How to Make Delicious Candied Pineapple at Home

If you want to try out a sweet and delicious tropical delight, then homemade candied pineapple is the perfect recipe for you. Candied pineapples are perfect as a snack for parties, gifts and even for baking. You can make them at home by using fresh pineapples, adding some sugar and other ingredients to give them their sweet taste.

The pineapple flavor is intensified after the candying process, creating a chewy yet crunchy texture. Crystallized sugar coat the pieces of pineapple, creating a stunning, shiny appearance that is sure to catch everyone’s attention. The good news is that making candied pineapples is a relatively easy process that can be done at home with minimal effort. So, put on your cooking apron, grab your ingredients and let’s dive in!

Introduction:

Candied pineapple is a delicious and sweet treat that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for baked goods and desserts. It is a popular treat in many cultures around the world, with variations of the recipe found in Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. In this article, we will guide you on how to make candied pineapple from scratch with easy-to-follow steps.

1. Selecting the Right Pineapple

Selecting the right pineapple is essential to ensure that it tastes sweet and juicy when candied. To select the best pineapple, look for one that is firm and heavy for its size with a golden-yellow color.

2. Removing the Skin and Eyes

Before candying the pineapple, you need to remove its skin and eyes. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, and peel the skin away in sections, making sure to remove all of the eyes.

3. Cutting the Pineapple

Cut the pineapple into small pieces, roughly the same size. You can cut it into cubes, slices, or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

4. Creating the Simple Syrup

Creating the simple syrup is a crucial step in making candied pineapple. In a saucepan, combine equal parts of water and sugar and bring it to a boil. Stir until all of the sugar has dissolved, then reduce the heat to low.

5. Preparing the Pineapple for Candying

Place the cut pineapple into the syrup and cook it over low heat for roughly an hour until the pieces have turned translucent and absorbed the syrup.

6. Adding Flavor to the Simple Syrup

For added flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick or a splash of vanilla extract to the simple syrup during the cooking process. This will create a deeper flavor profile for your candied pineapple.

7. Letting the Pineapple Cool

Once the pineapple has finished cooking in the syrup, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down to room temperature before serving.

8. Storing Candied Pineapple

If you have leftover candied pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

9. Serving Suggestions

Candied pineapple is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be eaten on its own, used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or even added to your favorite cocktails.

10. Experimenting with Variations

While the traditional recipe for candied pineapple is delicious on its own, why not experiment with variations? Add different spices or extracts to the simple syrup to give the pineapple a unique flavor or try candying other fruits like mango, papaya, or kiwi.

Conclusion:

Candied pineapple is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Follow these simple steps to create your candied pineapple and experiment with different variations to find your perfect flavor combination.

Choosing the Right Pineapple

When it comes to making candied pineapple, choosing the right pineapple is crucial. Many people believe that any pineapple will do, but this is far from the truth. The best pineapple for candying is one that is ripe, juicy, and has a sweet aroma. When selecting your pineapple, look for one that is golden-yellow in color with healthy green leaves at the crown. The leaves should be firmly attached, and the fruit should be firm to the touch but not too hard.

Pineapple Preparation

Once you have your perfect pineapple, it’s time to prepare it for candying. Begin by washing the pineapple thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple using a sharp knife, ensuring that the fruit is level. Stand the pineapple upright and, using your knife, remove the skin in a downward motion, following the natural curve of the fruit.

Slicing the Pineapple

Next, slice the pineapple into thin, uniform slices. You can do this with a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. If you choose to use a knife, be sure to keep your slices as even as possible to ensure even cooking and candying.

Preparing the Simple Syrup

To make candied pineapple, you will need a simple syrup made from sugar and water. In a saucepan, combine two cups of water and two cups of sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and allow the syrup to simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from heat and allow the syrup to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Cooking the Pineapple

Once the simple syrup has cooled, it’s time to add the pineapple slices. Gently place the pineapple slices in the syrup, making sure that they are submerged. Cook the pineapple for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the slices become translucent and the syrup has thickened.

Draining the Pineapple Slices

Once the pineapple has cooked through, use a slotted spoon to remove the slices from the simple syrup, allowing any excess syrup to drain off. Place the pineapple slices on a wire rack to cool completely.

Drying the Pineapple

Once the pineapple slices have cooled, use a paper towel to blot away any excess syrup. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure that they are not touching each other. Preheat your oven to 200°F and place the baking sheet in the oven. Allow the pineapple to dry for approximately 2-4 hours, or until no longer sticky to the touch.

Storing Your Candied Pineapple

Once your pineapple has dried completely, it’s time to store it correctly. Place your candied pineapple in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. Candied pineapple can last for up to six months, but it’s best to consume it within three months for optimal freshness.

Using Your Candied Pineapple

Candied pineapple can be used in a variety of recipes. It adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods like cakes, muffins, and bread. It can also be used as a garnish on ice cream or cocktails, or simply enjoyed as a sweet snack.

Troubleshooting Your Candied Pineapple

If you encounter any problems during the candying process, don’t be discouraged. If your syrup becomes too thick, simply add a tablespoon of water and stir until the syrup thins out. Conversely, if your syrup is too thin, continue to cook the pineapple until the syrup has thickened. Additionally, if the pineapple slices become too sticky during the drying process, simply dust them with cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

The Different Ways to Make Candied Pineapple

Candied pineapples have become a popular snack item because of their sweet and tangy taste. Not only that, they are also a great addition to various desserts, such as cakes, tarts, and pastries. Making candied pineapple is quite easy and can be done in different ways. Here are five ways to make candied pineapple:

1. Using the Oven

Using the oven is a great way to make candied pineapple as it can be done quickly and without much effort. To do this, slice the pineapple into thin discs and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of the slices and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes on each side at 250°F. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet before serving.

2. On the Stovetop

Making candied pineapple on the stove can be done using a skillet and a simple sugar syrup mixture. Start by dissolving sugar in water and bringing it to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the pineapple slices and cook them for around 5 to 7 minutes on medium-low heat. Turn the slices over and let them cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until they become translucent and glossy. Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool before serving.

3. Under the Sun

Sun-dried pineapple is another variation of candied pineapple. This method requires a lot of patience and time, but the end result can be worth it. To do this, slice the pineapple into thin discs and lay them out on a tray. Place the tray out in the sun and let it dry for 2 to 3 days until the slices turn golden brown and are completely dry. Once done, store them in an airtight container.

4. In a Dehydrator

Using a dehydrator is another great way to make candied pineapple. Start by slicing the pineapple into thin discs and lay them out on the dehydrator trays. Set the temperature to 135°F and let them dry for 6 to 8 hours until they become crispy and dry. Once done, remove them from the dehydrator and store them in an airtight container before serving.

5. Grilled

Grilling pineapple can help to caramelize the sugars and give it a smoky flavor. Start by slicing the pineapple into thick wedges and brush them with a mixture of honey and butter. Grill the pineapple on medium heat for around 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they become caramelized and juicy. Once done, take them off the grill and let them cool before serving.

In conclusion, there are different ways to make candied pineapple, and each method has its unique flavor and texture. Whether you like the crispy texture of oven-baked pineapple or the smoky caramelized flavor of grilled pineapples, you can experiment with various methods to create your own version of candied pineapple.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make candied pineapple. It’s not only a delicious treat that you can enjoy yourself, but also a great way to surprise your loved ones with a unique and personalized gift. Remember to be patient and take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with beautifully sweet and tangy candied pineapple. Don’t forget to come back and visit for more fun and tasty recipes!