Candied Pineapple Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little tropical sunshine to your kitchen, this Candied Pineapple Recipe is pure magic. It transforms simple canned pineapple rings into luscious, sweet, and slightly tangy gems that practically melt in your mouth. The candying process enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness, giving you chewy, translucent slices that are perfect for snacking, baking, or gifting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find countless reasons to keep a stash of these vibrant treats on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Candied Pineapple Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of pantry staples that work together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the fresh, juicy pineapple rings to the sweet syrup that infuses them with that irresistible candy coating.

• 40 oz Pineapple rings (two 20-oz cans): Use canned pineapple for consistent sweetness and texture, plus the juice doubles as the syrup base.
• 3 cups Sugar (divided): Sweetens the pineapple while the divided use helps with the candy coating and syrup.
• ¼ cup Light corn syrup: Keeps the syrup smooth and helps prevent crystallization for that perfect glossy finish.

How to Make Candied Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Drain and Prepare the Pineapple Juice

Begin by draining the pineapple rings, but set aside the juice. You’ll need exactly 1½ cups of juice for the syrup, so if you’re a bit short, top it off with some water to make up the difference. This juice is the flavorful heart of your candying liquid, carrying the sweet pineapple essence throughout.

Step 2: Create the Syrup Base

Pour the pineapple juice into a large saucepan and add half of the sugar along with all the corn syrup. Turn the heat to medium and gently stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Bringing this mixture to a low boil for about 4 minutes blends the ingredients perfectly, ensuring a smooth and sticky syrup that’ll coat the pineapple beautifully.

Step 3: Add Pineapple Rings Carefully

Turn the heat down to low and carefully add your pineapple rings to the syrup. Try to spread them out so they don’t touch each other. This little trick prevents them from sticking together and helps each piece become evenly candied—giving you those perfect translucent slices you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Boil and Turn Pineapple Slices

Continue cooking the pineapple rings on a low boil, turning them frequently. This ensures every slice gets coated evenly and prevents sticking. The hull of patience here pays off by developing that gleaming candy sheen that signals your pineapple is on its way to perfection.

Step 5: Cook Until Translucent

Keep cooking the pineapple rings for about 45 minutes. You’ll notice the fruit slowly turning translucent—that’s the hallmark of proper candying. Regular checks are essential to avoid sticking or burning, and with some love and attention, you’ll achieve slices bursting with both sweetness and chew.

Step 6: Cool the Pineapple

Once translucent, carefully remove the pineapple rings from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack lined with parchment paper underneath to catch drips. Cooling is crucial as it lets excess syrup drain away, leaving your pieces nicely tacky but not messy.

Step 7: Dry the Pineapple Completely

Allow the pineapple slices to dry out fully—this can take up to overnight. If you’re in a hurry, pop the wire rack into an oven preheated to 200°F, with a baking tray beneath to catch drips, and bake for about 30 minutes. This drying step locks in the candy coating and keeps each slice from sticking together later.

Step 8: Coat With Remaining Sugar

Once the pineapple slices are thoroughly dry and no longer sticky, toss them in the remaining sugar in a shallow bowl. This sugar coating adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture that makes these candied treats irresistible and ready for storage or serving.

Step 9: Store Your Candied Pineapple

Finally, store your candied pineapple in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delightful for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy a tropical treat whenever the mood hits.

How to Serve Candied Pineapple Recipe

Garnishes

These candied pineapple slices make fantastic garnishes for cocktails, desserts, or even a cheese board. Their vibrant color and sweet tang add visual appeal and a burst of flavor that brightens up any plate.

Side Dishes

Try serving candied pineapple alongside grilled meats, like pork or chicken, to add a sweet contrast that complements smoky or savory notes. They also pair beautifully with tropical-inspired salads for a refreshing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by cutting the candied pineapple into smaller pieces and mixing them into homemade granola, yogurt parfaits, or even baked goods like muffins or cakes. For a party, threading slices onto skewers with fresh fruit adds a festive vibe that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover candied pineapple in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, maintaining their chewy texture and sweet flavor. Just make sure to keep them away from humidity to prevent stickiness.

Freezing

If you want to save your candied pineapple for longer, freezing works well. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and they’ll remain deliciously sweet.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t typically necessary for candied pineapple, as they’re meant to be enjoyed as a chewy snack. But if you want them warm for a dessert topping, gently warm in a low oven for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid melting the sugar coating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be used, but canned pineapple juice is ideal for the syrup since it’s naturally sweet and consistent. If using fresh, you may need to add a bit more water or sugar to balance the syrup properly.

Why do I need to stir and turn the pineapple slices so much?

Turning ensures that each slice gets coated evenly with syrup so no part burns or sticks to the pan. It also helps the candying process happen uniformly, resulting in beautifully translucent slices.

What if my sugar crystallizes during cooking?

Adding light corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, but if it happens, try reducing the heat and stirring gently. Avoid using a spoon to stir vigorously as it can encourage crystals to form.

How long will candied pineapple keep?

Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, candied pineapple lasts about one week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.

Can I use this candied pineapple in baking?

Yes! Candied pineapple adds sweetness and chew to cakes, muffins, and cookies. Just chop into smaller pieces and fold into your batter for a tropical twist.

Final Thoughts

Making this Candied Pineapple Recipe is not only delightful but also incredibly rewarding. The process turns simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful treat that brightens up any snack or dish. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy these sweet, chewy pineapple slices, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. So go ahead, bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen—you won’t regret it!

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