When summer hits Vermont, my grill practically lives outside. A few years ago, during a backyard cookout, I tossed some leftover pineapple chunks onto skewers, brushed them with maple syrup, and placed them over the flames. What came off the grill wasn’t just sweet and smoky—it was game-changing.
That day sparked my obsession with grilled pineapple dessert skewers. They’re simple, fast, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re planning a low-key BBQ or looking to wow your guests with a fruit-based dessert, this recipe delivers bright, bold flavor with very little effort. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to cut pineapple for skewers, how to grill them perfectly, and how to make sure they don’t stick. You’ll also get creative twists and flavor pairings to impress any guest.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Grilling Pineapple on Skewers
How to grill pineapple on skewers for the perfect char
To make the best grilled pineapple skewers, start with a ripe but firm pineapple. Cut it into even 1.5-inch chunks—small enough to skewer easily but large enough to hold their shape on the grill. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t burn.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates or brush the pineapple with avocado oil. Grill each skewer for 2–3 minutes per side, rotating until caramelized grill marks appear. This short grill time brings out the fruit’s natural sugars and adds a smoky finish without turning the chunks mushy.
For those new to summer grilling, this sweet twist is right up there with other no-fuss BBQ favorites like Frozen S’mores or chilled treats like Frozen Fruit Cups.
Creative ways to serve and pair grilled pineapple
Grilled pineapple skewers are excellent on their own, but they shine even more when paired. Try stacking them with bananas or strawberries for a tropical touch. You can also brush the finished skewers with a honey-lime glaze or spiced rum reduction for that sticky, caramelized finish.
When serving, consider pairing with a scoop of homemade Cottage Cheese Ice Cream or drizzling the skewers with melted chocolate. For added texture, sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped nuts right before serving.
These skewers are perfect as a standalone dessert or a sidekick to grilled main dishes. And if you’re working on a bigger summer spread, balance them with make-ahead recipes like Avocado and Ice Cream to keep things cool and refreshing.
Marinating Tips for Grilled Pineapple Dessert Skewers
Should you marinate pineapple before grilling?
Marinating pineapple before grilling is totally optional—but it can take your grilled pineapple dessert skewers from great to unforgettable. The fruit already has a naturally sweet flavor, but a short soak in the right marinade adds depth and contrast.
My favorite marinade for grilled pineapple is a blend of lime juice, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon. The acidity in the lime cuts through the sugar and balances the caramelization that happens on the grill. You only need 10–15 minutes of marinating time. Any longer and the pineapple starts to break down, which can make it mushy on the skewer.
You can also experiment with flavors like coconut milk, dark rum, vanilla extract, or even fresh ginger. Just make sure to pat the pineapple dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups.
For more marinated fruit ideas, check out my frozen fruit bar recipe, which also plays with sweet-and-tart combos that shine in summer desserts.
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Flavor combinations to elevate your grilled pineapple dessert skewers
Grilled pineapple dessert skewers are incredibly versatile. Once you’ve tried them plain or with a light marinade, mix it up by alternating pineapple with other grill-friendly fruits like peaches or mangoes. You can even add cubes of pound cake between the fruit for a grilled “shortcake” effect.
After grilling, drizzle the skewers with honey or caramel sauce, or roll them in crushed nuts. Want a frozen contrast? Serve them next to popsicles made from frozen fruit—the hot-and-cold pairing is a total showstopper on hot days.
Using grilled pineapple in dessert skewers doesn’t just taste great—it’s also an easy way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. These skewers can be assembled ahead of time and cooked right before serving, making them one of the easiest summer desserts you’ll ever make.
PrintGrilled Pineapple Dessert Skewers: Simple, Juicy, and Irresistible
Grilled pineapple dessert skewers are juicy, smoky-sweet, and incredibly easy. Perfect for summer BBQs, this fruit-forward treat caramelizes beautifully on the grill and pairs well with ice cream, honey, or mint. Prep in minutes, cook fast, and wow your guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cored
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter or avocado oil
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional: fresh mint, ice cream, or toasted coconut
Instructions
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes, if using.
2. Cut pineapple into 1.5-inch chunks and remove core.
3. In a bowl, mix honey, lime juice, cinnamon, and melted butter.
4. Toss pineapple chunks in the mixture to lightly coat.
5. Thread pineapple onto skewers, leaving small space between chunks.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high and oil grates.
7. Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, rotating to achieve grill marks.
8. Serve warm with optional toppings like ice cream, mint, or coconut.
Notes
Do not over-marinate pineapple—15 minutes is ideal.
Use metal skewers if grilling over high heat to avoid burning.
Try alternating pineapple with strawberries or pound cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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Grill-Safe Tips for Pineapple Perfection
How do you keep pineapple from sticking to the grill?
It happens all the time: you carefully arrange your pineapple chunks on the grill, and minutes later, half of them are stuck or torn. The key to preventing this is preparation—both of the fruit and the grill itself. If you’re grilling grilled pineapple dessert skewers, this small step can save your entire batch.
First, always clean your grill grates thoroughly. Any leftover debris will not only stick to your pineapple but could also transfer unwanted flavors. Then, oil the grates. Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or grapeseed. Soak a folded paper towel in the oil and, using tongs, rub it over the hot grill just before placing your skewers.
Also, brush a thin layer of oil or melted butter directly onto the pineapple. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it helps caramelize the edges beautifully. If you’re going for extra flair, try a butter-cinnamon blend that melts into each chunk during grilling.
Still feeling unsure about your setup? Consider doing a quick dry-run with something simple like frozen fruit sorbet served alongside the skewers—just in case your first round sticks, you’ve still got dessert covered.
Why grilling temperature matters for dessert skewers
Heat control is everything when grilling pineapple. Too low, and your skewers will dry out. Too high, and the sugars will burn before you get those golden grill marks. The sweet spot is medium-high heat—around 375°F to 400°F. This allows the outside to caramelize without scorching and keeps the inside juicy.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire: hot coals on one side, none on the other. Start your grilled pineapple dessert skewers over direct heat to get color, then move them to indirect heat to finish gently. That technique helps lock in moisture and avoids burning.
Looking for more cooling contrast to your hot skewers? Try pairing them with a refreshing side like eating frozen fruit for that sweet-hot combo that everyone at your cookout will remember.
Whether you’re a grilling pro or a weekend experimenter, using these tricks will keep your grilled pineapple dessert skewers intact, flavorful, and photo-ready every single time.
How to Cut Pineapple for Grilled Dessert Skewers
How to cut a pineapple for skewers: the right shape matters
If you want perfectly grilled pineapple dessert skewers, it all starts with how you cut the fruit. The right cut helps the pineapple stay juicy, cook evenly, and hold together during grilling. Start by trimming off the top, bottom, and rind of the pineapple. Then quarter the pineapple lengthwise and slice out the core from each wedge—it’s fibrous and won’t soften well on the grill.
From there, cut each wedge into 1.5-inch chunks. Why 1.5 inches? Because that’s the sweet spot: large enough to skewer without splitting, and small enough to caramelize quickly without falling apart. Make sure your cuts are uniform, or some pieces will overcook while others stay raw.
Thread the chunks onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate and cook them evenly. If you’re alternating pineapple with other fruits, go for sturdy pairings like strawberries or thick banana slices.
Want a cool and colorful serving idea? Add your grilled pineapple dessert skewers to a platter with frozen fruit and yogurt dips or serve alongside something chilled like frozen fruit ice pops to balance the heat with something refreshing.
Tips to prep grilled pineapple dessert skewers ahead of time
You don’t need to wait until your guests arrive to start assembling. One of the best parts about grilled pineapple dessert skewers is how prep-friendly they are. Cut and skewer your fruit up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. If you’re marinating the fruit, do that no more than 15 minutes before grilling to avoid breaking down the fibers.
If you’re transporting them for a picnic or BBQ, layer the skewers between parchment paper in a container to keep them from sticking together. And always bring extra—you’ll be surprised how quickly these skewers disappear.
Whether you’re pairing them with frozen treats or serving them as a standalone dessert, grilled pineapple dessert skewers are one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to end a summer meal. Once you’ve mastered the cut and the grill, you’ll come back to this recipe all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Pineapple Dessert Skewers
How do you grill pineapple on skewers?
To grill pineapple on skewers, cut the fruit into uniform 1.5-inch chunks. Thread them onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, brush with oil or a light marinade, and grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Rotate the skewers until grill marks form and the edges caramelize. This technique helps you get perfectly tender, caramelized pineapple without burning or drying out the fruit. For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or drizzle honey just before serving.
Should I marinate pineapple before grilling?
Marinating is optional, but it adds delicious complexity to grilled pineapple dessert skewers. A quick 10–15 minute soak in a mix of lime juice, maple syrup, and spices like cinnamon can brighten the flavor and help with caramelization. Avoid over-marinating, though—too much time in acidic marinades can soften the fruit too much, making it hard to skewer and grill evenly.
How do you keep pineapples from sticking to the grill?
To keep pineapple from sticking, always start with a clean grill. Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or grapeseed on the grates. You can also brush the pineapple directly with oil or melted butter. Make sure the grill is fully preheated before placing your skewers. This helps sear the fruit quickly, reducing the chances of sticking. Grill over direct heat for marks, then move to indirect heat to finish if needed.
How to cut a pineapple for skewers?
Trim the pineapple’s top, bottom, and skin, then quarter it lengthwise. Remove the tough inner core from each wedge. Slice each quarter into evenly sized 1.5-inch cubes. This size works best for grilled pineapple dessert skewers—they stay firm on the skewer, grill evenly, and develop a delicious caramelized exterior. Avoid thinner slices, which tend to tear or burn.
Conclusion: The Perfect Summer Skewers
Grilled pineapple dessert skewers are more than just a backyard trend—they’re the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. With the right cut, a quick marinade, and a little grill time, you’ll unlock a warm, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor that screams summer.
They’re also flexible. Whether you serve them solo, with a chilled side like frozen fruit sorbet, or with an icy treat like popsicles from frozen fruit, they’re always a hit. Plus, they’re a fun way to get creative with fruit and fire.
If you’re craving something quick, colorful, and absolutely delicious, grilled pineapple dessert skewers are the answer.