This Brazilian Pineapple Recipe is one of those cheap, easy sides that can turn a BBQ into something a little more special. Sweet and slightly tart pineapple gets coated in a brown sugar caramel, making it just as perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert as it is a side dish-and you can make it in the oven, on the grill, or in the air fryer.
Brazilian Pineapple Recipe at a Glance
- 🧄 Flavor & Texture: Sweet, juicy pineapple with warm cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and buttery caramelized edges.
- 🛒 Main Ingredients: Fresh pineapple, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, butter, and cooking spray.
- ⏱️ Total Time: 25-30 minutes of baking time
- 🍴 Servings: 4
- 🥗 Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
- 🍚 Best Served With: Serve warm on its own or alongside vanilla ice cream or pineapple ice cream with a drizzle of the extra brown sugar caramel.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: You can cut the pineapple and coat it with the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture ahead of time, then bake or grill it when ready to serve.
- ❤️ Why You Will Love It: It transforms simple fresh pineapple into an irresistibly juicy, bubbly, caramelized dessert with just a handful of ingredients.
Summarize and Save This Content On
I first fell in love with this roasted pineapple at our favorite Brazilian steakhouse, and I knew I had to make my own version at home.
After years of reader feedback and testing different cooking methods, I even changed how I add the butter-by dotting it over the pineapple instead of melting it and pouring it on top, so it can slowly melt and baste the fruit as it cooks.
It's been tweaked along the way, but that sweet, buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze is still the part I come back to every time. If you love cooked pineapple, try smoking pineapple and air frying pineapple too!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
"An amazing recipe. It all disappeared. I wish I had 2 pineapples. This recipe is addictive. So good. Everyone asked for the recipe. Thank you for sharing."
- Alex
Jump to:
- Brazilian Pineapple Recipe at a Glance
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Variations
- How to Make Brazilian Steakhouse Pineapple in the Oven
- How Long to Cook Brazilian Pineapple
- Expert Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Brazilian Pineapple Recipe FAQs
- More Delicious Pineapple Dessert Recipes
- Baked Brazilian Pineapple Video
- Brazilian Pineapple Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made with just 4 ingredients: All you need to make cinnamon caramelized pineapple are 4 simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store year-round.
- No special equipment required: You don't need any extra equipment to make Brazilian grilled pineapple, keeping it simple and accessible to any home cook.
- Kid-approved recipe: If you're looking for a healthier treat that kids actually enjoy, you've found the perfect one!
Ingredients
Everything you need for this baked Brazilian pineapple recipe is listed below.
- Pineapple: Only use fresh pineapple in this baked pineapple recipe because canned turns very mushy. If you're looking for a shortcut, try pre-cut, cored pineapple from the produce section.
- Brown sugar: You can use dark or light brown sugar depending on how deep you want the caramel to be. A whole cup is used for a large pineapple, but most of it remains in the pan as a glaze. I love it to make candied bacon in the air fryer as well.
- Cinnamon: The amount you use is a personal preference. I always recommend starting with a teaspoon and adjusting as needed.
- Butter: There's no need to soften or melt the butter. Add it cold and cubed so it bastes the pineapple as it bakes.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Honey or maple swap: Try this baked Brazilian pineapple recipe with honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Use ⅔ cup of either for every cup of brown sugar.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle chili pepper powder to bring some heat to this Brazilian cinnamon pineapple recipe.
- Add anise: Include some anise to the sugar mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
How to Make Brazilian Steakhouse Pineapple in the Oven
Here are the instructions needed to make this Brazilian pineapple recipe in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
Step 1: Coat the pineapple. Place your pineapple spears in a Ziploc bag with brown sugar and cinnamon and toss gently to coat the pieces.
Step 2: Arrange on the pan with butter and bake. Then place the coated pineapple pieces on the baking sheet and top with the cubed cold butter. Place it into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, flip and baste, then bake for another 12-15 minutes or until tender and juicy.
How Long to Cook Brazilian Pineapple
How long your pineapple takes depends on how you cut and cook it. Spears take the longest and hold their shape best, while chunks and rings cook faster and need a closer eye.
Here's a quick guide to what you can expect, but keep an eye on the fruit's ripeness, too, since that can make just as much difference as the cooking time.
| Cut | Oven at 400°F | Grill in a pan on the grate | Air fryer, 400°F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rings or slices (½" thick) | 18-20 min, flip at halfway | 7-10 min, flip midway | 8-10 min, shake or flip once |
| Spears | 25-30 min, flip at halfway | 7-10 min, turn at least twice so all sides cook evenly | 10-12 min, shake or flip once |
| Chunks (1") | 18-22 min, toss once during cooking | 7-10 min, stir a few times | 8-10 min, shake or flip once |
Whichever method you choose, baste the pineapple with the extra glaze as it cooks, then give it one more good brush right before serving. That extra bit of caramelized goodness makes all the difference.
Expert Tips
- How to cut the pineapple: To cut fresh pineapple, slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, and carefully cut away the skin, then remove any remaining eyes with a small knife. From there, cut the pineapple into ½-inch rings, spears, or 1-inch chunks, removing the tough core as needed.
- Baste it as it cooks: No matter how you cook the pineapple, I like to baste it with the butter and brown sugar at least once (halfway is perfect) to ensure all of the pieces are evenly coated and caramelize properly.
- Done vs. overdone: Pineapple is done when it's tender and caramelized but still holds its shape with a little bite. If it starts becoming very soft or mushy, it's gone too far.
- Storage directions: Keep extra pineapple and glaze in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 2-3 days. It's best reheated in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
Another one of my Brazilian recipes that's worth a try is this one for Brazilian cheese bread bites.
Serving Suggestions
- Savory dishes: Pineapple goes amazingly with savory Asian recipes! Try this teriyaki salmon in the air fryer with some pineapple and cinnamon glaze on top or on the side.
- Dessert pairing ideas: The cooked pineapple and extra sauce would be perfect over a scoop of banana nut ice cream!
- More cooked fruit: These zesty grilled mangoes are another delicious way to enjoy fruit.
Brazilian Pineapple Recipe FAQs
Pineapple can turn mushy instead of caramelized if it's very ripe, overcrowded, or cooked too long at a low temperature. Use ripe-but-firm pineapple, leave space between the pieces, and cook until tender and golden rather than very soft.
Cooking pineapple deactivates bromelain, the enzyme responsible for the tingling or burning sensation some people experience when eating fresh, raw pineapple.
No, you don't have to remove the pineapple core, but it is tougher and less juicy than the rest of the fruit. I recommend removing it for the best texture, especially when cutting pineapple into rings or chunks.
Yes. You can toss the pineapple with the cinnamon and brown sugar glaze, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. For the best texture and caramelization, I recommend cooking it within that time rather than letting it sit longer.
More Delicious Pineapple Dessert Recipes
Do you like pineapple desserts? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Baked Brazilian Pineapple Video
Brazilian Pineapple Recipe
Equipment
- barbecue or grill
Ingredients
- 1 large pineapple peeled, cored and cut into spears
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1-3 teaspoon cinnamon more or less to taste
- 2-4 tblsp cold butter cubed OR melted if air frying
- cooking spray
NEEDED FOR GRILL
- disposable or metal pan to hold your pineapple
- extra butter or cooking spray to grease pan
- vegetable oil for your grill
Instructions
Marinate the Pineapple
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a large resealable bag. Add the pineapple spears and close the bag tightly. Shake it so that the cinnamon and brown sugar completely coat the spears. Press sugar mixture onto spears as you remove from bag.
- Alternatively, you can combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss pineapple in sugar. Lay them on a tray and repeat until all are coated.
Brazilian Pineapple in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil and a light coating of cooking spray. Set aside.
- Place coated pineapple on prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Place tiny butter cubes across the top of the pineapple spears.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or so, then flip each piece over with tongs and baste with the sugary mixture for another 12 to 15 minutes. Total cooking is 25-30 minutes and the baked pineapple will be juicy and bubbly.
Grilling Brazilian Pineapple
- Wipe and clean your grill. Completely oil your cooking grate. Grab tongs and squeeze a bunch of paper towel together. Dip paper towel in vegetable oil and rub on top of each grate repeatedly.
- Turn burners on high, cover, and heat your grill until hot; about 15 minutes.
- Reduce all of your burners to medium heat. Dump contents of resealable bag into your pan. Include all of the brown sugar mixture and add pats of butter.
- Using a brush or even a spoon; adjust, brush or flip pineapple until well-coated. Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping over after 5 minutes of cooking.
Air Fryer Brazilian-Style Pineapple
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Line the bottom with foil or parchment, edges turned up to form a shallow tray. The brown sugar will run, and without a liner it welds itself to the basket. If you're using perforated parchment, preheat without the parchment in the air fryer.
- Coat the pineapple in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt mixture and brush with melted butter rather than dotting cold cubes on top. Convection air moves too fast for cubes to sit and self-baste the way they do in the oven.
- Arrange in a single layer, no overlapping. Cook 8-10 minutes in batches and keep finished ones warm under foil. Flip and baste halfway through cooking.
Video
Notes
- To cut fresh pineapple, slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, and carefully cut away the skin. Use a small knife to remove any remaining eyes, then cut into ½-inch rings, spears, or 1-inch chunks, removing the tough core as needed.
- For perfectly caramelized pineapple, use ripe-but-firm fruit and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook at the recommended temperature until the pineapple is tender and golden, rather than letting it cook too long and become mushy.
- You don't have to remove the pineapple core, but it's tougher and less juicy than the rest of the fruit. For the best texture, especially with rings or chunks, it's worth removing.
Linda says
That is awesome… I had a couple workmen here working on my deck and I tried it out on them and they loved it said it was excellent. Very tasty. Thank you for this recipe. It’s better than trying to eat a whole pineapple by yourself.! Ha
Karin and Ken says
You just made my day! All the best. Karin
Scott H. says
It was amazing, thank you.
Karin and Ken says
So happy you enjoyed it! It’s definitely delicious! All the best. Karin
Marieagg says
This looks really good but although I’m sure I missing it somewhere I don’t see the amount of time to bake the pineapple. How long do you bake it if it’s cut into chunks? Can’t wait to try it!
Karin and Ken says
I apologize for the confusion! Here you go.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or so, then flip each piece over with tongs and baste with the sugary mixture and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes. Enjoy every bite! This is delicious! All the best. Karin
Total cooking is 25-30 minutes and the baked pineapple will be juicy and bubbly.
Marie says
Oh lovely! Thank you for the recipe. Always a hit. Every time I make it. This pineapple can be served by itself or with so many things. Is it ever yummy. ❤️❤️❤️
Karin and Ken says
You’re welcome. I could not agree more! I’m so glad you’re enjoying this easy recipe. All the best. Karin
Penny says
I love the Baked Brazilian Pineapple. It makes a great snacks for friends and family. It's not too sweet and I guess everyone loves them. Thank you
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome! This recipe is a personal favorite! All the best. Karin
Dorothy says
Love this recipe. Will definitely make again.
Karin and Ken says
Glad to hear it. I can’t get enough of it! All the best. Karin
Alex says
An amazing recipe. It all disappeared. I wish I had 2 pineapples. This recipe is addictive. So good. Everyone asked for the recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome. I try my best. Take care. Karin
Susan says
Can you make rings in advance and briefly rewarm to serve topped with ice cream. Should they be warmed i. Oven or will microwave work?
Karin and Ken says
You bet you can! I always prefer the oven to reheat but the microwave works just fine. I use it myself. Remember that in the microwave the pineapple will get very hot fast and the sugars can burn you! Perfect with ice cream. Enjoy! Take care, Karin
Donna Marie says
My family visited a Brazilian Steakhouse in Myrtle Beach. The food was amazing and the pineapple was incredible. They sliced our pineapple at the table and we had seconds and thirds of the pineapple. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I just bought a pineapple and plan on a test this week and then making it for Thanksgiving. Thank you again.
Karin and Ken says
No problem at all. I love this recipe myself and can’t wait to hear what you think of it! Hopefully you enjoy it as much as we do! All the best. Karin
Marcus says
The entire family loved this pineapple recipe. I will definitely be making it again and again. So good. Thx for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome. We love this recipe too and I'm so glad we're not alone! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. Take care. Karin
George Vescio says
Omg just amazing I made it after our dinner it was so tasty it is better baked then on the BBQ
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for taKing the time to let me know you loved the pineapple! I can’t get enough of it. You honestly made my day! Take care and be well. Karin
Christine Hepburn says
Excellent - as Long as you don’t over cook it, you can really start to eat it any at any point. Even if it has not yet caramelized !! I took a piece out a bit too early and it still tasted delicious but once you let caramelize a bit longer and really intensifies. I could see also adding anise to this and it’s fabulous over ice cream. Very versatile.
Karin and Ken says
Anise is a wonderful idea! I am going to try that myself. Can’t thank you enough for the suggestion! It’s true this pineapple recipe is difficult to time based on the ripeness of your pineapple but is definitely worth the effort. On ice cream this pineapple is amazing too! Thank you for taking the time to comment. I am truly grateful. Take care and all the best. Karin
María Tirado says
Thank you for the recipe! My daughter in law and I go to this Brazilian restaurant as well and they serve this pineapple dessert it is sooo good! I think my main reason to visit this place is for the pineapple lol. I mentioned to her I will find the way to make it so searching I came across your recipe which is exactly what I am looking for. I will try it this weekend definitely! Thank you kindly
Karin and Ken says
I can’t wait to hear what you think! Watch the timing. It will depend on how ripe your pineapple is! Also make the spears a good size so they stand up and can handle the cooking time. Please let me know how it goes. I would love to hear! Regardless take care and all the best. Karin
Catherine says
Can't wait to try this! Can you use canned pineapple?
Ginnie B says
I tried this recipe, followed directions to the letter, turned out overly sweet and mushy, suggest using far less sugar and cooking half the time,
Karin and Ken says
I apologize that your pineapple turned out mushy! I am so grateful you took the time to send me a comment. I have to update the cooking time on this recipe as well. My oven was broken and I didn't know it so I am going through recent recipes with my new oven to correct baking times. I found out by making my 75 minute cheesecake that I have made for at least 20 years and it took 2 1/2 hours! I was mortified and still am. Regardless, you can easily reduce the amount of sugar and the cooking time as well. Another issue is that some pineapples are more ripe and more juicy. Cooking time will fluctuate somewhat but not so much as to create mush! I can't apologize enough for wasting your time, energy and effort. I hope you will consider trying this recipe again. It is definitely worth it! Regardless, take care and all the best. Karin
Sharon Meyer says
Just found your recipe while looking for a matching ones like what I saw demo'd in a grocery store. This is just about exactly like it!
Just one question: in the comments, you say the last 10 minutes you stand the spears up? Huh? LOL - how do you make a hot, sticky, gooey pineapple spear STAND UP ? ?
Thanks!
Sharon
Karin and Ken says
If you cut the spears on an angle and thick enough they will definitely stand up! If to have to you might be able to use a pan with a high edge (13x9) and lean them against it! Glad you enjoyed this recipe! I can't get enough of it. All the best. Karin
Jillian says
Wow, just made this tonight and it was so good! I couldn’t stop eating it. My seven year old’s reaction was, “Mom, mind blown!”
Karin and Ken says
You have made my day! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe! I just love it and I am always wondering if I am the only one! I love the reaction of your 7 year old! I can’t thank you enough for letting me know! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. Take care and all the best to you! Karin
Darlene says
So excited to try I am going to love making and taking these for the Holidays... ♥️
Karin and Ken says
This recipe is a personal favourite! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you have a moment please let me know what you think after you try it! I would love to hear! All the best. Karin
Theda says
I love pineapple and I have to try these soon, but as I was reading, I wondered how making a pineapple milkshake would be with these...Hmmmm
Karin and Ken says
What a brilliant idea! I’m going to think about what is the best way to do that myself! I just put that on my bucket list! Can’t thank you enough for the suggestion. I have made this pineapple so many times and never even considered it. Thank you again. Take care and all the best. Karin
Nikki Turner says
I can see using peaches as well as pineapple. Will be trying both soon!
Karin and Ken says
What an amazing idea! It never occurred to me to try it with peaches too! I bet that will be delicious! If you have a moment please let me know how it all turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the pineapple and peaches! I want to try that myself! I can’t thank you enough for giving me the idea! Take care and I hope to talk soon. Karin
Wesley Christianson says
Do you bake it 30 minutes total or after flipping it twice so 50 minutes total?
Karin and Ken says
I bake it for about 30 minutes in total. I apologize for that not being more clear in the recipe. I usually start with all of the spears on their side. After 10 minutes I move them around to make sure they are coated and then I flip them to their other side. After another 10 minutes or so I make sure they are coated in the bubbling mixture and I stand them up for the last part of the baking, another 10 minutes. I hope that makes sense! Too funny. Although I love these pineapple spears warm I have some in the fridge! They are a fabulous snack! Please let me know what you think of this recipe if you try it. I would love to hear if you enjoy this pineapple as much as we do! All the best. Karin
Mike Hirsch says
I have made this three or four times now. Everyone loves it.
Karin and Ken says
I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! So glad to hear you all enjoy it! I love making this pineapple recipe around here. I can’t get enough of it! Take care of you and thank you again for taking time out of your day to let me know! Karin