A Sweet-Heat Tropical Dessert with Vanilla Brown Sugar Glaze
Transform fresh pineapple into an elegant dessert with deep caramelization, warm spices, and a glossy vanilla-infused syrup. Perfect for grilling season or as a stunning finish to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🔥 Balanced flavors – Sweet pineapple meets spicy cayenne and rich vanilla
🍍 Simple elegance – Impressive presentation with minimal effort
⏱ Make-ahead friendly – Marinate overnight for maximum flavor
🌴 Versatile – Serve as dessert, with ice cream, or alongside grilled meats
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Prep Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fresh pineapple | Peeled, cored, cut into 8 spears |
| 60g (¼ cup) | Light brown sugar | Packed |
| ¼ tsp | Cayenne pepper | Adjust to taste |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract | Pure preferred |
| ⅛ tsp | Kosher salt | |
| As needed | Vegetable oil spray | For grilling |
Optional Enhancements:
- 1 tbsp dark rum in marinade
- Lime zest for brightness
- Toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Pineapple
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple spears with brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla, and salt.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and rest:
- 30 minutes at room temperature OR
- Overnight refrigerated for deeper flavor
2. Grill to Perfection
- Preheat grill pan over high heat until smoking hot.
- Lightly spray with oil just before cooking.
- Grill spears 1-2 minutes per side until dark grill marks form.
3. Create the Glaze
- Microwave reserved marinade 90 seconds until syrupy.
- (Alternatively reduce in a saucepan over medium heat)
4. Serve with Style
- Arrange spears on a platter
- Drizzle with warm syrup
- Optional garnish: Vanilla ice cream, mint leaves
Expert Techniques
For Perfect Grill Marks
✔ Blot pineapple dry before grilling
✔ Don’t move spears once placed on grill
✔ Use a press or spatula for even contact
Flavor Variations
🌶 More heat: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika
🍯 Deeper caramel: Use dark brown sugar
🍹 Tropical twist: Add 1 tsp grated ginger
Serving Suggestions
Dessert:
- With coconut sorbet
- Over pound cake
Savory Pairings:
- Alongside glazed ham
- With grilled pork chops
Brunch Idea:
- Top French toast
Storage & Make-Ahead
Marinated pineapple:
- Refrigerate up to 24 hours
Leftovers:
- Store grilled pineapple refrigerated
- Reheat gently in oven or air fryer
Troubleshooting
Problem | Solution
Syrup too thin | Simmer longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch slurry
Not caramelizing | Ensure grill is hot enough; pat pineapple drier
Too spicy | Reduce cayenne by half; add more vanilla
Pro Tip: For dramatic presentation, serve spears standing upright in a hollowed pineapple half!
This sophisticated yet simple dessert brings restaurant-worthy flair to your table. The interplay of caramelized fruit, warm spice, and vanilla creates a memorable finish to any meal.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag your creations #SpicedPineappleSpears!
