Is there anything quite as irresistible as the tender sweetness of grilled pineapple? It’s a culinary marvel that not only delights the taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. If you’ve been looking for a standout dessert or a vibrant addition to your summer grill-outs, look no further than this tantalizing Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe. In just a fraction of the time compared to typical desserts, you can create a mouthwatering treat that impresses friends and family alike.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role, enhancing the flavor and cooking experience.

1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears): The star of the show. Fresh pineapple lends a natural sweetness and juiciness that’s unparalleled.
¼ cup light brown sugar: This sweetener adds a rich caramel-like flavor that beautifully complements the pineapple.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a hint of spice to balance the sweetness; it packs a gentle kick.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a comforting warmth that rounds out the flavors harmoniously.
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt: Elevates the taste by enhancing the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
Vegetable oil spray: For grilling, it helps prevent sticking and gives a nice, charred finish.

Timing

Preparation, cooking, and total time for this recipe is remarkably efficient:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor)
Cooking Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 44 minutes (20% less time than the average dessert recipe, making it an excellent quick option)

How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Marinate the Pineapple

Start by placing the pineapple spears in a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Toss the pineapple until it is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature—or, for best results, refrigerate overnight. You’ll notice a syrupy liquid forming which should not be discarded; it’s essential for added flavor!

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill Pan

Preheat your grill pan over high heat. Just before grilling the pineapple, apply a light mist of vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Pineapple

Once the grill is hot, place the marinated pineapple spears on the grill. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until you achieve beautiful grill marks and the sugar begins to caramelize.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinade Syrup

While the pineapple grills, take the excess marinade liquid and pour it into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 90 seconds or until it becomes bubbly and syrupy. This will intensify the flavors and create a delightful drizzle for serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once grilled, transfer the pineapple to a serving platter and drizzle the warm syrup over it just before serving. Your guests will be marveling at the beautiful, glazed finish!

Nutritional Information

A serving of Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple (one spear) contains approximately:

Calories: 80
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 1g

Note: This dessert is not just low in calories but also rich in vitamins C and A, thanks to the fresh pineapple.

Healthier Alternatives For Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for ways to make this dish even healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider the following suggestions:

Brown Sugar Substitute: Use coconut sugar or a monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index.
Spice It Up: Instead of cayenne pepper, try cinnamon or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Skip the Syrup: For a lighter version, drizzle with honey or agave instead of the syrup.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple lies in its versatility:

Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert contrast.
Add to tropical salads for an extra burst of natural sweetness.
Use as a topping for pancakes or yogurt for a unique breakfast twist.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even the most experienced cook can make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

Choosing a Ripe Pineapple: Ensure your pineapple is ripe. A slightly soft feel at the base and a sweet aroma indicate it’s ready.
Overcooking: Avoid grilling for too long; otherwise, the pineapple can turn mushy. Keep a close watch on it!

Storing Tips For Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), here are some tips to maintain flavor and freshness:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze grilled pineapple for future use in smoothies or as a dessert topping.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is not only a simple and delicious dessert, but it also offers a sweet and spicy flavor explosion that shines at any gathering. Whether served on its own or as part of a larger spread, this recipe is bound to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and let the aroma take over your kitchen. Try the recipe, share your feedback, and explore more delightful recipes on the blog!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the pineapple?

Marinating the pineapple for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but overnight will yield more intense flavors.

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple is highly recommended for the best texture and taste, but if canned is all you have, make sure to choose chunks in juice rather than syrup.

What can I serve alongside Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple?

This dish pairs excellently with grilled meats, yogurt, or even topped on desserts like cakes or ice creams!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as no animal products are included. Just ensure your sweetener is vegan.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be enjoyed in smoothies, as a salad topping, or even as a topping for breakfast items like oatmeal or pancakes.

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Author: linda
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 44 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Tropical
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and quick dessert featuring tender, grilled pineapple coated in a sweet and spicy marinade.

Ingredients

Scale

1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears)
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetable oil spray

Instructions

Marinate the Pineapple: In a large bowl, toss pineapple spears with brown sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Preheat Your Grill Pan: Heat your grill pan over high heat and mist with vegetable oil spray.
Grill the Pineapple: Place marinated pineapple on the grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until grill marks form and sugar caramelizes.
Prepare the Marinade Syrup: Heat the excess marinade liquid in the microwave for about 90 seconds until bubbly and syrupy.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer grilled pineapple to a platter and drizzle with warm syrup before serving.

Notes

Use fresh pineapple for best results. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 spear
Calories: 80
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 30mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Grilled Fruit, Pineapple Recipe, Summer Desserts, Healthy Grilling, Barbecue Recipes

Delicious Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple