Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Sugar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pineapple chunks brushed with a spiced rum glaze and grilled until caramelized, finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a tropical treat. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers dark rum, brown sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Thread 1-inch pineapple chunks onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush pineapple skewers generously with the rum glaze.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing with remaining glaze and turning until pineapple is caramelized and grill marks appear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, sprinkle with a pinch of extra cinnamon sugar if desired, and serve warm as a tropical dessert or side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Sugar?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Sugar?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Sugar?

Caribbean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.