Pineapple Banana Grilled Fruitsticks Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect pineapple banana grilled fruitsticks recipe, this delicious dessert combines juicy tropical fruit with a rich vanilla butter glaze and a warmly spiced vanilla yogurt dip. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this easy grilled fruit recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant barbecue dessert that’s ideal for summer cookouts, backyard entertaining, or a refreshing family treat.

The Inspiration

Inspired by tropical desserts enjoyed throughout the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia, this recipe celebrates fresh fruit with minimal ingredients while letting the barbecue work its magic. Rather than overwhelming the fruit with heavy sauces, the vanilla butter glaze gently enhances every bite with buttery caramel notes and fragrant vanilla.

Maddie and Kiki Longo love showcasing recipes that prove outdoor cooking isn’t limited to burgers, ribs, and steaks. On Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, they demonstrate how the grill can become the centerpiece for every course—including dessert. This recipe perfectly captures their approachable cooking style by combining everyday ingredients with restaurant-worthy presentation that anyone can recreate at home.

Whether you’re ending a backyard barbecue, preparing a healthy dessert for family dinner, or looking for a colorful addition to your summer entertaining menu, these grilled fruit skewers offer a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts while delivering plenty of indulgent flavor.

Ingredients

3 Bananas, peeled and cut into 1 inch rounds
1 whole pineapple, peeled and cut into 1 inch squares
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 bamboo skewers, soaked in cool water for 30 minutes
1 vanilla bean, halved and scraped
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1 cup Vanilla yogurt, for serving
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cardamom
Pinch of salt

Method

Preheat barbeque to medium high heat 400°F.
Oil grill to prevent sticking.
To prepare the glaze, place 3 tbsp of unsalted butter, brown sugar and vanilla seeds in a small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for 5-10 minutes or until slightly thickened and caramelized.
Keep warm and reserve.
Thread the fruit onto skewers, alternating the pineapple and the banana pieces.
Brush fruit with melted butter.
Season with a tiny pinch of salt.
Place fruit skewers on direct heat and cook for 2 minutes per side or until slightly caramelized and golden brown.
In the last minute of cooking, brush the fruits with the warm glaze.
Remove from grill and brush with the remaining glaze.
Remove from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir together the vanilla yogurt, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger in a small bowl.
Serve skewers warm with vanilla yogurt on the side.

Serving Suggestions

For an even more impressive dessert, serve the skewers with toasted coconut flakes, chopped roasted pecans, crushed pistachios, or sliced almonds sprinkled over the yogurt. Fresh mint leaves provide a bright herbal finish, while a drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness for those who enjoy richer desserts.

If you’re preparing a tropical-themed menu, pair these grilled fruit skewers with grilled coconut shrimp, jerk chicken, barbecue pork, grilled salmon, or citrus-marinated chicken. Refreshing beverages like fresh lemonade, pineapple juice, sparkling water with citrus, mango smoothies, or iced tropical teas complement the dessert beautifully without overpowering its delicate flavors.

These skewers are also versatile enough to serve at brunch alongside waffles, pancakes, or French toast, offering guests a healthier grilled fruit option that feels both elegant and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This pineapple banana grilled fruitsticks recipe celebrates everything that makes outdoor cooking special: fresh seasonal ingredients, beautiful caramelization, simple preparation, and vibrant tropical flavors. The combination of naturally sweet pineapple, creamy bananas, buttery vanilla glaze, and warmly spiced yogurt creates an unforgettable dessert that’s sophisticated enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight grilling.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!