Grilled pineapple is a sweet and juicy treat that pairs perfectly with a fun twist—coconut cinnamon whipped cream! This dish is super easy, making it great for any summer BBQ.
I love how the caramelized edges of the pineapple burst with flavor, and the creamy topping adds a delightful touch. It’s like a tropical vacation on your plate! 🌴🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is ideal for this recipe, providing a juicy and sweet base. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple can work, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a more tropical twist, or use regular granulated sugar in a pinch.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth to the dish. Feel free to replace it with nutmeg for a different spice note, or for a spicier kick, try pumpkin pie spice.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream is rich and gives great texture, you can use coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option. Just make sure to chill it before whipping.
Coconut Cream: This adds a creamy coconut flavor. If you can’t find coconut cream, you can use extra heavy cream or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, though the flavor profile will change.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple can be tricky, but a few simple steps can ensure you get those beautiful grill marks along with a caramelized flavor:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat; this helps create sear lines quickly.
- Sprinkling both sides with the cinnamon-sugar mixture not only adds flavor but also helps caramelize.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes without moving them around. This allows the sugars to caramelize properly and prevents sticking.
- For grill marks, ensure that you place the pineapple at a slight angle when you first set it on the grill; this will give you those nice crosshatch marks.
Enjoy the tropical flavors in this delightful dessert! A bit of patience pays off for perfectly grilled pineapple!
How to Make Grilled Pineapple With Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For The Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for grilling, totaling about 30 minutes before you can enjoy every sweet, tropical bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure the pineapple gets those nice grill marks and caramelizes beautifully.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix them well until they are fully combined. This will add a sweet, spiced flavor to the pineapple!
3. Season the Pineapple:
Take the pineapple rings and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over both sides. Make sure each ring is coated nicely for the best flavor.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the seasoned pineapple rings on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see those lovely grill marks and have the pineapple heated through and slightly caramelized.
5. Make the Whipped Cream:
While your pineapple is grilling, let’s whip up the coconut cinnamon whipped cream! In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, coconut cream, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. This mix will create a creamy, sweet topping!
6. Beat Until Fluffy:
Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream mixture until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks fluffy and holds its shape.
7. Cool the Grilled Pineapple:
Once the pineapple is done grilling, carefully remove it from the grill and allow it to cool slightly. It will be nice and warm, perfect for your topping!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the grilled pineapple rings on a plate and top each ring with a generous dollop of your homemade coconut cinnamon whipped cream. It’s a sweet treat you won’t want to miss!
9. Garnish:
If you like, garnish your dessert with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Enjoy your deliciously sweet and tropical dessert!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but it’s important to choose unsweetened canned pineapple for the best flavor. Drain the slices well before grilling to remove excess moisture. Grill them for a shorter time, about 2 minutes on each side, just to heat through and get those lovely grill marks.
What if I Don’t Have Coconut Cream?
No worries! You can substitute coconut cream with an equal amount of additional heavy cream for a less coconut-flavored whipped topping. Just keep in mind that it won’t taste as tropical but will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple and whipped cream separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The pineapple will keep for up to 3 days, and the whipped cream should be consumed within 2 days for the best texture. Re-whip the cream slightly before serving if it has deflated.
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Whipped Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the whipped cream by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, or experiment with different extracts like almond or a dash of orange zest for additional flavor. Just make sure to incorporate these ingredients before beating the cream to soft peaks.
