyed fresh to maintain those juicy textures and flavorful glaze.
Freezing
While freezing pineapple is possible, the texture after thawing can become softer than desired, especially once grilled. For this reason, freezing grilled pineapple in this recipe is not recommended if you want to preserve the crisp caramelized edges.
Reheating
To gently reheat grilled pineapple, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes or briefly microwave it on low power. Avoid high heat to prevent toughening the fruit. A quick reheat helps revive the buttery glaze and warm spices without sacrificing texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple is preferred for this Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe because it holds up better on the grill and provides a juicier, fresher flavor. Canned pineapple is softer and may become mushy when grilled.
What can I substitute for allspice?
If allspice is not available, a mix of ground cinnamon and cloves in equal parts works well as a substitute. It won’t be exactly the same but will still provide that warm, spicy profile.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of the dish. Using salted butter is fine, but be mindful not to add any extra salt as the caramelization and brown sugar already contribute plenty of flavor.
How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the pineapple on them. The glaze also helps create a barrier, but prepping the grill properly is key to easy turning and beautiful grill marks.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. The recipe still works wonderfully and keeps that rich, caramelized quality.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe is such a joyful way to celebrate simple ingredients transformed with a little heat and love. Whether you’re grilling for friends or treating yourself, this dish brings together tropical sweetness, warm spice, and smoky caramelization in a way that feels both special and surprisingly easy. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar and Allspice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Pineapple recipe features fresh pineapple spears coated with a luscious glaze made of melted butter, brown sugar, and warm allspice. Grilled to caramelized perfection, this sweet and smoky treat is perfect as a refreshing dessert served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into spears
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat to ensure a perfect caramelization without burning the pineapple.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground allspice until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze the Pineapple: Arrange the pineapple spears on a baking sheet or cutting board. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each spear with the butter and brown sugar glaze.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the glazed pineapple spears on the grill grates. Cook for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally to allow even caramelization and slight charring on all sides.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes to lock in the juices and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pineapple for the best texture and sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar in the glaze depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Watch the pineapple carefully on the grill to prevent it from burning.
- This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum into the glaze.
