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 truly magical about the way caramelized sugar meets tangy lime and creamy coconut when you bite into these sweet, smoky rings. This Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe is a deliciously simple way to elevate your fruit game with a little tropical flair and a burst of fresh flavor.

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

I stumbled on this combo during a casual summer cookout, and I keep making it because it feels like sunshine on a plate every time. It’s effortless yet packed with thoughtful flavor contrasts that always impress guests, or just delight me solo with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples that come together quickly for a fresh, vibrant taste.
Flavor Explosion: The caramelized brown sugar balanced with tangy lime juice and nutty coconut extract gives every bite a perfect tropical zing.
Versatility: Great as a snack, dessert, or even a grilled side for savory dishes — you can tailor it easily.
Quick and Easy: From prep to grill, it takes less than 15 minutes; ideal when you want something impressive without fuss.

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 starring role to bring out that tropical charm. When you choose a perfectly ripe pineapple, it’s juicy and sweet enough to stand up to the grill’s smoky kiss. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, while the lime juice adds bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness. Coconut extract rounds it all off with its rich, exotic undertone. Oh, and the flaky sea salt is a game-changer — it lifts the flavors, balancing sweetness and bringing out complexity.

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

Pineapple: Look for one with a sweet fragrance and a slight give when squeezed gently; that means it’s ripe and juicy.
Brown Sugar: Lightly packed works best to get a sticky, caramelized surface on the grill.
Salted Butter: Melts perfectly to blend flavors and adds a silky richness.
Lime Juice: Fresh-squeezed ensures that bright pop of tartness, essential for balance.
Coconut Extract: Just a little bit gives a subtle coconutty note that doesn’t overpower.
Flaky Sea Salt: Adds crunch and amplifies every other flavor.
Optional Toppings: Lime zest, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce take it to the next level if you want extra indulgence.

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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

Though I adore it just as described, sometimes I like to tweak this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe to suit the occasion or mood. Feel free to experiment—you can personalize this recipe easily.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping coconut extract for toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top after grilling. It adds a lovely crunch and even more coconut flavor that’s super satisfying.
Dietary tweaks: If you're avoiding dairy, swap the butter for coconut oil and you're still golden.
Seasonal twists: Try adding a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet kick that’s unexpected but delicious.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your grill to medium heat—about 300 to 350°F. While that’s warming up, peel your pineapple carefully, core it, and slice it into half-inch thick rings. I usually get about a dozen rings from an average pineapple. The key here is even slices, so they cook uniformly without falling apart.

Step 2: Whisk the Magic Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted salted butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, and coconut extract until smooth and glossy. This concoction is where the incredible flavor lives, so give it a good mix to dissolve the sugar as much as possible.

Step 3: Brush and Salt

Brush each pineapple ring liberally on both sides with your sugary lime-coconut mixture. Don’t be shy here, it helps them caramelize beautifully. Then sprinkle with flaky sea salt — this is a small but mighty step that enhances all the sweetness!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the pineapple rings on your hot grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for those gorgeous grill marks and just a bit of char while the sugar caramelizes. Keep an eye so they don’t burn — a quick flip is all it takes.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once grilled, transfer the pineapple rings to a plate and serve immediately. They’re best warm, bursting with juiciness and that tantalizing caramelized coating.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small adjustments can really elevate this recipe and ensure success every time. These little tips have saved me from common pitfalls and made the flavor pop even more spectacularly.

Even Slices Matter: Cut pineapple slices uniformly about ½-inch thick; this prevents thinner slices from drying out or thicker ones from undercooking.
Don’t Rush the Grill: Let your grill heat fully before placing pineapple on it to achieve those perfect caramelized grill marks quickly without sticking.
Use Flaky Sea Salt: It has larger crystals that give texture and bursts of saltiness, elevating the sweetness rather than overpowering it.
Rest Before Serving: If you hold them just a minute off the grill, flavors settle and caramelization intensifies—it’s worth the wait.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a bit of fresh lime zest on top for an extra zing and scatter toasted coconut flakes when I have them around. On indulgent days, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over warm pineapple is unbeatable. Caramel sauce drizzled on top? Yes, please!

Side Dishes

This grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making for a tropical-inspired meal. I sometimes serve it alongside coconut rice or a fresh green salad with chili lime dressing to balance richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try stacking grilled pineapple rings to create little “pineapple towers,” topped with mint leaves and a drizzle of caramel. Or skewer chunks of grilled pineapple with shrimp or chicken for a colorful, flavorful kebab that wows visually and gustatorily alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled pineapple goes into an airtight container and cold storage in the fridge for up to three days. I’ve found the texture holds up nicely, and the flavors even mellow into something richer overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled pineapple for up to six months. I like to freeze them flat on a tray first, then transfer to bags to prevent sticking—perfect for a refreshing frozen treat on a hot day or smoothie addition.

Reheating

Reheat grilled pineapple gently in a warm skillet over low heat or microwave for a few seconds. Avoid high heat that can toughen the fruit. I always reheat just enough to serve warm, which revives that caramelized charm beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop or even a regular skillet. Just cook the pineapple slices over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes per side until you see caramelization and grill marks. It’s a perfect indoor alternative.

How do I choose a good pineapple for this recipe?

Look for pineapples that are fragrant with a sweet smell at the base, and slightly soft when you press gently — but not mushy. Avoid ones with brown or moldy spots. A ripe pineapple means juicy, flavorful rings that grill up beautifully.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Definitely! Just swap the salted butter for melted coconut oil or any plant-based butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this recipe easy to adapt without losing that tropical flavor.

What’s the best way to serve grilled pineapple?

I recommend serving it warm right off the grill with a sprinkle of lime zest and flaky sea salt. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for dessert, or alongside grilled meats and fresh salads for a tropical twist to your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers whenever I want something uncomplicated but special. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little salty—in the best way—and I love how easy it is to whip up with ingredients you probably already have. I hope you try it, enjoy it, and maybe even make it your own with your favorite twists. It’s like a mini tropical vacation in every bite!