Name: Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 ripe pineapple; ⅔ cup brown sugar, lightly packed; ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted; 3 tbsp lime juice (about two small limes); ¾ tsp coconut extract; 2 tsp flaky sea salt; lime zest; vanilla ice cream; caramel sauce

There’s something magical about the way pineapple caramelizes on a grill, releasing its natural sweetness and mingling perfectly with a zesty twist of lime and a hint of tropical coconut. This Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe is a simple treat that feels both fresh and indulgent — perfect for summer nights or when you want a quick, vibrant dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious.

The image shows four thick rings of grilled pineapple stacked on a light wooden board, each ring with charred dark brown grill marks evenly spaced on the bright yellow flesh. The pineapples look juicy with some caramelized spots adding texture and color variation. Part of a green and white striped cloth is seen on the left, along with a small wooden bowl containing salt and a wedge of lime. The surface under the board is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe is one of those easy recipes you'll find yourself coming back to — it’s bright, refreshing, and brings a little tropical sunshine to any meal. Plus, it’s so versatile you can enjoy it in lots of ways!

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh pineapple—no fancy shopping needed.
Quick to Make: Ready in just about 15 minutes; perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of brown sugar, lime, and coconut brings out amazing tropical vibes with a salty-sweet balance.
Flexible Serving Ideas: Great solo, with ice cream, or even as a vibrant side to savory dishes.

Four yellow pineapple rings with dark brown grill marks lie flat and slightly shiny on black grill bars. The pineapples have a smooth, moist texture with small charred spots and a hollow center. The grill bars run horizontally under the fruit, and the background shows depth and shadows in a close-up view. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor that feel fresh and balanced. Here’s the lowdown on why I love each one and some tips for choosing the best versions at the store.

Flat lay of a whole ripe pineapple with green spiky leaves and golden textured skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted golden salted butter, two small whole fresh limes with one cut in half showing juicy green interior, a small white ceramic bowl of flaky white sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with clear pale coconut extract liquid, and a small white ceramic bowl holding finely grated lime zest, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Pineapple: Go for a ripe, sweet pineapple with a fragrant smell at the base — that’s the best indicator of juiciness and flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the grill’s char and the pineapple’s tartness.
Salted Butter: Melts into the sugar and pineapple while adding richness and helping create a luscious glaze.
Lime Juice: The fresh, zesty acidity cuts through the sweetness, keeping the flavors lively and bright.
Coconut Extract: Just a little goes a long way to give this recipe its subtle tropical twist—don’t skip it!
Flaky Sea Salt: The finishing touch that enhances all the flavors and adds a little crunch to balance the soft fruit.
Optional Toppings: Lime zest, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce can elevate this simple dish into something special—think creamy, tangy, and indulgent.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing up this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe based on the mood or what's in my pantry—don’t hesitate to play with the flavors and make it your own. A little swap here or an extra topping there can take it to an entirely new level.

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the brown sugar mix when I want a little kick—unexpected but absolutely delicious if you’re into a sweet-spicy combo.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the salted butter for coconut oil to keep it vegan-friendly but still rich in tropical flavor.
Seasonal Twist: During the holidays, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy vibe while keeping the bright tropical notes.
Simplicity Boost: If you prefer, just grill the pineapple plain with a squeeze of fresh lime and skip the sugar glaze altogether for a lighter side dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your ripe pineapple into about ½-inch thick rings. I usually get around 12 rings from a medium pineapple. Don’t worry about perfection here—some variation in thickness just means you’ll get a mix of tender and slightly firmer bites, which I find delightful.

Step 2: Mix the Brown Sugar Glaze

Whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, fresh lime juice, and coconut extract in a medium bowl. This glaze is where all the magic happens—it will melt onto the pineapple as it grills, creating that beautiful caramelized coating enhanced by tropical and zesty notes.

Step 3: Brush and Season

Using a pastry brush or a spoon, coat both sides of every pineapple ring with the brown sugar glaze, then sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. That little salt sprinkle really wakes up the sweetness and adds a lovely crunchy texture.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F). Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill grates and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll want to watch for beautiful grill marks and a few caramelized spots—don’t let them burn, but a little char adds incredible flavor. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet works just as well.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once grilled, plate the pineapple warm. At this stage, you can add optional toppings like lime zest, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special touch. This recipe is fantastic served on its own or as a complement to a summer meal.

Top Tip

From my own kitchen experiments, these tips have made all the difference in getting the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky in this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe.

Choose Pineapple Wisely: Always pick a pineapple that’s golden at the base with a fresh pineapple smell—it’ll make grilling easier and sweeter.
Don’t Skip the Salt: The flaky sea salt might seem minor, but it really elevates the flavor by offsetting the sweetness.
Watch Your Grill Time: Pineapple cooks quickly so stay close by to avoid burning—the sweet glaze can caramelize fast.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t compare—I always squeeze fresh limes for that bright, authentic zest.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my grilled pineapple with freshly grated lime zest and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and tropical flair. When I’m in a dessert mood, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce turns this into a silky, indulgent treat that never fails to impress.

Side Dishes

This recipe also shines alongside grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing, sweet counterpoint to smoky savory flavors. Sometimes I serve it with coconut rice or a fresh green salad to keep the meal light and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For summer parties, I’ve threaded grilled pineapple rings onto skewers with mint leaves and a sprinkle of chili salt—people love the combo of sweet, tangy, and a little heat. You can also serve pineapple rings stacked and layered with whipped cream and toasted coconut for a quick tropical trifle-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens after resting, so I often enjoy it cold straight from the fridge as a quick snack.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later longer, I freeze the pineapple slices on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for about 6 months and make a refreshing frozen snack or smoothie addition on a hot day.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftover pineapple in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes to re-soften and revive the caramelization without drying them out — it feels almost like fresh-grilled again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan or a heavy skillet on the stovetop. Just cook the pineapple slices over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely caramelized.

What if I don’t have coconut extract?

If you don’t have coconut extract, you can try a small amount of coconut milk or coconut cream in the glaze, but it won’t be quite as concentrated. The recipe still works well without it—just missing that subtle tropical nuance.

How do I pick the perfect pineapple for grilling?

Look for a pineapple with a sweet aroma at the base and a golden-yellow color. The leaves should be green and fresh, not brown or dry. A little softness to the touch helps indicate ripeness without overripeness.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The brown sugar, butter, lime juice, and coconut extract glaze can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before brushing it onto the pineapple to keep it spreadable and silky.

Final Thoughts

I have to admit, grilling pineapple with this lime and coconut glaze quickly became one of my favorite quick dessert hacks — it’s just so satisfying and fresh! Whether you’re serving it as a simple sweet snack or dressed up for a party, this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe brings big flavors with effortless prep. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll want to keep a pineapple handy just for this reason. Give it a go—it might just become your new go-to summer treat!