Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe

The Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your snacking game. With just three simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary pineapple rings into sweet, chewy treats that are perfect for enjoying on their own or adding to desserts. This recipe is suitable for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes these candied pineapples a standout treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe requires only three ingredients and minimal prep time, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy the candied pineapple as a snack, in desserts, or even as a topping for yogurt and ice cream.
• Homemade Delight: Create your own candy at home without preservatives or artificial ingredients.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package the candied rings in a jar for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
• Fun for Everyone: Involve kids in the cooking process for a fun family activity that results in delicious treats.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with this Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Cooling rack
• Parchment paper
• Shallow bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Essential for combining the juice and sugar, ensuring even heating and effective candying of the pineapple.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the candied pineapple, promoting even drying without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Protects your surfaces while catching any drips during drying, making cleanup easier.
• Shallow bowl: Ideal for coating the candied rings in sugar without creating a mess.

Ingredients

A simple three-ingredient recipe that transforms regular pineapple rings into sweet, crystallized treats perfect for snacking or baking.

Ingredients:
– 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple rings, drained with juice reserved
– 3 cups granulated sugar, divided
– ¼ cup light corn syrup

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

1. Drain the pineapple rings and measure out 1½ cups of juice. Add water if needed to reach this amount.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the juice with half the sugar (1½ cups) and all of the corn syrup.
3. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Bring this mixture to a low boil and let it simmer for about 4 minutes.

Step 2: Simmer the Pineapple Rings

1. Reduce the heat to low after boiling.
2. Add the drained pineapple rings to the saucepan, spreading them out to avoid sticking together.
3. Simmer gently for about 45 minutes, turning the rings frequently until they become completely translucent.

Step 3: Cool and Dry

1. Transfer the glazed pineapple rings onto a cooling rack set over parchment paper.
2. Allow them to dry completely until no longer sticky; this may take overnight.
3. For quicker results, place them on a wire rack in an oven preheated to 200°F for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Coat with Sugar

1. Once fully dry, toss each ring in remaining granulated sugar using a shallow bowl until completely coated.

Enjoy your homemade easy candied pineapple!

How to Serve Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe

Serving your Easy Candied Pineapple can elevate any meal or treat occasion. This versatile delicacy pairs well with various dishes and snacks, making it a delightful addition to your dessert table or as a standalone treat.

As a Snack

• Straight from the jar – Enjoy the candied pineapple rings as a sweet snack any time of day.
• On a cheese platter – Pair them with cheeses like goat cheese or brie for a sweet and savory combination.

In Desserts

• On cakes – Use candied pineapple rings to decorate cakes, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
• In fruit salads – Mix them into fruit salads for extra sweetness and texture.

As Toppings

• On yogurt – Add candied pineapple on top of yogurt for a refreshing breakfast or snack option.
• With ice cream – Serve over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

In Breakfast Dishes

• On pancakes or waffles – Top your morning pancakes or waffles with candied pineapple for a tropical twist.
• In oatmeal – Stir into oatmeal for added sweetness and flavor.

How to Perfect Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe pineapples – Ensure your pineapple is ripe for optimal sweetness and flavor.
• Adjust cooking time – If you prefer softer rings, simmer them longer until they reach your desired texture.
• Store properly – Keep candied pineapple in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent stickiness.
• Experiment with flavors – Consider adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the syrup for extra depth of flavor.
• Monitor sugar coating – Coat the rings thoroughly in sugar to enhance their sweetness and provide crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Candied Pineapple can create delicious combinations. Here are some excellent choices to complement this sweet treat.

1. Grilled Chicken – The savory flavor of grilled chicken balances the sweetness of candied pineapple perfectly.
2. Rice Pilaf – A light rice pilaf adds texture and complements the fruity flavors well.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables offer a healthy contrast to the sugary rings.
4. Pork Chops – The richness of pork chops pairs beautifully with sweet candied pineapple.
5. Coconut Rice – Coconut rice enhances tropical flavors, making it an excellent match.
6. Quinoa Salad – A quinoa salad filled with nuts and greens provides nutritious balance alongside candied treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the Pineapple: Cooking the pineapple rings for too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and aim for a translucent appearance after about 45 minutes of simmering.

• Incorrect Sugar Measurements: Using too much or too little sugar will affect the candy’s texture and sweetness. Always measure your sugar accurately, using a kitchen scale if possible for precision.

• Not Letting Them Dry Enough: If you skip the drying process, your candied rings may remain sticky. Ensure they dry completely overnight or use the oven method for quicker results.

• Using the Wrong Type of Pineapple: Fresh pineapple can work, but canned pineapple is more consistent in texture and sweetness. Stick with canned pineapple rings for best results.

• Skipping the Corn Syrup: Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, which is essential for achieving that perfect candy texture. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s key to success in this recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store candied pineapple rings in an airtight container.
• They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.
• Make sure they are completely dry before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe

• Place the dried rings in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to six months without losing flavor.

Reheating Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F and place candied rings on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes to warm them up gently.

• Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: Place them in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do candied pineapples last?

Candied pineapples can last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

While fresh pineapple can be used, canned pineapple yields better results due to its consistent sweetness and texture, making it ideal for this Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe.

What is the best way to enjoy candied pineapple?

You can enjoy candied pineapple as a sweet snack, use it as a topping for cakes or ice cream, or incorporate it into various desserts for added flavor.

How do I prevent my candied pineapples from being sticky?

Ensure that your candied rings are completely dry before storage. You can also coat them again with sugar after drying.

Can I customize this Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during cooking for a unique twist on flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Candied Pineapple Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. These sweet treats can be enjoyed on their own or used creatively in various desserts. With just three ingredients, you have endless possibilities for customization—try different spices or pairings! Give this simple recipe a try and delight your taste buds with homemade goodness.