If you’re craving a sweet treat that feels a little bit fancy but takes almost no effort, Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is about to win you over! This sunny dessert bursts with tropical fruit, warm spices, and a sticky-sweet sauce that makes it impossible not to go back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Summery Vibes, Anytime: Sunshine-sweet pineapple with a caramelized char brings instant tropical energy to any occasion—even in the middle of winter.
- Easy Elegance: With just three everyday ingredients, this dessert is as impressive to serve as it is easy to make. No fuss, all flavor!
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Crowd Friendly: Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a dessert everyone can enjoy, perfect for BBQs, family dinners, and last-minute get-togethers.
- Versatility: Serve it warm, cold, over ice cream, or on its own—the possibilities are utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Can you believe three simple, accessible ingredients come together to create such magic? Each one has a starring role in the irresistible flavor, caramelization, and sheer sunshine appeal of Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle.
- Fresh Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for juiciness and natural sweetness; the grill will bring out its caramel notes and slightly smoky flavor.
- Honey: A pour of golden honey makes the sauce luscious and sticky, and pairs beautifully with the tropical fruit.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice, elevating the humble pineapple into true dessert territory.
- Non-stick spray: This keeps your pineapple from sticking to the grill grates so every spear comes out picture-perfect.
Variations
What I adore about this treat is how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Let your creativity shine—Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is just the starting point!
- Add a Little Heat: Sprinkle the pineapple with chili powder before grilling for a smoky-sweet kick that pairs surprisingly well with the honey drizzle.
- Go Vegan: Swap honey for agave nectar or maple syrup to keep things plant-based but still sticky and sweet.
- Coconut Bliss: Finish with a scatter of toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and a summery island twist.
- Lime Zest Pop: Grate fresh lime zest over the finished dish for tangy brightness that balances the caramelized sweetness.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple and Grill
Start by peeling your pineapple and slicing it into spears—try for pieces about 1 inch thick so they’re sturdy enough for the grill but still tender inside. Give your grill a generous mist of non-stick spray to prevent any sticking, then preheat it to medium heat. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is all about that golden char, so make sure your grill is nice and hot!
Step 2: Grill the Pineapple
Arrange the pineapple spears directly on the hot grill. Let them cook for about three minutes per side, turning once, until they have beautiful grill marks and an irresistible caramelized color. The natural sugars will sizzle and start to bubble—that’s how you know the magic is happening.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
While the pineapple grills, pop your honey into the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it pourable and warm. Stir in the cinnamon thoroughly until your kitchen smells like something out of a tropical bakery. This golden sauce is the sweet finale for your grilled fruit!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Transfer the warm pineapple spears to a platter and drizzle generously with the cinnamon honey mixture. Watch as it glistens, then serve right away. Whether you’re handing these around at a backyard BBQ or finishing off a quiet weeknight dinner, everyone will want another spear of Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
- Pineapple Perfection: For the very best flavor, choose a pineapple that feels heavy for its size with a sweet, fragrant aroma at the base—this means it’s perfectly ripe and juicy.
- Even Slices Grill Best: Try to cut your pineapple spears the same thickness so they grill at the same speed and get that gorgeous caramelization.
- Warm Drizzle, Wow Factor: Warming up the honey before adding cinnamon ensures it stays pourable and coats the pineapple in a glossy, delicious glaze.
- Serve Immediately: Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is at its absolute best served warm, when the fruit is juicy and the honey is perfectly gooey.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted coconut, a handful of chopped fresh mint, or a dollop of whipped cream are all beautiful finishing touches that contrast the sticky sweetness of Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle. Even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes it totally over the top!
Side Dishes
This dessert is fantastic after grilled meats, barbecue chicken, or spicy tacos—the juicy pineapple is so refreshing after something savory or smoky. It’s a great way to lighten up a richer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread grilled pineapple cubes onto skewers for a fun finger-food version, or slice and layer in parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a “breakfast dessert.” For parties, arrange the spears on a platter with the cinnamon honey drizzled in criss-cross patterns—your friends will think you’ve gone to culinary school!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle left (good luck!), tuck it into an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to three days, and you can enjoy it chilled or gently rewarmed.
Freezing
Pineapple can be frozen after grilling, although the texture softens a bit on thawing. Lay the cooled spears in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then move to a freezer bag. Frozen pieces can be used in smoothies or grilled again to recapture their caramel edge!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the pineapple for 15–20 seconds to take the chill off, or pop under a broiler for a moment to revive that caramelized surface. If you reserved some extra drizzle, warm that separately and pour over the top before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is ideal for grilling because it holds its shape and caramelizes beautifully, but if you only have canned, use large rings packed in juice (not syrup), drain well, and pat dry before grilling. They’ll cook more quickly, so watch carefully!
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Do I need an outdoor grill, or can I use a grill pan?
No outdoor grill? No worries—Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is just as delicious cooked indoors on a stovetop grill pan or even a contact grill. You’ll still get those coveted grill marks and sweet flavor.
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Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Grill the pineapple and refrigerate in an airtight container. Shortly before serving, reheat gently (see reheating tips above) and prepare the honey drizzle fresh for that warm, sticky finish.
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Is there a way to reduce the sugar or make it lighter?
You can easily use less honey for a lighter drizzle, or try substituting a sugar-free syrup if you prefer. The dessert will still feel indulgent thanks to the natural sweetness of ripe pineapple!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience how Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle brightens up even an ordinary day. It’s sunshine on a plate—simple, stunning, and truly crowd-pleasing. Fire up the grill and treat yourself!
Print
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect summer treat with this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle recipe. The sweet and juicy pineapple pairs wonderfully with the warm cinnamon honey for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 pineapple, sliced into spears
Instructions
- Prep the Grill: Prepare the grill with non-stick spray and heat to medium.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle: In a bowl, mix softened honey and cinnamon.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the grilled pineapple with the cinnamon honey mixture and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
