There’s something about that juicy caramelized sweetness mingled with a zesty twist that makes the Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe absolutely irresistible. It’s a quick, simple treat that packs bold tropical flavors and a little wow factor that's perfect for summer days or whenever you want a sunny escape.

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’m genuinely excited every time I make this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe because it’s one of those rare desserts that's both light and indulgent. Plus, the ingredients are so easy to keep on hand, and really, anyone can nail it.

Quick and Simple: Ready in under 15 minutes from prep to plate, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or just a satisfying dessert.
Taste Explosion: The sweet pineapple, tangy lime, creamy butter, and subtle coconut combine for a tropical flavor party.
Versatile: Serve it solo, with ice cream, or even as a refreshing side—this recipe adapts to your mood.
Great for Any Skill Level: If you can slice and brush, you’re golden—no complicated steps here!

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

The ingredients list for this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe is short but mighty. Each item brings balance and enhances the tropical vibe without overpowering the pineapple’s natural sweetness. When shopping, look for a perfectly ripe pineapple—sweet-smelling and just a little soft to the touch.

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: The star of the show—choose one ripe and fragrant for max juiciness and sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes when grilled, creating that irresistible golden glaze.
Salted Butter: Melts down to add richness and helps the sugar caramelize great on the grill.
Lime Juice: Brightens the flavor and cuts through sweetness with a fresh tang.
Coconut Extract: Imparts a subtle tropical aroma that lifts the whole dish.
Flaky Sea Salt: A finishing touch that intensifies sweetness and adds a slight crunch.

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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 like to keep the base recipe as is because those flavors just sing together perfectly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t personalize things to fit your mood or pantry!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the coconut extract for shredded toasted coconut sprinkled on top after grilling for extra texture and flavor. It's a crunchy, delicious twist!
Dietary Modification: If you’re dairy-free, just swap the butter out for coconut oil—it keeps the tropical theme intact and still produces great caramelization.
Seasonal Change: In winter, grilling pineapple reminds me of tropical vacations and brightens up the colder months.

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

Step 1: Getting the Pineapple Ready

First, preheat your grill to medium heat—somewhere around 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. Peel the pineapple, core it, and slice it into half-inch thick rings. When I do this, I usually get around 12 slices, but if your pineapple’s bigger or smaller, just go with what you have. Try to get the rings fairly even so everything grills uniformly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Magic Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk the brown sugar, melted salted butter, fresh lime juice, and coconut extract until smooth. This creates a luscious glaze that blends buttery sweetness with that bright lime pop and tropical coconut note. You’ll want it to be slightly runny so it brushes on easily.

Step 3: Brush, Sprinkle, and Grill

Generously brush the marinade on both sides of each pineapple ring. Then, sprinkle evenly with flaky sea salt. The salt is key because it balances the sweet and enhances the caramelizing process. Place your pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and a caramelized, slightly charred finish.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Transfer the pineapple to a platter and serve immediately while it’s warm and juicy. This is when it’s at its best—the flavors really come alive and the caramelized edges add so much depth.

Top Tip

After making this several times, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that make the Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe come out perfectly every time. These little details elevate the final result.

Choose a ripe pineapple: If it smells sweet and yields slightly when squeezed, you’re good. An underripe pineapple will be more tart and less juicy.
Don’t skip the flaky sea salt: A little salt goes a long way in balancing sweetness and adding delightful texture.
Brush generously but not soggy: Too much marinade can cause flare-ups on the grill—keep it just enough to coat evenly.
Watch your grill time closely: Pineapple caramelizes quickly; 2-3 minutes per side is enough to get that char without turning mushy.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish off with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest—it amps up the aroma and looks pretty on the plate. Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle a little caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert feel that never disappoints.

Side Dishes

This grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, turning a simple meal into an island-inspired feast. I often serve it alongside coconut rice or a fresh green salad to keep things light and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party idea, try serving pineapple rings stacked with scoops of sorbet in between, sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes. Or use pineapple slices as the "base" for mini desserts by topping them with whipped cream and chopped macadamia nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors mellow a bit but it’s still delicious cold or warmed up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen grilled pineapple slices before and they freeze well for up to 6 months. They're great for adding into smoothies or as a frozen snack on a hot day. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving or warming gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two—just enough to warm through and revive that grilled caramelized edge without turning soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

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

What if I can’t find coconut extract?

No worries! You can leave it out or add a small spoonful of coconut milk or shredded coconut for that tropical hint. It won’t be as intense but still delicious.

How ripe should the pineapple be for grilling?

Look for a pineapple that smells sweet at the base and yields slightly when you press it. Overripe pineapples can get mushy on the grill, so aim for firm but ripe.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the salted butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Everything else stays the same and you’ll still get that tropical, caramelized goodness.

Final Thoughts

I always keep coming back to this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe because it’s such a simple way to brighten up any meal or gathering. Whether you’re craving a fresh dessert or a flavorful side, it’s a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it truly tastes like sunshine on a plate!