This sunny treat features sweet, juicy grilled pineapple topped with creamy coconut and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a simple, tasty dessert that feels like summer!
Nothing beats the warm, caramelized flavor of grilled pineapple. Just fire up the grill, whip up that coconut cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’ll make your friends smile!
I love serving this dish at backyard BBQs. It’s quick to make and always impresses! Plus, you can feel good enjoying something so fresh and delicious. 🍍✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A fresh pineapple adds a bright, juicy flavor. If fresh isn’t available, consider canned pineapple rings, but use those packed in juice, not syrup, for a healthier option.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses to 1 cup of white sugar) to create a homemade brown sugar substitute.
Coconut Cream: Chilled coconut cream gives a creamy texture. You can also use full-fat coconut milk, but chill it well before whipping, as the cream might not separate as easily from the liquid.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint adds a refreshing touch. If you don’t have fresh mint, you could skip it or use a sprinkle of dried mint, but fresh is always better!
How Do I Grill Pineapple to Get Perfect Grill Marks?
Grilling pineapple can elevate its natural sweetness, and getting those perfect grill marks is easy! Here’s how to do it:
- First, preheat your grill to medium-high, ensuring it’s hot enough to create caramelization.
- After slicing the pineapple, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mix on both sides. This will help with caramelization.
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill and don’t move them for 3-4 minutes. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Once they’re marked, flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Look for a slight char that adds extra flavor.
Don’t forget to let the pineapple cool slightly after grilling, as this enhances the flavors further!
Grilled Pineapple With Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup coconut cream (chilled)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and grill, plus a little extra time if you’d like to chill the coconut cream beforehand. Perfect for a quick dessert or a delightful addition to a barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill and Pineapple:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, take your fresh pineapple and slice it into rings. This will be the star of your dish! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet spice mix will bring out the best flavors in the pineapple.
2. Seasoning the Pineapple:
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over both sides of the pineapple rings. Make sure each slice is coated well for that sweet and spicy flavor. It’s going to smell amazing!
3. Grilling the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see beautiful grill marks and the pineapple has caramelized a bit. This adds a wonderful sweetness!
4. Making the Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
While the pineapple is grilling, grab a medium bowl for the whipped cream. Combine the chilled coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, whip the ingredients together until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy. Taste it and see how delicious it is!
5. Final Touches:
Once your grilled pineapple is done, take it off the grill and let it cool for just a minute. This helps prevent burns! Now, serve the grilled pineapple rings on a plate topped with a generous dollop of your coconut cinnamon whipped cream. You can never have too much whipped cream, right?
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off your creation with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. And there you have it! A delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Dig in and enjoy the tropical flavors!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple slices! However, be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture on the grill. Keep in mind that canned pineapple may not get the same caramelization as fresh, so grill them for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes per side.
How to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the whipped cream in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the pineapple, it’s best grilled fresh for the best texture and flavor, but you can slice and sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture on beforehand to save time.
What Are Some Substitutions for Coconut Cream?
If you don’t have coconut cream, you can use heavy whipping cream or whipped topping as an alternative. For dairy-free, look for a soy or almond cream that is thick and can be whipped. Just be aware that the flavor will differ slightly from coconut cream!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s delicious cold or can be warmed slightly on the grill or in the microwave before serving again. Just avoid reheating it too long to prevent it from becoming mushy!
