Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon-Honey Glaze Recipe

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The Comfort of Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon-Honey Glaze Recipe

There’s something truly special about the warm, golden glow of pineapple kissed by fire and sweetened with a cinnamon-honey glaze. I love how this grilled pineapple transforms a simple fruit into a velvety, lightly crisp treat that feels cozy and a bit indulgent all at once. It’s the perfect weekend recipe to slow down and savor the moment.

You’ll notice that the aroma fills the air with a blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes that invite everyone to gather around the grill. Whether you’re serving it as a simple dessert or elevating it alongside your favorite grilled meats, this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon-Honey Glaze Recipe always makes me smile—and I have a feeling it will do the same for you.

By the time you finish this recipe, you’ll not only have a delicious dish but also a small ritual of warmth and connection to carry into your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredient Guide

• Pineapples: Fresh, peeled, and cored—your canvas for grill marks and caramelized magic. Firm but ripe is best.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to coat and enrich, giving that velvety mouthfeel.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness that hugs the fruit.
• Honey: A floral, natural sweetener that balances the cinnamon’s spice.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, aromatic spice that layers beautifully with the sugar and honey.
• Salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the flavors and keep sweetness in check.

Prep Before You Begin

Plan for about 15 minutes of prep time — peeling and coring your pineapples is the most hands-on part, but don’t rush it. Having everything ready (your sauce mixed and pastry brush handy) will let you move smoothly at the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high so it’s hot enough to create crisp grill marks without burning the glaze.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon-Honey Glaze Recipe

1. Slice one pineapple into 8 generous rings. Cut the other into spears by halving lengthwise, then quartering lengthwise, and halving again to make 8 spears total. This mix of shapes lets you enjoy both tender ring slices and slightly firmer spears.

2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush or spray the grate lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure those beautiful, golden grill marks.

3. Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. This glaze is your flavor powerhouse—rich, sweet, and aromatic.

4. Brush the glaze generously over all the pineapple rings and spears using a pastry brush. Be generous—each layer caramelizes on the grill to create that tempting crust you’re craving.

5. Grill the pineapple for about 2-3 minutes per side. Each time you flip, brush with more glaze for that signature sticky-sweet finish. For the rings, after flipping, rotate them 45 degrees to create the classic diamond grill marks—trust me, the visual is as satisfying as the taste.

6. Serve the pineapple warm right off the grill. I like it as is, basking in its own juicy, spiced glory, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into next-level dessert magic.

Creative Variations for Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon-Honey Glaze Recipe

• Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
• Add a splash of fresh lime juice to the glaze for a tangy brightness.
• Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or macadamia nuts on top for crunch.
• Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or pork for a tropical flair.
• Use other fruits like peaches or mangoes with the same glaze for variety.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If freezing, lay pieces flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping; keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently on a grill or in a warm oven to revive that caramelized glaze without drying out.
• Use leftover pineapple cold in salads or salsas for a bright, sweet touch.

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon-Honey Glaze Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? I recommend fresh pineapples for grilling—they hold up better and caramelize beautifully. Canned pineapple is often softer and less suited for grill marks and that satisfying texture.

What if I don’t have a grill? No worries! You can broil the pineapples on a lined baking sheet. Watch closely and brush with glaze often to avoid burning.

How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill? Make sure your grill grate is clean and well-oiled. Heating the grill before placing fruit on it also helps create those perfect, easy-to-lift grill marks.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time? Absolutely. You can mix the cinnamon-honey glaze a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Warm gently before brushing it onto the pineapple.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet? To make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.

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