Name: Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime 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 wildly refreshing and indulgent about fruit kissed by fire and brightened with a twist of citrus. This Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe has been a little summer secret of mine, offering that perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy that’ll have you coming back for more.

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 Coconut and Lime Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This grilled pineapple dish is a game-changer when it comes to elevating simple fruit into a show-stopping side or dessert. I’ve made it countless times for barbecues, and the way the smoky grill marks meld with coconut and lime is just irresistible.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The caramelized brown sugar and butter mix with zesty lime and coconut extract to create a tropical flavor bomb.
Quick and Easy to Make: You’ll have this ready in under 15 minutes — perfect for last-minute gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.
Versatility: Enjoy it as a side dish, a dessert with ice cream, or even chopped into salads — it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Great for All Seasons: Whether you’re firing up your grill in summer or using a grill pan indoors, this recipe shines year-round.

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

Every ingredient here plays a key role in building the vibrant, tropical taste that makes the Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe so special. Let me walk you through my favorites and a tip or two for picking the best.

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

Ripe Pineapple: Look for one with a sweet smell at the base and slightly soft skin; this ensures juicy, flavorful rings that caramelize beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps the pineapple get that golden crust when grilled.
Salted Butter: Enhances richness and helps the sugar blend into the fruit as it cooks.
Lime Juice: Provides bright acidity to balance the sweet and smoky flavors.
Coconut Extract: A little goes a long way to infuse tropical aroma without overpowering the pineapple.
Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on last for an extra crunch and to enhance all the flavors.
Optional Toppings (Lime Zest, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce): These add layers of flavor and texture, perfect for serving as a dessert.

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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

One of the best things about this Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to match your taste or what you have on hand. I love swapping coconut extract for freshly shredded coconut sometimes — it adds texture that’s just incredible!

Variation: When I want more zing, I add a splash of fresh ginger juice into the sugar mixture — it pairs beautifully with the pineapple and lime.
Dairy-Free Option: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly twist without sacrificing richness.
Spicy Kick: Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of chili powder on top before grilling for a surprising heat contrast that guests love.
Serving Styles: Grilled pineapple also makes a fantastic topping for grilled chicken or fish if you want to mix sweet and savory.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pineapple Like a Pro

Start by peeling your pineapple carefully so you remove those eyes but keep as much flesh as possible. I find cutting into ½ inch thick rings works best — thick enough to hold together on the grill but thin enough to cook through quickly. Take a moment to core each slice; a small cookie cutter or paring knife works perfectly here.

Step 2: Mix Your Magic Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted salted butter, fresh lime juice, and coconut extract until smooth. This mixture will melt into the pineapple while it grills, creating that luscious, sweet coating. I like to brush generously on both sides for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Season and Grill to Perfection

Sprinkle flaky sea salt lightly over both sides of the pineapple rings after brushing with the glaze. Heat your grill to medium (about 300-350°F) — this lets the sugar caramelize slowly without burning. Grill each side for just 2-3 minutes until you get those gorgeous grill marks and the pineapple softens slightly but still holds its shape.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Once off the grill, plate the pineapple slices right away so they’re warm and juicy. I love finishing with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving as dessert — it’s heaven on a plate.

Top Tip

This recipe feels simple, but I’ve learned a few little things that really boost the flavor and ensure success every time.

Choose Pineapple Wisely: A perfectly ripe pineapple makes all the difference; it needs to smell sweet without being overly soft.
Brush, Don’t Soak: Too much glaze can cause flare-ups on your grill, so brush gently and evenly.
Watch the Heat: Medium heat is key — high flames will burn that lovely sugar coating quickly.
Serve Quickly: Grilled pineapple tastes best warm, so plan to serve immediately after cooking for that juicy, melty magic.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a fresh lime zest sprinkle and a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving. When it’s dessert time, you can’t go wrong with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork chops, or fish — it adds a tropical brightness that livens up any main dish. On a lighter note, chopped into a fresh salad with avocado and chili flakes, it’s a delightful summer side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving these pineapple slices stacked with layers of shredded coconut and fresh mint leaves on a wooden platter — it feels festive and tropical. You can even skewer them with shrimp or chicken bites for an impressive appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled pineapple holds well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always find the flavors deepen overnight, making these perfect for adding to smoothies or oatmeal the next morning.

Freezing

Freezing grilled pineapple works surprisingly well! I slice and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to freezer bags. They last up to 6 months and make a fantastic frozen snack or blended into tropical smoothies.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftovers, pop them briefly on a hot grill pan or under the broiler for a minute or two — just enough to get the fruit soft and the sugars bubbling again without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan or even cook the pineapple slices in a heavy skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Just watch carefully to avoid burning the sugar glaze.

What if I don’t have coconut extract?

No coconut extract? No problem. You can skip it or add a small spoonful of shredded coconut to the glaze mixture. The flavor will be milder but still deliciously tropical.

How do I pick the best pineapple for this recipe?

Look for a pineapple with a sweet fragrance at the base and a slight give when gently pressed. Avoid ones that are too soft or have brown spots, as they can be overripe or fermenting.

Can I prepare the pineapple ahead of time?

Yes! You can peel, core, and slice the pineapple a few hours ahead, then keep it covered in the fridge. Just brush with the glaze mixture right before grilling so it doesn't get soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Pineapple with Coconut and Lime Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it reminds me how simple ingredients can create magic with just a bit of heat and love. Give it a try—you’ll find it blends tropical sweetness with a subtle smoky edge effortlessly. Invite some friends over, fire up the grill, and enjoy this sweet treat that's as easy as it is unforgettable.