If you love tropical flavors and crave a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of smoky char, then the Grilled Pineapple with Coconut-Lime Glaze Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This dish transforms simple pineapple slices with a luscious mix of brown sugar, creamy butter, zesty lime, and fragrant coconut extract, all caramelized to golden perfection on the grill. It’s simple, utterly delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to bring out the natural sweetness of the pineapple while adding layers of depth through bright citrus notes and rich coconut flavor. These simple essentials combine beautifully for a dessert that’s both fresh and indulgent.
- Ripe pineapple: The star of the show, ripe pineapple brings juiciness and natural tang that’s perfect for grilling.
- Brown sugar: Lightly packed for caramelization and a deep, molasses-like sweetness that crisps on the grill.
- Salted butter: Melted to blend into the glaze, it adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the pineapple.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and to balance the sweetness with a zesty punch.
- Coconut extract: A touch is all it takes to infuse the glaze with that tropical aroma reminiscent of sandy beachside treats.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to enhance flavor contrasts and add a delightful crunch.
- Optional lime zest, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce: These garnishes elevate the dish with fresh citrus brightness and creamy or saucy richness.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Coconut-Lime Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by setting your grill to a medium heat level, aiming for a steady 300-350°F. This temperature range ensures the pineapple caramelizes nicely without the sugars burning too fast. Give the grill enough time to heat fully so every slice cooks evenly and develops perfect grill marks.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple
Peeling and coring the pineapple is simple but crucial. Remove the tough outer skin and then core the pineapple before slicing it into 1/2-inch thick rings. These rings offer the ideal size and shape to hold together on the grill but still soak up that incredible coconut-lime glaze.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
Whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, lime juice, and coconut extract until smooth and combined. This glaze is where the magic happens — the sugars melt and caramelize, the butter adds buttery richness, while the lime and coconut bring fresh tropical vibrancy. It’s a sweet and tangy syrup that clings perfectly to every pineapple slice.
Step 4: Brush with Glaze and Add Sea Salt
Generously brush both sides of each pineapple ring with the glaze to ensure even flavor and caramelization. Then sprinkle the pineapple slices with flaky sea salt. This last step might seem small, but the contrast of salty crunch against the sweet glaze takes every bite to a new level.
Step 5: Grill the Pineapple
Place the glazed pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until the pineapple is caramelized and sports beautiful grill lines. The heat softens the fruit slightly while intensifying its sweetness and adding that subtle smoky essence.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Remove your pineapple slices from the grill and serve warm. Feel free to add finishing touches like lime zest for extra zing, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to amp up the indulgence. This recipe lets you customize to your heart’s content.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Coconut-Lime Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your grilled pineapple enhances its visual appeal and flavor profile. Fresh lime zest provides a burst of aromatic citrus oils that complement the glaze wonderfully, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts slowly over the warm pineapple, creating a luxurious texture contrast. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a decadent touch that pairs perfectly with the coconut-lime sweetness.
Side Dishes
This grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Think grilled chicken or fish for a tropical twist to your main course, or serve it alongside coconut rice for a cohesive island-inspired meal. Even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, smoky pineapple.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Skewer glazed pineapple rings with chunks of grilled shrimp or chicken for easy-to-eat kabobs bursting with tropical flavors. Alternatively, layer sections of grilled pineapple into a fruit salad with mango, kiwi, and papaya for a colorful, summery dessert. You could also use these caramelized slices as a stunning topping on cheesecakes or yogurt parfaits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining much of its flavor and texture. Just be aware that the glaze may slightly soak into the pineapple over time, making it softer.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the grilled pineapple, arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen grilled pineapple can last up to 2 months and is great for smoothies or compotes, though grilling again after freezing is not recommended.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pineapple slices gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This method helps revive the caramelized glaze without turning the fruit mushy. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven heating and a loss of texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe because it holds up well on the grill and provides the most vibrant flavor. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and more watery, which can affect grilling and texture.
What if I don’t have coconut extract?
If coconut extract isn’t available, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of coconut milk mixed into the glaze. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and tropical.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
To make the recipe vegan, simply replace the salted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, making it easy to adapt.
How sweet is the glaze? Can I reduce the sugar?
The glaze strikes a balance of sweet and tangy, but you can definitely reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. Just keep in mind that the sugar helps with caramelization and texture on the grill.
Can I cook this pineapple indoors instead of on a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or even broil the pineapple slices in the oven. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning and adjust timing as needed since indoor heat sources differ from an open grill.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Pineapple with Coconut-Lime Glaze Recipe enough for those moments when you want a dessert that feels both fresh and indulgent without fuss. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavors and that magical, just-off-the-grill caramelization that makes every bite sparkle. Whether you serve it as a sweet ending to a summer barbecue or a tropical treat anytime, it’s bound to brighten your table and your day. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut-Lime Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical/American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Pineapple recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and caramelized flavors. Fresh pineapple slices are brushed with a luscious brown sugar, butter, lime, and coconut glaze, then grilled to create a beautifully caramelized dessert or snack. Ideal for summer barbecues or a tropical-inspired treat, it’s quick to prepare and serves 12.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp lime juice (about two small limes)
- 3/4 tsp coconut extract
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt
Optional Toppings
- Lime zest
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 300-350°F. Allow it to preheat thoroughly for even cooking and optimal caramelization.
- Prepare the Pineapple: Peel the pineapple, remove the core, and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rings. You should get approximately 12 rings depending on the size of the pineapple.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, lime juice, and coconut extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Brush with Glaze: Generously brush both sides of each pineapple ring with the prepared brown sugar glaze. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the glazed pineapple to enhance flavors and add texture.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the glazed pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until you see caramelization and distinct grill marks forming.
- Plate and Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and serve warm. Optionally add lime zest, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated to get nice caramelization without sticking.
- Using flaky sea salt adds a wonderful crunch and balances the sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of lime juice and coconut extract to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture; grilled pineapple can toughen if left to sit too long.
- This recipe works well on both gas and charcoal grills.
- If you don’t have fresh pineapple, canned rings can be used but grilling time may vary.
- Optional toppings like vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce pair beautifully with the warm fruit.
