This Maple Glazed Pineapple will really sweeten up your summer. Serve it up for dessert or as a side for your next meal. The flavor of maple syrup marries well with pineapple, especially glazed right into the surface. If you like pineapple, you're sure to enjoy this nearly instant dessert! It's particularly appealing when made with canned organic pineapple mini-rings, and it comes together in under 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh pineapple. Canned pineapple chunks or slices (drained) work just as well and make this even quicker to throw together.
- Maple syrup. The glaze's backbone — agave syrup works well as a substitute, or melt some sugar in the pan for a slightly different caramelized flavor.
- Vegan buttery spread. Earth Balance or a similar plant-based butter carries the glaze and helps it coat the pineapple evenly.
- Cinnamon. A warm background note that plays beautifully against the sweet, caramelized pineapple.
- Dried fruit. Cranberries, cherries, blueberries, or raisins all add little bursts of chewy sweetness stirred in at the end.
Variations
- Add a splash of rum. A tablespoon of dark rum added along with the maple syrup gives this a grown-up, tropical twist.
- Add nuts. Toasted chopped pecans or macadamia nuts sprinkled on top add crunch and a nice contrast to the soft, glazed fruit.
- Make it spicier. A pinch of ground ginger or a small pinch of cayenne alongside the cinnamon adds unexpected warmth.
- Grill it instead. Brush pineapple rings with the maple mixture and grill for a few minutes per side for a smoky variation.
Tips for the Best Maple Glazed Pineapple
- Drain the pineapple well. Excess liquid will thin out the glaze and keep it from properly coating the fruit — save the drained juice for smoothies or popsicles.
- Don't rush the glazing. Letting the pineapple cook undisturbed for a minute or two at a time helps it caramelize rather than just steam in the glaze.
- Use any shape or size of pineapple you like. Just make sure to get all the sides coated with maple syrup before it goes into the pan — pineapple rings and cubes both work beautifully.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. The glaze thickens a bit as it cools, giving it a stickier, more caramel-like coating.
Make Ahead & Storage
This keeps well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or serve straight from the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat.
How to Serve
Pair this tasty treat with some vanilla ice cream or a warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie. If you're serving it as a side dish, these pineapples pair really well with green beans and salads. Top each serving with vanilla coconut yogurt, granola, and/or toasted chopped nuts if you like.
Maple Glazed Pineapple FAQs
Can I use a sweetener other than maple syrup?
You can use any kind of sweetener that you prefer! Agave syrup works well, and you can also melt some sugar in the pan and use that.
Does it matter what shape the pineapple is in?
You can use any shape and size of pineapple that you would like! Just make sure to get all the sides coated with maple syrup before you put the pineapple in the pan to glaze. I love using pineapple rings, but cubes are also nice.
Recipe
Maple Glazed Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Earth Balance or other vegan buttery spread
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or to taste
- 3–3 ½ cups diced fresh pineapple or two 15oz cans pineapple chunks or slices, drained
- ¼ cup dried fruit cranberries, cherries, blueberries, raisins, etc.
- optional toppings vanilla coconut yogurt, granola, and/or toasted chopped nuts
Instructions
- Heat the Earth Balance in a medium skillet until melted, then stir in the maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Drain the pineapple well (save the juice for another recipe—smoothies, popsicles, etc.) and add to the skillet.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the pineapple is nicely glazed and golden, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the dried fruit of your choice and remove from the heat. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish. Allow to cool.
- Serve fruit mixture warm or at room temperature. Top each serving with any or all of the optional toppings as desired.
Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)
Photos by Rachael Braun.
Sara says
What should you use for juice if you are using fresh pineapple? Would orange juice be ok?
Nava says
Sara, you don't need juice for this; in the instructions it says to save any juice from a can for a different use. So if using fresh you need not bring in any extra juice. Hope that helps!
Deyton says
I might ry this but with apples.
Nava says
This would work with apples, too. Just make sure they don't get too mushy!