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If you are looking for a delightful way to enjoy a tropical treat that bursts with flavor, the Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe pineapple with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon infused honey, creating a caramelized glaze that elevates simple fruit into something extraordinary. Whether you want a fresh dessert, a unique side dish, or a snack that will wow your guests, this recipe is as easy as it is impressive, infusing every bite with sunshine and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a vital role in flavor and texture. You don’t need a long list—just fresh basics that come together to create a magical balance between sweet, spice, and char.
- Pineapple (1 whole, medium-sized): Choose a ripe pineapple with firm skin and a sweet aroma for the best natural tropical sweetness and texture.
- Honey (1/2 cup, raw or organic preferred): Using raw or organic honey ensures a rich, smooth sweetness that complements the caramelized pineapple perfectly.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Use a fragrant, finely ground cinnamon variety to add warmth and a subtle spicy kick to the honey glaze.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium heat. This step is crucial because a properly preheated grill helps you achieve those beautiful caramelized grill marks that not only look incredible but also deepen the pineapple’s natural sweetness. The gentle heat will warm the fruit without burning it, making for that perfect tender bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill Grates
Lightly spray the grill grates with a non-stick spray before you add the pineapple spears. This simple move prevents the fruit from sticking to the grill, which can cause breakage and frustration when flipping. Keeping your pineapple intact ensures an even cook and flawless presentation.
Step 3: Grill the Pineapple Spears
Place the pineapple spears directly on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see nice grill marks and the pineapple feels warm and slightly tender to the touch. This step enhances the pineapple’s tropical flavor by caramelizing its sugars, creating a delicious contrast between smoky and sweet.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Honey Glaze
While your pineapple grills, warm the honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds just until it’s soft and easy to stir. Whisk in the ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and beautifully combined. This glaze is the star of the dish, adding a subtle warmth and depth to every bite of the grilled pineapple.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Remove the pineapple from the grill and generously drizzle with your cinnamon honey glaze. The warm honey melds perfectly with the charred edges of the grilled fruit, creating a luscious finish that’s both sweet and lightly spiced. Serve immediately to enjoy it at its best.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this dish by sprinkling chopped fresh mint or toasted coconut flakes on top for an added layer of texture and refreshing bursts of flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt also pairs beautifully, bringing creaminess that complements the grilled pineapple’s caramel notes.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or pork for a tropical twist on your main course. It also pairs deliciously with a scoop of coconut ice cream or vanilla gelato for an indulgent dessert experience that lingers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grilled pineapple spears on skewers for easy snacking at summer barbecues, or chop into chunks for colorful fruit salads. You can even layer the pineapple with crumble and nuts in a parfait glass for a visually stunning and irresistible treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit will keep its flavor but may lose a bit of its firmness, so try to enjoy it soon after grilling.
Freezing
You can freeze grilled pineapple pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Frozen pineapple is best used within 1 month, perfect for smoothies or quick dessert additions.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pineapple gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds. Drizzle with a little fresh cinnamon honey glaze to revive the sweetness and moisture for that fresh-off-the-grill taste.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
While fresh pineapple delivers the best flavor and texture for this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe, you can use fresh pineapple slices if canned pineapple is your only option. Just be sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the natural sweetness and sticky glaze without using animal products. The flavor pairing with cinnamon remains equally delicious.
Can I use a grill pan indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. Just be sure to preheat it well and follow the same cooking times to achieve lovely grill marks and caramelization.
How ripe should the pineapple be?
Look for a pineapple with a sweet aroma and firm skin. It should give slightly when pressed but not be too soft or mushy. The ripeness ensures the pineapple has the right balance of sweetness and texture after grilling.
Can I prepare the cinnamon honey glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk together the cinnamon and honey in advance and keep it in a sealed jar at room temperature. Just warm it slightly before drizzling to restore that lovely pourable consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe is a true celebration of simple yet extraordinary flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this dish brings sunny tropical vibes and cozy warmth from the cinnamon glaze. I can’t wait for you to try it, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite easy recipes to share and enjoy!
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Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical/Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey is a simple, tropical dessert that combines the smoky sweetness of charred pineapple spears with a fragrant cinnamon-infused honey drizzle. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a light, refreshing treat, this recipe highlights caramelized grill marks and a warm, spiced glaze to elevate fresh pineapple into a flavorful indulgence.
Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple
- 1 whole medium-sized pineapple, ripe with firm skin and sweet aroma, sliced into spears
Cinnamon Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) raw or organic honey
- 1 teaspoon (2.6 g) ground cinnamon, finely ground and fragrant
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to prepare it for the pineapple spears. This ensures proper caramelization and those desirable grill marks that enhance the pineapple’s natural tropical sweetness.
- Prepare Grill Grates: Lightly spray the grill grates with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the pineapple from sticking, which helps in easier flipping and maintaining the spears’ shape during cooking.
- Grill Pineapple: Place the pineapple spears on the grill and cook for 3 minutes per side. The pineapple is ready when grill marks appear and the fruit feels warm and slightly tender, offering a rich, sweet flavor with a lightly smoky note.
- Make Cinnamon Honey Glaze: While grilling, soften the honey by microwaving it for about 30 seconds to achieve a liquid consistency. Stir in the ground cinnamon thoroughly until smooth and fully combined to create a fragrant glaze.
- Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and generously drizzle the cinnamon honey glaze over the warm spears. The glaze complements the caramelized edges of the pineapple for a balanced sweet and spicy finish.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is ripe but firm to hold shape while grilling.
- Use raw or organic honey for a more natural flavor and better consistency when microwaving.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity to taste for a spicier or milder glaze.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted by using a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Serve immediately for best flavor, as grilled pineapple is best enjoyed warm.
