Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon
Ever been on the way to a summer BBQ when the host sends a last-minute text asking if you can bring dessert? Instead of making a rushed stop at the grocery store for a store-bought cake or cookies, all you really need is a fresh pineapple and a tub of ice cream. That simple scenario inspired this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon recipe after a last-minute dessert request one summer turned into one of the easiest and most memorable treats of the season.
With just a handful of ingredients, fresh pineapple transforms on the grill into something sweet, juicy, and lightly caramelized. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and flavour, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt turns it into a dessert that looks impressive but takes only minutes to prepare.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, heading to a cottage weekend, or need a quick dessert idea that doesn’t involve turning on the oven, Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon is a simple recipe that tastes like summer. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and easy to customize with your favourite toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Recipe
Vegan & Gluten-Free
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 6-10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut the skin off the pineapple, slice it into approximately 2 cm thick slices, and remove the core.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and maple syrup, if using.
- Brush the pineapple pieces lightly with the cinnamon mixture.
- Place the pineapple directly on the grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple becomes lightly caramelized.
- Serve immediately on its own or with vanilla Greek yogurt or ice cream. Garnish with shredded coconut if desired.
Tips for the best grilled pineapple
If you want this recipe to turn out extra good every time, a few small details make a big difference.
First, try to choose a pineapple that’s ripe but still firm. You want that balance where it’s sweet enough on its own but not so soft that it falls apart on the grill. A good sign is a pineapple that smells sweet at the base and gives just slightly when pressed.
Cutting thickness matters more than people think. Around 2 cm thick slices are ideal because they hold their shape while still getting enough surface area to caramelize. Too thin and they’ll dry out quickly; too thick and they won’t pick up that nice grill flavour as evenly.
Make sure your grill is properly preheated before you add the pineapple. You want that instant sear to lock in the juices and create those caramelized grill marks. And finally, don’t overthink it once it’s on the grill. A few minutes per side is all you need. You’re really just looking for colour, slight softening, and caramelization. The natural sugars do most of the work for you.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon has become such a go-to summer dessert.
Delivers big flavour with very little effort, and as the pineapple heats, its natural sugars caramelize and create a flavour that is richer, softer, and more complex than fresh pineapple on its own.
The cinnamon adds a gentle warmth that balances the brightness of the fruit, while the coconut oil helps everything caramelize beautifully without overpowering the pineapple’s natural flavour. It’s simple, but the end result tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant patio rather than throw together in minutes at home.
This recipe is also easy to customize.
Serve it on its own for a lighter treat, pair it with vanilla Greek yogurt for a protein boost, or top it with your favourite ice cream. Fresh berries, chopped pecans, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate all work beautifully. Kids love it, adults love it, and it is a fun way to bring something different to the dessert table.
What makes Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon even better is that it uses ingredients many people already have on hand. If you’ve got a pineapple and a grill, you’re basically set. There are no fancy ingredients or complicated steps involved. Sometimes the simplest recipes end up being the ones everyone remembers and asks for again.
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Not only is Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon delicious, but pineapple also provides several important nutrients. Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that supports immune function and helps the body produce collagen, which is important for healthy skin, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Pineapple also contains manganese, an essential mineral involved in metabolism and bone health. In fact, a single cup of pineapple provides a significant amount of the daily recommended intake of manganese.
Another unique feature of pineapple is bromelain, a group of enzymes naturally found in the fruit. Bromelain helps break down proteins and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. With its juicy sweetness and impressive nutrient profile, pineapple is an easy and delicious way to add more fruit to your day.
Why Cinnamon Belongs Here
Cinnamon is one of those ingredients that does more than just add flavour. It brings warmth, depth, and a grounding quality that pairs especially well with sweet fruit like pineapple.
It also contains naturally occurring plant compounds and antioxidants, which help the body manage everyday oxidative stress. In traditional wellness practices, cinnamon has long been valued for its warming and balancing qualities, especially when paired with naturally sweet foods.
Beyond any potential benefits, cinnamon simply brings everything together. Its warm notes complement the juicy sweetness of pineapple and add a cozy touch that makes this dessert feel extra special. In this recipe, cinnamon isn’t just a seasoning. It’s what ties everything together.
More Pineapple Recipes
If you love tropical flavours, here are a few more recipes to try:
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Millet
This colourful dish combines shrimp, vegetables, and sweet pineapple for a quick meal packed with flavour. Get the recipe.
Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Fresh pineapple salsa brings brightness and sweetness to these fish tacos and makes them perfect for summer dinners. Get the recipe.
Raw Piña Colada Tart
Creamy, refreshing, and packed with tropical flavour, this no-bake dessert tastes like summer in every bite. Get the recipe.