Sunny Candied Pineapple Recipe: Sweet Tropical Delight

Sweet, tangy candied pineapple brings tropical sunshine to any dessert table.

Fresh pineapple chunks sparkle with sugary goodness in this delightful recipe.

Golden caramelized edges and glossy coating make these treats irresistible.

Crisp exterior gives way to soft, juicy centers that dance with sweetness.

Each bite delivers a burst of tropical flavor that feels like a mini vacation.

Homemade candied pineapple beats store-bought treats every single time.

Prepare to elevate your snack game with this simple yet spectacular treat.

Candied Pineapple Sweet Features

• Transform ordinary pineapple rings into stunning sweet treats with just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for gifting, garnishing cakes, decorating dessert platters, or enjoying as a standalone sugary snack that impresses everyone.
• Requires basic cooking skills and patience, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks wanting to explore candy-making techniques without advanced culinary expertise.
• Uses affordable ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, allowing you to create gourmet-style candied fruit without spending a fortune on fancy confections.

Ingredients Needed for Candied Pineapple

• Pineapple Rings: Fresh pineapple rings that will be transformed into a sweet and glossy candied treat.

• Pineapple Juice: Natural liquid from the pineapple rings that serves as the base for the syrup.
• Sugar: Sweetens the pineapple and creates a glossy coating during the cooking process.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and provides a smooth, shiny finish.

• Sugar: Used for coating the final candied pineapple rings to add a sparkling, sweet exterior.

Tools for Candying Pineapple Slices

• Large Saucepan: Essential for preparing the syrup and cooking pineapple rings evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Perfect for draining and drying candied pineapple rings after cooking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and catches any drips during the drying process.
• Shallow Bowl: Used for coating pineapple rings with sugar at the final stage.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure juice and sugar quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring syrup and turning pineapple rings during cooking.
• Wire Rack (optional): Alternative drying method if using oven technique.

Preparing Candied Pineapple Step by Step

Step 1: Create Sweet Syrup Base

• Pineapple juice
• Sugar
• Corn syrup

Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves.

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer for 4 minutes, creating a smooth and glossy syrup.

Step 2: Transform Pineapple Rings

Lower the heat to low setting.

Carefully place pineapple rings into the warm syrup, spreading them out to prevent sticking.

Allow the rings to simmer slowly, turning them frequently.

Continue cooking for approximately 45 minutes until the rings become completely translucent and beautifully glazed.

Step 3: Dry and Set Pineapple Rings

Move the glazed pineapple rings onto a cooling rack lined with parchment paper.

Let them dry naturally, which might take an entire night.

For quicker results, place the rack in an oven set at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.

The rings should feel dry and no longer sticky to the touch.

Step 4: Add Sparkling Sugar Coating

Once the pineapple rings are completely dry, gently toss each ring in a shallow bowl filled with remaining sugar.

Ensure each ring is fully and evenly coated with a beautiful sugar crystal layer.

The result will be a glistening, sweet treat ready to enjoy.

Tips for Glazed, Golden Pineapple Slices

• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat when drying pineapple rings to avoid frustrating adhesion and ensure easy removal.
• Turn pineapple rings frequently during simmering to help them absorb the syrup evenly and develop a consistent translucent appearance.
• Place rings in a low-temperature oven at 200F for 30 minutes to accelerate the drying process when you're short on time.
• Keep candied pineapple rings in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their texture and prevent sticking.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended amount for a less sweet version that still maintains the candied texture.

Fun Flavors for Candied Pineapple

• Tropical Spice Blend: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the sugar coating for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories.
• Coconut Crunch Edition: Mix shredded coconut into the final sugar coating to create a crunchy, tropical texture.
• Vegan Honey Glaze: Substitute corn syrup with agave nectar or maple syrup for a plant-based candying process that maintains the sweet, glossy finish.

Best Ways to Share Candied Pineapple Treats

• Tropical Dessert Companion: Sprinkle candied pineapple rings over vanilla ice cream for a sweet, tangy twist that elevates your dessert experience.
• Breakfast Delight: Chop the candied pineapple and mix into yogurt, granola, or morning pancakes to add a vibrant, caramelized tropical flavor.
• Cocktail Garnish: Use these sugary pineapple rings as an elegant garnish for tropical cocktails like piña coladas or mai tais, adding a gourmet touch to your drinks.
• Cake Decoration: Top birthday cakes, cheesecakes, or tarts with these glossy, crystallized pineapple rings for a stunning and delicious visual presentation.

How to Keep Candied Pineapple at Its Best

• Place candied pineapple rings in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep chilled for up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing sticking.
• Wrap individual rings in wax paper, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 3 months, maintaining texture and flavor by preventing freezer burn.
• Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep at cool room temperature for 3-5 days, checking for any moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a low-temperature oven at 200°F for 5-10 minutes. Spread rings on a baking sheet, watching carefully to prevent caramelization or burning.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple rings, but ensure they are uniformly thick and cut to similar sizes as canned rings for consistent results.

• How long will candied pineapple last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, candied pineapple can last up to 2 weeks. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginners?

No, it’s straightforward but requires patience. The key is maintaining low heat and frequent turning during the simmering process to prevent burning.

• What are good uses for candied pineapple?

It’s excellent as a cake decoration, in baked goods, as a topping for desserts, or enjoyed as a sweet snack on its own.

Candied Pineapple Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican candied pineapple delivers a sweet tropical delight from traditional Latin American cuisine. Caramelized sugar and fresh pineapple create a simple yet irresistible dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Candied Pineapple Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (20 ounces / 567 grams each) pineapple rings, drained with juice reserved
• 3 cups (600 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) light corn syrup

Liquid Ingredients:

• Pineapple juice (reserved from cans)
• Water (as needed)

Finishing Ingredients:

• Additional granulated sugar (for coating)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a syrup mixture by combining pineapple juice (add water if needed) with half the sugar and corn syrup in a large saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
2. Bring the syrup to a gentle boil for 4 minutes, then reduce heat to low. Carefully add pineapple rings, spreading them to prevent sticking.
3. Simmer the pineapple rings for approximately 45 minutes, gently turning them frequently until they become translucent throughout.
4. Remove the glazed rings and place them on a cooling rack lined with parchment paper. Allow them to dry naturally, which may take several hours or overnight.
5. For faster drying, place the rings in an oven set at 200°F for about 30 minutes until they no longer feel sticky to the touch.
6. Once completely dry, gently toss each ring in the remaining sugar, ensuring full and even coating in a shallow bowl.
7. Transfer the sugar-coated candied pineapple rings to a serving plate or storage container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

• Carefully choose ripe, fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture in your candied treat.
• Keep the heat low and steady during simmering to prevent burning and ensure even candying.
• Use a candy thermometer to monitor syrup temperature for consistent results and perfect translucency.
• Store dried candied pineapple in an airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 78 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg