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Easy Caramelized Grilled Pineapple Skillet Cake Recipe

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A simple, no-fuss dessert featuring grilled pineapple caramelized in a cast iron skillet with a tender, buttery cake. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium fresh pineapple (about 2 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened, plus 2 tablespoons melted for grilling
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided (1/4 cup for caramel, 1/2 cup for batter)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Optional: flaky sea salt, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Cut pineapple into 1/2-inch thick rings, remove core. Brush rings with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
  2. Grill pineapple rings for 3-4 minutes per side until deep grill marks appear and edges are sticky and golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce grill temperature to 350°F (175°C) or preheat oven to 350°F. Place cast iron skillet on grill or stovetop over medium heat. Add remaining 1/4 cup butter and melt. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over butter, stir until combined and bubbly (about 1 minute). Remove from heat.
  4. Arrange grilled pineapple rings in skillet on top of brown sugar mixture, overlapping slightly if needed. Set aside.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
  6. Add flour mixture to butter mixture in three additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined (batter will be thick).
  7. Spoon batter gently over pineapple in skillet, spreading evenly with a spatula. Do not press down.
  8. Place skillet on grill (or in oven) and bake for 25-30 minutes, until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. If using grill, keep lid closed and check after 20 minutes.
  9. Let cake cool in skillet for exactly 5 minutes. Run a knife around edge, place a large plate on top, and carefully invert. Lift skillet off slowly. If any pineapple sticks, nudge back into place.
  10. Serve warm or at room temperature. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, or top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip grilling the pineapple—it concentrates sugars and adds smoky depth. Pat pineapple dry before grilling to ensure caramelization. Watch caramel closely to avoid burning. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Do not overmix batter. Let cake rest exactly 5 minutes before flipping to prevent caramel from running.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pineapple, skillet cake, caramelized pineapple, summer dessert, cast iron dessert, pineapple upside-down cake, easy dessert

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-caramelized-grilled-pineapple-skillet-cake-recipe/