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; 2/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted; 3 tbsp lime juice (about two small limes); 3/4 tsp coconut extract; 2 tsp flaky sea salt; lime zest; vanilla ice cream; caramel sauce

Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe is one of those magical tropical treats that instantly brightens up any meal. The sweet caramelized pineapple meets zesty lime and subtle coconut notes for a flavor combo you didn’t know you needed — but totally do. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this sweet, tangy goodness all summer long.

The image shows several grilled pineapple rings arranged closely on a wooden board. Each pineapple ring has a vibrant yellow color with dark brown grill marks running across them, creating a striking contrast. The texture of the pineapples looks juicy and slightly caramelized, with some edges showing a slight char. The wooden board sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a lime wedge and a bowl of salt partially visible. The scene has bright, natural lighting that highlights the juicy texture of the pineapples. 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

There’s something about grilled pineapple that feels both indulgent and refreshing at the same time. This Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and salty flavors while being incredibly simple to whip up. You’ll love how easy it is to impress your friends or just treat yourself.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to get this tropical magic going.
Quick to Prepare: It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish — perfect for last-minute dessert or sides.
Versatile Serving Options: Eat it solo, with ice cream, or even as a salad topper.
That Perfect Caramelization: Grilling intensifies the pineapple’s natural sugars for that irresistible charred sweetness.

The image shows several grilled pineapple rings on a black grill with dark grill lines marking each piece. Each pineapple slice is bright yellow with a slightly translucent texture and has charred dark brown lines running horizontally across the surface, adding a smoky effect. The rings are thick, laying flat on the grill bars, and the close-up view highlights the juicy, cooked fruit with some areas showing slight caramelization. The background has the black grill surface visible between the pineapple rings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role here — from the juicy pineapple base to the richness of butter and the bright zing of lime. Together with coconut extract and sea salt, these create a well-rounded flavor profile that keeps every bite exciting. Grab ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness and fresh limes for that bright citrus punch.

Flat lay of a whole ripe pineapple with vibrant yellow flesh and green spiky crown, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown packed brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted salted butter glowing softly, two fresh small whole limes with glossy green skin, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear pale lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with pure white coconut extract liquid, and a neat pile of large flaky sea salt crystals on a white ceramic dish, all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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: Choose one that smells sweet at the base and yields slightly when squeezed gently for best flavor and juiciness.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps in that beautifully sticky glaze on the pineapple.
Salted Butter: Provides richness and helps carry all the flavors while promoting even browning.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens the dish and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Coconut Extract: Just a little bit adds tropical depth without overpowering the pineapple.
Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled over the top, it enhances all the flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
Optional Toppings: Lime zest amps up citrus flavor; vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce turn it into an indulgent dessert.

📝

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 to play around with this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick or swap the sea salt for smoked salt to take it up a notch. Feel free to make it yours — it’s such a forgiving and versatile recipe.

Variation: One summer, I tried adding a splash of rum to the brown sugar mixture — it gave the grilled pineapple an adult-friendly twist that was a big hit at my barbecue.
Dietary Mod: To keep it dairy-free, just swap butter for coconut oil; it works beautifully and adds a subtle coconut hint.
Seasonal Change: Although pineapple is more tropical, in winter I sometimes use the same glaze method on peeled peaches or nectarines to bring some sunshine indoors.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pineapple and Grill

First things first, get your grill heating to medium — about 300-350°F. Peel your pineapple carefully, core it, and slice it into half-inch rings. When I make this recipe, I usually get about a dozen slices from a medium pineapple, but don’t stress exact numbers. You want even weights for consistent grilling.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, fresh lime juice, and coconut extract until smooth. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse — brush it generously on both sides of each pineapple ring for that perfect caramelization and tropical zing.

Step 3: Season and Grill the Pineapple

Give the glazed pineapple rings a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt — this contrast really elevates the flavor. Place them on the grill and let each side cook for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so they get those gorgeous grill marks without burning.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Once grilled to perfection, plate the pineapple slices and serve immediately. I love to eat them straight off the grill, but adding toppings like lime zest, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce turns this treat into a rich, restaurant-worthy dessert.

Top Tip

The first time I grilled pineapple, I almost let the sugars burn because I didn’t keep a close eye. Over time, these little tricks helped me nail the perfect balance every time.

Preheat Properly: Make sure your grill is hot enough before placing the pineapple; this ensures quick caramelization without drying it out.
Watch Closely: Pineapple sugars can burn fast, so stay by the grill and flip carefully after 2 minutes.
Brush Often: Reapply the glaze before flipping to keep the slices flavorful and moist.
Don’t Skip the Salt: Sea salt is the secret ingredient that kicks the sweetness up a notch — a little goes a long way.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing with freshly grated lime zest to boost that citrus brightness. For a dreamy dessert, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is unbeatable. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent finish that guests rave about.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a sweet-tangy contrast. I also enjoy serving it alongside coconut rice or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness with some crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For summer parties, I’ve arranged grilled pineapple rings stacked with dollops of whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes — it looks stunning and tastes even better. Another fun idea is skewering chunks of grilled pineapple for a hand-held treat that’s perfect at cookouts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge — it stays juicy and delicious for up to three days. It’s a delightful snack on its own or chopped into salads later in the week.

Freezing

Frozen grilled pineapple is a fun treat — I’ve kept slices in freezer-safe bags for up to six months. Thawed slowly in the fridge, they make a refreshing addition to smoothies or just a cold snack on a hot day.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the pineapple slices quickly on a hot pan or grill for a couple of minutes to revive that caramelized texture without overcooking. Alternatively, a brief microwave zap works if you’re short on time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop. Just cook each pineapple slice over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized.

What does the coconut extract do in this recipe?

Coconut extract adds a subtle tropical depth and aroma without overpowering the pineapple. It complements the lime and butter, making each bite more complex and dessert-like.

Can I use fresh grated coconut instead of extract?

You can try using fresh grated coconut for texture and flavor, but keep in mind it won’t integrate as smoothly in the glaze. For true coconut essence, the extract is ideal, but topping grilled pineapple with toasted shredded coconut is also delicious.

How do I prevent the pineapple from burning on the grill?

Start with a medium heat grill and keep an eye on the pineapple, turning every 2-3 minutes. Brushing more glaze before flipping helps keep it moist, and using flaky sea salt instead of regular salt adds flavor without drying it out. If you notice charring too soon, move slices to a cooler part of the grill.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple yet feels indulgent every time. The dance of caramelized fruit, citrus zing, and subtle coconut makes it one of those “wow” dishes you’ll be excited to serve. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make joyful memories over it just like I have!