The moment I took my first bite of grilled pineapple, I felt like I had been transported to a tropical paradise. This simple yet incredible dessert brings together the sun-kissed sweetness of grilled pineapple and the lusciousness of coconut cinnamon whipped cream. Not only is this recipe for Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream a delightful summer treat, but it’s also an easy, healthy option that caters to gluten-free and dairy-free diets, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving a weeknight indulgence, this dish can wow your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. Curious about how to turn a humble fruit into a luxurious dessert that’s ready in minutes? Let’s dive in!
Why Is Grilled Pineapple So Irresistible?
Tropical Experience: Every bite of grilled pineapple transports you to a sunny beach, enhancing your dessert with its juicy, caramelized sweetness.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, taking mere minutes to prepare and impress.
Health-Conscious Delight: Absolutely guilt-free, this dessert is gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy a refreshing treat.
Vibrant Flavors: Coconut cinnamon whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, perfectly balancing the sweetness of pineapple with a hint of warmth.
Endless Versatility: Feel free to experiment! Whether you add other grilled fruits or different spices, every version is a crowd favorite.
Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is sure to wow guests at summer barbecues or dinner parties, making it a must-have recipe for your collection.
Grilled Pineapple Ingredients
For the Pineapple
• Pineapple – Use fresh pineapple for the best sweetness and texture.
For the Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream
• Coconut Cream – Refrigerate overnight to ensure a fluffy consistency when whipped.
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm spice that beautifully complements the sweet pineapple.
• Sweetener (optional, like honey or maple syrup) – Adjust to taste if you prefer a sweeter whipped cream.
Enjoy crafting this Grilled Pineapple dessert that beautifully balances warmth and freshness!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Step 1: Prepare Pineapple
Begin by slicing a fresh pineapple into rings or wedges, being careful to remove the tough core. Aim for about half-inch thickness to ensure even grilling and caramelization. Set your pineapple aside on a plate, and let’s get ready for the next step in crafting this delightful grilled pineapple dessert.
Step 2: Grill Preparation
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F (220°C). You can use either a gas or charcoal grill; just make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A properly heated grill will give your pineapple those beautiful grill marks and caramelization that enhances its natural sweetness.
Step 3: Grilling Pineapple
Once the grill is hot, place the pineapple slices directly onto the grates. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see distinct grill marks and the fruit softens slightly. This caramelization not only adds visual appeal but also deepens the flavor, transforming your pineapple into a scrumptious component of the grilled pineapple recipe.
Step 4: Make Whipped Cream
While the pineapple is grilling, grab a mixing bowl and whip your chilled coconut cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until fluffy, which should take around 2-3 minutes. If desired, add cinnamon and your choice of sweetener such as honey or maple syrup. Blend until well-combined, creating a luscious topping for your beautifully grilled pineapple.
Step 5: Serve
To serve, carefully plate the warm grilled pineapple, ensuring it holds its lovely grilled marks. Generously dollop the coconut cinnamon whipped cream over the pineapple, allowing it to cascade down the sides. The combination of warm fruit and cold cream creates a delightful contrast that will leave everyone eager for more of this grilled pineapple treat!
Grilled Pineapple Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe, enhancing flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing!
- Lower Sugar: Use unsweetened coconut cream for a naturally less sweet whipped cream that accentuates the pineapple’s caramelized flavor.
- Extra Spice: Substitute cinnamon with nutmeg or a touch of ginger for a spicier profile that’ll add warmth and complexity to your dessert.
- Fruit Flexibility: Experiment with different fruits like peaches, mangoes, or even strawberries. Each will lend their unique sweetness and aroma when grilled.
- Coconut Twist: Add a splash of coconut extract to the whipped cream for an even more intense coconut flavor that beautifully complements the grilled pineapple.
- Nutty Crunch: Top your dessert with toasted almond slivers or pecans for a delightful crunch that adds both flavor and texture!
- Boozy Kick: Drizzle a bit of rum or coconut liqueur over the grilled pineapple before serving for an added tropical flair to your dessert.
- Chill Out: Serve with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream to elevate the experience. This combination of warm and cold is truly sublime!
- Summer Zing: Toss in some fresh citrus zest like lime or orange in the whipped cream to add a refreshing, tangy twist that’ll brighten up every bite.
Embrace your inner chef with these variations, turning every serving into a unique and delightful experience! If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your dessert game, explore our other delightful recipes such as Dairy-Free Ice Cream or Grilled Fruit Medley for even more inspiration!
Storage Tips for Grilled Pineapple
Fridge: Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it refrigerated to maintain its flavor and texture.
Whipped Cream: The coconut cinnamon whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days as well. Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
Freezer: If you want to preserve grilled pineapple for longer, freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. It can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For the best taste, reheat grilled pineapple gently in a pan or microwave just until warm; avoid overheating to maintain its juicy sweetness.
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can slice the pineapple and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, ensuring it stays fresh and ready to grill. Additionally, the coconut cream can be prepped and whipped the night before; simply refrigerate it, and it will maintain its fluffy texture. When you’re ready to serve, grill the pineapple for 3-4 minutes per side and top with the pre-made coconut cinnamon whipped cream. This approach provides a restaurant-quality dessert with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy your time with family and friends!
What to Serve with Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Discover the perfect accompaniments for this tropical dessert that enhances its vibrant flavors and textures!
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Coconut Rice: The creamy, tropical flavors of coconut rice complement the sweetness of grilled pineapple perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience.
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Mixed Fresh Berries: A medley of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness with tartness for a well-rounded dish.
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Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich, creamy dairy-free vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert, creating a luxurious and indulgent pairing.
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Mojito Mocktail: A zesty mojito with fresh mint and lime complements the pineapple’s tropical notes while providing a refreshing sip that brightens the palate.
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Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle crunchy toasted coconut on top for added texture and a fun tropical flair that enhances the dish’s aesthetics and flavor.
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Grilled Peaches: For a seasonal twist, grilled peaches deliver a juicy sweetness and caramelization that harmonizes well with the grilled pineapple.
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Mint Leaves Garnish: Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing herbaceous note that balances the richness of the whipped cream beautifully.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: A bubbly and refreshing sparkling water with a splash of lime can cleanse the palate immensely, ensuring that the sweetness shines through clear and bright.
Each of these pairings brings a unique touch to your grilled pineapple dessert, creating an unforgettable summer feast that everyone will love!
Expert Tips for Grilled Pineapple
• Choose Ripe Pineapple: Always opt for a fresh, ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and flavor. Look for a fragrant aroma and firm skin.
• Oil the Grates: Lightly oil your grill grates before heating to prevent the pineapple from sticking, ensuring perfect grill marks and easy flipping.
• Watch the Time: Avoid over-grilling; 3-4 minutes per side is ideal. Overcooking can lead to mushy pineapple, diminishing its delightful texture.
• Chill the Cream: For the coconut whipped cream, refrigerate the cream overnight. If it hardens, re-blend to achieve a smooth, airy consistency for topping.
• Garnish Creatively: Enhance your grilled pineapple presentation with toasted coconut flakes or fresh mint leaves for an added touch of elegance.
Enjoy this easy and healthy recipe for grilled pineapple that will impress at any gathering!
Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe FAQs
How do I choose a ripe pineapple?
Absolutely! When selecting a pineapple, look for one that has a sweet aroma at the stem, firm skin, and no dark spots. A ripe pineapple should have a slight give when you press it gently; however, it shouldn’t feel overly soft. The color should be a vibrant yellow or golden hue, indicating sweetness.
How should I store leftover grilled pineapple?
Leftover grilled pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-sealed to maintain its juicy flavor. If you notice any dark spots developing, it’s best to discard them as they indicate spoilage.
Can I freeze grilled pineapple?
Definitely! For freezing, firstly, lay the grilled pineapple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about 2 hours until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen slices into a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
What if my coconut cream doesn’t whip up properly?
Very common! If your coconut cream isn’t whipping up well, make sure it has been refrigerated overnight. If it hardens too much, try gently re-blending it with a hand mixer until smooth again. Also, ensure your mixing bowl is cold—this can help in achieving a better whip. If you haven’t chilled it long enough or if it’s not full-fat, it may not reach the desired fluffy consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for many diets. However, if you’re making it for someone with allergies or sensitivities, ensure that the sweetener you use (like honey or maple syrup) doesn’t contain any allergens. Additionally, double-check the coconut cream to confirm it’s free from additives that may cause issues.
How long can I store the coconut whipped cream?
The coconut cinnamon whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. Before serving, you’ll want to re-whip it lightly to restore its airy texture.
Grilled Pineapple Bliss with Coconut Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by slicing a fresh pineapple into rings or wedges, about half-inch thick.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F (220°C).
- Place the pineapple slices directly onto the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- While grilling, whip the chilled coconut cream until fluffy. Add cinnamon and sweetener if desired.
- Plate the warm grilled pineapple and generously dollop the whipped cream on top.
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