Grilled Pineapple Shortcakes With Coconut Whipped Cream

Give classic shortcake a tropical backyard twist. These grilled pineapple shortcakes combine warm, lightly caramelized pineapple with fluffy coconut-flavored whipped cream and tender store-bought shortcakes or biscuits.

It is an easy dessert on the grill that feels special without requiring homemade pastry. Prepare the whipped cream ahead, grill the pineapple after dinner and let everyone assemble their own.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple Dessert

• Easy assembly: Store-bought shortcakes or prepared biscuits keep the recipe simple.
• A fresh flavor combination: Tangy pineapple balances the lightly sweet coconut cream.
• Quick grilling: Pineapple needs only a few minutes over medium heat.
• Flexible serving: Make individual shortcakes or arrange the components for guests to assemble.

Recipe Details

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Grilling time: Approximately 6–8 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25 minutes, plus grill preheating

Ingredients

For the Pineapple Shortcakes

• 8 fresh pineapple rings, approximately 1/2 inch thick, peeled and cored
• 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil, such as avocado or canola oil
• 4 prepared shortcakes or fully baked biscuits
• 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes, optional
• Fresh lime zest, optional

For the Coconut-Flavored Whipped Cream

• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract, or to taste

Ingredient note: Coconut extracts vary in strength. Start with the smaller amount, taste the whipped cream and add another drop or two if desired.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple Shortcakes

1. Prepare the Whipped Cream

Pour the cold heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and coconut extract.

Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until soft-to-medium peaks form. The cream should hold its shape while remaining smooth and easy to spoon. Avoid overbeating it until grainy.

Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the pineapple.

2. Set Up the Grill

Preheat the grill for direct cooking over medium heat, approximately 350–400°F. Clean the grates using your grill manufacturer’s recommended method.

Leave a cooler area available so you can move the fruit if it begins browning too quickly.

3. Dry and Lightly Oil the Pineapple

Pat the pineapple rings dry with paper towels. Removing excess surface moisture helps the fruit brown rather than steam.

Brush both sides lightly with the oil. Fresh pineapple already contains natural sugar, so there is no need to coat it with brown sugar before grilling.

4. Grill Until Golden and Tender

Place the rings over direct medium heat. Grill for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until the pineapple develops browned marks and becomes slightly tender.

Timing depends on the fruit and your grill. Watch for golden browning rather than blackened edges, and move rings to the cooler area if needed.

Transfer the pineapple to a clean plate. Let it cool for a few minutes so it is warm rather than piping hot when you add the whipped cream.

5. Assemble the Shortcakes

Split the biscuits or shortcakes horizontally. If using sponge-style dessert shells, leave them whole.

Place one pineapple ring on each shortcake base, add a spoonful of coconut whipped cream and layer with a second ring. Add the shortcake top if applicable, then finish with another small spoonful of cream.

Sprinkle with toasted coconut and a little lime zest if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Grilling Pineapple Without Burning It

• Use evenly cut rings: Similar thickness helps the pieces cook at the same rate.
• Dry the surface: Pat the fruit dry before adding a light coating of oil.
• Keep the heat moderate: High heat can blacken the fruit before it softens.
• Skip sugary coatings: The pineapple’s natural sugars provide enough browning for this recipe.
• Turn gently: Use a wide spatula or tongs that support the rings without tearing them.
• Stay nearby: Fruit can go from nicely browned to scorched quickly.

Fresh or Canned Pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is the first choice for its firm texture and the ability to cut substantial rings.

Canned rings can work in a pinch. Choose pineapple packed in juice, drain it thoroughly and pat it dry. Canned rings are often thinner and softer, so handle them gently and check them earlier during grilling.

Easy Variations

Add a Lime Finish

Sprinkle fresh lime zest over the assembled dessert for a bright contrast to the pineapple and cream.

Use Vanilla Ice Cream

Replace the whipped cream with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Let the pineapple cool slightly before assembling and serve right away.

Make a Dairy-Free Version

Use a prepared dairy-free whipped topping with a little coconut extract, and choose dairy-free shortcakes or biscuits. Check ingredient labels for your dietary needs.

Turn It Into a Dessert Bar

Set out shortcakes, warm pineapple, toasted coconut and lime zest. Keep the whipped cream refrigerated until serving, then bring out small portions as needed.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Slice the pineapple and refrigerate it in a covered container up to one day ahead. Pat it dry immediately before grilling.

The whipped cream can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. If it softens slightly, whisk it briefly before serving.

For the best texture, grill the pineapple close to serving time and assemble only the portions you plan to eat. Store leftover components separately in the refrigerator; assembled shortcakes soften quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I use for grilled pineapple?

Use direct medium heat, approximately 350–400°F for this recipe. Adjust as needed to brown the pineapple without scorching it.

Do I need to add sugar before grilling?

No. Ripe pineapple contains natural sugar that browns on the grill. This recipe uses only a light coating of oil before cooking.

Can I use store-bought biscuits?

Yes. Use fully baked biscuits, prepared shortcakes or sponge-style dessert shells. If using refrigerated biscuit dough, bake it according to its package instructions before assembling.

Is coconut whipped cream the same as whipped coconut milk?

Not in this recipe. Here, heavy whipping cream is flavored with coconut extract. Whipped coconut cream is a different preparation and can be used as an alternative if you prefer.

Can I make this without an outdoor grill?

Yes. Use a grill pan over medium heat, working in batches. Watch the pineapple closely and cook until browned and slightly tender.

Finish Your Cookout With Something Fresh

Warm pineapple, cool coconut cream and tender shortcake make a simple dessert worth lingering over. With the pastry already prepared, you can spend more time enjoying the gathering.

Explore Sunzout’s modular outdoor kitchens and poly dining furniture, or request a free 3D outdoor-kitchen design and project quote to plan your own backyard entertaining space.