Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple: A Low-Carb, Sweet-and-Smoky Delight

If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy fresh pineapple while staying within your low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is here to satisfy your cravings. This easy recipe combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with a sugar-free brown sugar substitute, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a caramelized, smoky treat that’s perfect for grilling season. Whether served as a dessert, side dish, or even a topping for yogurt or ice cream, this dish is sure to become a summer favorite. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this versatile recipe, from its nutritional benefits to step-by-step instructions and creative variations.

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What Is Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple?

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is a low-carb twist on the classic grilled fruit dessert, designed to align with the principles of the ketogenic diet. Instead of using traditional brown sugar, this version relies on keto-friendly brown sugar substitutes (such as Lakanto Golden Monkfruit Sweetener or Swerve Brown) to create a rich, caramel-like glaze. Fresh pineapple slices are brushed with melted butter, sprinkled with the sweet-and-spicy mixture, and grilled until tender and slightly charred, resulting in a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spice.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can enjoy it plain, drizzle it with coconut cream or whipped cream, or pair it with a scoop of keto-friendly vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re craving something sweet, smoky, or indulgent, this grilled pineapple delivers all the satisfaction of traditional desserts without the carb-heavy drawbacks.

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Why Choose Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple?

1. Perfect for the Keto Diet

• With only a few grams of net carbs per serving, this dish aligns perfectly with the principles of the ketogenic diet. It uses sugar substitutes and fresh pineapple to keep your carb count low while delivering rich flavors and textures.

2. Packed with Nutrients

• Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds anti-inflammatory benefits.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

• Unlike some desserts that require multiple steps and pans, this recipe is simple to prepare. From prepping the pineapple to grilling, the entire process takes less than 15 minutes.

4. Customizable

• Whether you prefer extra sweetness, added spice, or a hint of citrus, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste buds. It’s also easy to adjust the portion size to fit your dietary needs.

5. Great for Outdoor Entertaining

• This dish is elegant enough to serve at backyard barbecues, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Its vibrant colors and smoky aroma make it a show-stopping dessert or side dish.

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How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to whip up this delicious dessert? Follow these easy steps to create a batch of caramelized, smoky goodness that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pineapple:

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick rings
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup keto-friendly brown sugar substitute (e.g., Lakanto Golden or Swerve Brown)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Coconut cream or whipped cream
• Fresh mint leaves
• Chopped nuts (e.g., macadamia nuts or almonds)
• Vanilla ice cream (keto-friendly)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F–400°F). If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple

1. Brush both sides of the pineapple slices lightly with melted butter.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the keto-friendly brown sugar substitute, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the pineapple slices, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Step 3: Grill the Pineapple

1. Place the pineapple slices on the preheated grill or grill pan.
2. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the pineapple is tender and has nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook, as the pineapple can become mushy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the grilled pineapple slices to a serving platter.
2. Top with optional toppings like coconut cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a scoop of keto-friendly vanilla ice cream.
3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added freshness and presentation.

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Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

To ensure your grilled pineapple turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:

1. Use Ripe Pineapple : Opt for a ripe pineapple with a fragrant smell and golden skin for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t Skip the Butter : The melted butter helps the brown sugar mixture stick to the pineapple and enhances the caramelization process.
3. Adjust Sweetness : Taste the brown sugar mixture before grilling and adjust the sweetness to suit your preferences.
4. Experiment with Spices : Try adding a pinch of cloves, cardamom, or ginger for extra warmth and depth.

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Nutritional Breakdown of Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per slice (based on 8 slices):

• Calories: 60 per slice
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 20mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 7g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Protein: 0.5g

These numbers make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple an excellent choice for a low-carb, nutrient-dense dessert or side dish that keeps you satisfied without compromising your dietary goals.

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Variations and Substitutions

While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, here are some ideas to customize your Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple:

1. Add Citrus Zest

• Stir in orange or lime zest into the brown sugar mixture for a bright, refreshing twist.

2. Make It Spicy

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix for a sweet-and-spicy kick.

3. Swap the Fats

• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

4. Pair with Proteins

• Serve the grilled pineapple alongside grilled chicken or pork for a tropical-inspired main course.

5. Drizzle with Sauce

• Top the grilled pineapple with a drizzle of keto-friendly caramel sauce or melted dark chocolate for added indulgence.

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Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a sweet-and-smoky treat while staying in ketosis. With its caramelized exterior, juicy interior, and endless customization options, this dish is sure to become a staple in your keto recipe repertoire. Plus, its ease of preparation ensures you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience while still delivering a satisfying and indulgent dessert.

So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in a pineapple dish that’s as nourishing as it is tasty. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a family meal, or simply craving something sweet, Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is here to make your journey brighter—and sweeter!

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