Pineapple BBQ Sauce (Ready in 2 Minutes)
I started making this recipe back in 2018, when I was really focused on cutting out added sugar wherever I could. Finding a barbecue sauce I actually enjoyed was a challenge. I tested a few versions using dates to sweeten the sauce (hello, date bbq sauce) but the flavor wasn’t quite right.
Out of a last-ditch effort, I added pineapple juice to the mix and that one change made all the difference. The natural sweetness from the pineapple brought the tangy flavors together perfectly, and this pineapple bbq sauce instantly became a staple in my kitchen.
This recipe uses real food ingredients you probably already have on hand and comes together in just 2 minutes. It’s naturally sweetened with fruit and packed with bold flavor, perfect for grilling, marinating or dipping your fries in!
Love making your own sauces? Be sure to check out my vegan sweet and sour sauce and my go-to honey chipotle sauce, both are easy, better-for-you options that bring big flavor to any meal.
Key ingredients
- Medjool dates – The dates taste like caramel and give the barbecue sauce sweetness without any added sugar. Be sure to remove the pits (just slice in half lengthwise and pop them out).
- Pineapple juice – The secret ingredient! Pineapple juice enhances the natural sweetness from the dates, and also mellows out the acidity of the tomato paste. Look for 100% pineapple juice with no added sugars (you can also use the juice from a can of pineapples).
- Balsamic vinegar – Adds depth and subtle sweetness. It also helps cut any metallic taste from the tomato paste.
- Cinnamon – A surprising addition, but don’t skip it! It’s the thing you can’t quite place but are glad it’s there when you taste the sauce.
How to make the best pineapple bbq sauce
Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender. Be sure to remove the pits from the dates. Blend on high until smooth. This should be the consistency.
BBQ Sauce with Pineapple & Dates (Whole30)
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 6 oz jar tomato paste
- 3 large medjool dates, pitted
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos - or gluten free tamari or soy sauce
- 1.5-2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Remove the pits from the dates.
- Add all the ingredients to a large wide mouth mason jar.6 oz jar tomato paste, 3 large medjool dates, pitted, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp coconut aminos, 1.5-2 tbsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Blend with an immersion blender or high speed blender for 2 minutes until dates are completely broken down.Note: if you don't have a high speed blender, soak the dates in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to ensure they are easy to blend.
- Store in the fridge in a covered container for 2 weeks or freeze.
Notes
- Pit the dates first. Don’t skip this or the sauce (and your blender) will be ruined. Just slice and remove the pits before blending.
- Use a high-speed blender or soak the dates first. If your blender isn’t very strong, soak the dates in warm water for 5–10 minutes before blending to ensure a super smooth sauce.
- Too thin? Simmer to thicken. Heat the sauce over medium-low for 10–15 minutes to reduce liquid. Don’t boil though, the natural sugars can burn.
- Spice it up (or not). Add cayenne or hot sauce to taste, starting small.
- For Whole30: Check the ingredients on your mustard. Some brands sneak in added sugars or non-compliant ingredients.
- Add some heat with cayenne pepper, a chipotle pepper, hot sauce or even some sriracha.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 5 days.
- Freezer: Can be frozen up to 3 months in a freezer safe bag or container. I like to freeze in small portions using a silicone ice cube tray or Soupercubes 2 tablespoon portions. Once frozen, move to freezer safe bag.
Nutrition Information
Ways to use Hawaiian pineapple bbq sauce
- Dip: Use as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, meatballs, sweet potato fries, or roasted veggies.
- Marinade: Perfect for chicken, pork, or tofu, just marinate for 30 minutes or more before cooking.
- Burger or sandwich spread: Slather it on burgers or inside wraps for bold BBQ flavor.
- Grain bowls: Drizzle over bowls with rice or quinoa, roasted veggies, and your favorite protein.
- BBQ flatbreads: Use it as a base for quick BBQ chicken pizzas or flatbreads.
Common questions
Can I make this without dates?
Yes! Try raisins, dried apricots, or even dark sweet cherries (like in my cherry chipotle BBQ sauce recipe). If you’re not doing Whole30, you can also use 2–3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to divide this between two large mason jars if you are using an immersion blender or blend the double batch in a large high speed blender. This sauce freezes well, so it’s great to make extra and have some on hand for quick meals.
this BBq sauce is very good. I used my vitamix to mix it up
Bev I’m glad to hear you love this BBQ sauce as much as I do! Using the vitamix to mix it up is genius. I really appreciate you coming to leave a review, it means so much to me! Happy cooking – Sam