Candied Pineapple

Candied Pineapple is a sweet, chewy treat with a vibrant tropical flavor and a glistening, golden finish. Perfect for snacking, decorating cakes, or adding to holiday fruit mixes, this homemade delight captures the bright, tangy sweetness of fresh pineapple in every bite.

I first made this recipe when I wanted a fun and flavorful way to preserve fresh pineapple, and it quickly became a favorite. The slow candying process transforms the fruit into a chewy, caramelized delight that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can enjoy candied pineapple on its own, chop it into baked goods, or even dip it in chocolate for an extra-special treat.

What’s great about Candied Pineapple is how easy it is to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just want a homemade alternative to store-bought dried fruit, this sweet, chewy, and slightly tangy treat is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

Holiday baking
Cake and dessert decoration
Tropical fruit lovers
Homemade gifts
Sweet and chewy snacks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Candied Pineapple recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

Tropical Sweetness: A naturally sweet treat with the rich flavor of pineapple.
Perfect for Baking: Ideal for fruitcakes, muffins, and cookies.
Beautiful Garnish: Adds a glossy, decorative touch to cakes and pastries.
Chewy and Satisfying: The slow candying process gives it a delightful, chewy texture.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level to your preference.
Long Shelf Life: Store it for weeks and have a ready-to-use ingredient.
No Artificial Preservatives: A homemade alternative to store-bought versions.
Great for Gifting: Pack in jars for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
Versatile Use: Enjoy as a snack, in baked goods, or as an ice cream topping.
Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 3-4 hours (including drying time)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1.5 hours
Drying Time: 1-2 hours
Servings: 10 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 40g, Sugar: 38g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Pineapple: Provides natural sweetness and a tropical flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Helps create the syrupy coating and preserves the fruit.
Lemon Juice: Enhances the pineapple’s natural tartness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple:

Slice Pineapple: Cut the peeled and cored pineapple into rings, wedges, or cubes.
Prepare Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Candy the Pineapple:

Cook Pineapple: Add the pineapple pieces to the syrup and simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check Consistency: The pineapple should become translucent and the syrup thickened.
Remove from Heat: Stir in vanilla extract if using. Let the pineapple sit in the syrup for 10 minutes.

Dry the Pineapple:

Transfer to a Rack: Remove pineapple from the syrup and place on a wire rack to dry.
Allow to Dry: Let sit for 1-2 hours until slightly tacky but no longer wet.

Serve:

Enjoy or Store: Eat immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.

How to Serve

Here are 10 ways to enjoy Candied Pineapple:

As a Snack: Eat it on its own for a chewy, sweet treat.
Cake Decoration: Use it to top cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecakes.
Holiday Fruitcakes: A must-have ingredient for traditional holiday bakes.
With Ice Cream: Chop and sprinkle over vanilla or coconut ice cream.
In Trail Mix: Mix with nuts and dried fruits for a tropical twist.
Cocktail Garnish: Add to piña coladas or tropical cocktails.
In Baked Goods: Use in muffins, scones, or pineapple upside-down cake.
Chocolate-Dipped: Coat in dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
Homemade Granola: Stir into granola for a chewy, fruity bite.
Gift Idea: Package in decorative jars for a thoughtful, edible gift.

Additional Tips

Choose Ripe but Firm Pineapple – Select a pineapple that is sweet and ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape during the candying process.
Slice Evenly – Cut the pineapple into uniform slices or chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
Soak for Extra Flavor – Let the pineapple pieces soak in the sugar syrup for a few hours or overnight to enhance sweetness and absorption.
Use a Candy Thermometer – Maintain the syrup at a steady simmer around 230–240°F (110–115°C) for the best results.
Stir Gently – Avoid vigorous stirring to prevent breaking the pineapple pieces. Use a slotted spoon to coat them evenly in syrup.
Dry Properly – Allow the candied pineapple to air-dry for 24 hours on a wire rack or parchment paper for the best chewy texture.
Coat with Sugar (Optional) – After drying, roll the pieces in granulated sugar for extra crunch and sparkle.
Store in an Airtight Container – Keep in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness for up to a few weeks. Refrigeration can extend shelf life.
Use as a Garnish – Perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and tropical desserts or as a sweet addition to trail mixes.
Experiment with Flavors – Infuse the syrup with vanilla, cinnamon, or even a splash of rum for unique variations.

Recipe Variations

Spiced Candied Pineapple – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne for a warm, slightly spicy kick.
Vanilla Rum Candied Pineapple – Stir in vanilla extract and a splash of dark rum for a tropical, boozy twist.
Coconut-Coated Candied Pineapple – Toss the candied pieces in shredded coconut while still sticky for extra texture and flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Candied Pineapple – Once cooled, dip the pieces in melted dark chocolate and let them set for a rich treat.
Ginger-Infused Candied Pineapple – Simmer with fresh ginger slices for a zesty, slightly spicy bite.
Honey-Glazed Candied Pineapple – Swap sugar for honey to create a naturally sweet and floral variation.
Lime & Chili Candied Pineapple – Add lime zest and a dash of chili powder for a tangy, spicy contrast.
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pineapple – Toss the cooled pieces in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a caramelized crunch.
Matcha Candied Pineapple – Dust the finished pineapple with matcha powder for a unique earthy flavor.
Salted Caramel Candied Pineapple – Drizzle with homemade salted caramel for a sweet-salty indulgence.

Special Equipment

Sharp Knife – For peeling, coring, and slicing the pineapple evenly.
Cutting Board – Provides a stable surface for slicing the fruit.
Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan – Ensures even heating while simmering the syrup.
Candy Thermometer – Helps monitor the syrup temperature for proper candying.
Slotted Spoon – Makes it easy to remove pineapple slices from the syrup.
Wire Rack – Allows excess syrup to drip off and helps with drying.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – Prevents sticking when cooling the candied fruit.
Airtight Container – Keeps the candied pineapple fresh for storage.
Pastry Brush – Useful for evenly coating pineapple slices with syrup if needed.
Dehydrator (Optional) – Speeds up the drying process for a chewier texture.

FAQ Section

What is candied pineapple?
Candied pineapple is fresh pineapple that has been slowly cooked in sugar syrup until it becomes sweet, chewy, and preserved.
How is candied pineapple made?
It is made by simmering pineapple slices or chunks in a sugar syrup until they absorb the sugar and become translucent. The pieces are then dried and sometimes coated in additional sugar.
How long does candied pineapple last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, candied pineapple can last for several months. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life even further.
Do I need to refrigerate candied pineapple?
No, candied pineapple does not require refrigeration if kept in a sealed container at room temperature. However, storing it in the fridge can help maintain freshness for longer.
Can I make candied pineapple at home?
Yes! You can make it at home using fresh pineapple, sugar, and water. The process takes time but results in a delicious homemade treat.
What is candied pineapple used for?
Candied pineapple is commonly used in fruitcakes, cookies, tropical desserts, and even as a garnish for cocktails and ice cream. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack on its own.
Is candied pineapple the same as dried pineapple?
No, candied pineapple is cooked in sugar syrup before drying, making it much sweeter and chewier than naturally dried pineapple, which retains more of its original texture and flavor.
Can I use canned pineapple to make candied pineapple?
Yes, but fresh pineapple is preferred for better texture and flavor. If using canned pineapple, choose one without added sugar or syrup to avoid overly sweet results.
Is candied pineapple gluten-free?
Yes, candied pineapple is naturally gluten-free. However, always check labels for added ingredients or potential cross-contamination if buying commercially prepared versions.
Can I use candied pineapple in place of fresh pineapple?
Not always. Candied pineapple is much sweeter and has a different texture than fresh pineapple, so it works best in desserts, confections, or as a topping rather than in recipes requiring fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Candied Pineapple is a sweet, chewy, and irresistibly tropical treat that’s perfect for snacking, baking, or adding a pop of color to desserts! Made by simmering pineapple slices or chunks in a sugar syrup until beautifully caramelized, these golden gems are bursting with fruity flavor and a delightful chewy texture.

Customize them by adding a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, or even chili powder for a spicy-sweet kick. Use them to decorate cakes, mix into granola, or simply enjoy them as a naturally sweet candy alternative.

I can’t wait to see how your Candied Pineapple turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!