If you're craving a sweet and lightly spiced treat that's wonderfully simple to make, this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. It's perfect for summer cookouts or whenever you want a dessert that feels fresh, tropical, and just a little indulgent. Trust me, once you've tried those glossy, caramelized pineapple slices kissed with a warm cinnamon honey glaze, you'll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite.
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Why You'll Make This on Repeat
This grilled pineapple combines juicy tropical sweetness with a comforting cinnamon-infused honey glaze, creating an irresistible balance of flavors. It's truly a dish that feels special yet breaks down into straightforward steps anyone can follow.
- Reliable Texture: Pineapple stays tender but holds its shape well after grilling.
- Balanced, Cozy Flavor: The cinnamon honey glaze adds warmth without overpowering the fruit.
- Pantry-Friendly: You likely have all these ingredients on hand or can grab them easily.
- Weeknight Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, making dessert effortless.
Ingredient Highlights
Choosing the right pineapple and quality ingredients makes a big difference for this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Glaze Recipe. Opt for ripe, fragrant pineapples and pure honey for the best glaze.
- Pineapples: Look for firm, golden skin with a sweet aroma at the base to ensure ripeness.
- Butter: Use unsalted so you control the saltiness; melt gently to blend smoothly.
- Brown sugar: Dark brown adds richness and depth to the glaze.
- Honey: Choose a mild, runny honey for easy mixing and balanced sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon gives a more vibrant, spicy aroma than pre-ground.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
Step-by-Step for Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Glaze Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by peeling and coring your pineapples. I like cutting one pineapple into thick rings for classic presentation, and the other into spears for variety and easier handling on the grill. Once cut, preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates so the pineapple doesn't stick. In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a glossy glaze. Brush this sauce generously over all the pineapple pieces-don't be shy here, the glaze is where the magic happens.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Place the glazed pineapple on the hot grill. You'll want to grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side - enough to get those gorgeous toasty grill marks and let the sugars caramelize lightly. After flipping, brush more glaze on the other side, keeping the flavor layers rich and the fruit moist. For the rings, rotate them 45 degrees midway through each side's cooking time to create those appealing diamond grill marks. It's a small step that makes your presentation pop.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Keep a close eye on your pineapple during these final moments. You want tender, juicy fruit with slightly crisp edges-not mushy or burnt. Once each side is beautifully caramelized with a glossy glaze sheen, remove immediately. Serve warm to enjoy the full spectrum of flavor and a perfectly balanced texture. I've found that serving it right off the grill makes all the difference.
Kitchen Notes I Rely On
This recipe is all about timing and attention to detail-too long on the grill and you risk drying out the pineapple; too short and you miss the caramelization. Using a fresh, flavorful glaze helps keep the pineapple moist and adds layers of warmth from the cinnamon.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a glossy surface with caramelized spots and a softened feel when gently pressed.
- Temperature Trick: Maintain a steady medium-high heat to caramelize sugars without burning.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can mix the glaze a day ahead to deepen flavors; just store it refrigerated.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't skip oiling your grill-it keeps the pineapple from sticking and tearing.
Serving & Sides
Finishing Touches
A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream absolutely elevates this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Glaze Recipe. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced pineapple, making every bite feel indulgent and refreshing at once. You can also sprinkle a few toasted coconut flakes or chopped fresh mint for added texture and a pop of color.
Pairs Nicely With
I recommend serving this grilled pineapple alongside grilled chicken or pork for a sweet-savory balance, or with a light, fruity salad to keep things fresh. For dessert, think subtle flavors - a mild yogurt or whipped cream goes wonderfully without competing.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a quick weeknight dinner, stack pineapple spears casually on a plate with a drizzle of leftover glaze. For a more festive look, arrange the rings overlapping in a circle, topped with a sprig of mint or edible flowers. Using contrasting colors on your plate enhances the vibrant golden pineapple beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture remains pleasant, though it won't be quite as crisp as freshly grilled. The glaze can firm up a little but can be refreshed with a quick warm-up.
Freezer Tips
I don't recommend freezing grilled pineapple with the cinnamon honey glaze, as the texture changes quite a bit once thawed. If you want to preserve pineapple for longer, freeze it fresh and grill only after thawing.
Reheating Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Glaze Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, gently warm pineapple slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes, covered loosely with foil to trap moisture. Microwave on medium power in short bursts, covered, if you're in a hurry-just keep an eye to avoid drying out. An air fryer at low temperature (about 300°F) also revives caramelization nicely in a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh pineapple is best because it holds up well on the grill and offers the brightest flavor. Canned pineapple tends to be too soft and watery for grilling.
Make sure to preheat the grill thoroughly and brush the grates with a neutral oil or spray before grilling. Also, the melted butter in the glaze helps create a barrier.
Yes, you can omit the butter and mix the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt with a little vegetable oil or coconut oil instead. It won't be quite as rich but still delicious.
A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger complements the cinnamon beautifully and adds more depth to the glaze.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Glaze Recipe brings out the natural sweetness of pineapple while layering in a cozy spice note that's impossible to resist. It's one of those recipes where simple methods lead to extraordinary flavor, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Whether it's a casual weeknight dessert or a show-stopping addition to your next barbecue, it's sure to delight.
PrintPrintable Recipe
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Glaze Recipe
A delicious and easy recipe for grilled pineapple featuring a sweet and spiced butter glaze, perfect as a warm dessert or a flavorful side dish with a hint of caramelized goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 pineapples (peeled and cored)
Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple: Cut one pineapple into 8 rings by slicing it crosswise. Cut the other pineapple into spears by cutting it in half lengthwise, then cutting those halves in half lengthwise again to make quarters, and then halving each quarter to produce 8 spears.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly coat the grate with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until fully mixed into a smooth glaze.
- Brush the pineapple: Generously brush the glaze over all the pineapple rings and spears using a pastry brush, ensuring each piece is coated well.
- Grill the pineapple: Place the pineapple on the grill and cook for 3 minutes on one side. Brush the other side with the glaze, then flip and grill for another 3 minutes. For the pineapple rings, rotate them 45 degrees while grilling to create diamond-shaped grill marks.
- Serve: Remove the pineapple from the grill and serve warm. Enjoy as is or alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe pineapples for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Brush the pineapple with the glaze multiple times during grilling for a richer caramelized coating.
- If you don't have a grill, you can broil the pineapple in the oven on a high rack for similar results.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
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