Picture this: the end of summer barbecue, everyone’s happy and full, but someone mentions wanting just a little something sweet with a kick. That’s when I brought out my Pineapple Cowboy Candy for the first time. The reaction was priceless – a mix of surprise, delight, and a little bit of “Wow, that’s different!”
It wasn’t long before Pineapple Cowboy Candy became a regular request at our house. My kids love the sweet heat, and I love how easy it is to make. It’s one of those recipes that feels special, even though it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat.
What really makes this Pineapple Cowboy Candy a winner is the way it balances sweet and spicy. It’s not just heat for the sake of heat; it’s a warm, tingly sensation that complements the juicy pineapple perfectly. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to get it just right, and now I can whip up a batch in no time.
This Pineapple Cowboy Candy is one of those meal wins that makes you feel good as a cook. It brings a little excitement to the table, and it’s always a conversation starter. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, so you can bring a little bit of MomsGate magic to your family too. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy pineapple! I hope you give this Pineapple Cowboy Candy recipe a try for your family.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering Pineapple Cowboy Candy. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple and straightforward.
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch thick rings: For the best Pineapple Cowboy Candy, I always go for a ripe but firm pineapple. The sweetness of the pineapple is key!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This helps to candy the pineapple and gives it that irresistible sweetness.
- 1/2 cup water: This helps to create the syrup that coats the pineapple.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness and spice.
- 2-3 jalapenos, thinly sliced: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For a milder Pineapple Cowboy Candy, remove the seeds and membranes. My family likes it hot, so I leave them in!
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a smoky depth of flavor that complements the pineapple and jalapenos.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: This gives the Pineapple Cowboy Candy an extra kick of heat.
You’ll find everything for this Pineapple Cowboy Candy at your regular grocery store, making it a super accessible treat to whip up anytime. Trust me, this Pineapple Cowboy Candy ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
For the best results, make sure your pineapple is fresh and your spices are potent. This Pineapple Cowboy Candy is forgiving if you need to swap brown sugar for white, but the fresh pineapple really is a must. My family prefers when I use a particularly sweet variety of pineapple in our Pineapple Cowboy Candy. It really brings out the flavor.
How to Make It
Ready to make some amazing Pineapple Cowboy Candy? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying this sweet and spicy treat in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your Pineapple Cowboy Candy turns out perfectly.
- Prepare the Pineapple: Slice the pineapple into ¼-inch thick rings. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can cut the rings into halves or quarters. I like to use rings because they look so pretty! This Pineapple Cowboy Candy recipe is simple, I promise.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Simmer the Syrup: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Pineapple: Gently add the pineapple rings to the saucepan, making sure they are submerged in the syrup. If needed, you can do this in batches. This is a crucial step for infusing the pineapple with all that flavor!
- Candy the Pineapple: Reduce the heat to low, and let the pineapple simmer in the syrup for about 45-60 minutes, flipping the rings halfway through. The pineapple should become translucent and slightly caramelized. Here’s where I used to mess up my Pineapple Cowboy Candy – now I always remember to keep the heat low to prevent burning.
- Dehydrate (Optional): For a chewier Pineapple Cowboy Candy, you can dehydrate the candied pineapple. Preheat your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). Arrange the pineapple rings on the dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t overlap. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until they reach your desired consistency.
- Cool and Store: If not dehydrating, remove the pineapple rings from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, store your Pineapple Cowboy Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This Pineapple Cowboy Candy typically takes me about an hour and a half to make, including prep time. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Pineapple Cowboy Candy cooks. You’ll know your Pineapple Cowboy Candy is ready when the pineapple is slightly translucent and the syrup has thickened. Don’t worry if your Pineapple Cowboy Candy looks a little sticky – that’s perfectly normal! While your Pineapple Cowboy Candy is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare the rest of your meal or simply relax.
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve made your delicious Pineapple Cowboy Candy, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! There are so many fun and tasty ways to serve this sweet and spicy treat.
My family loves this Pineapple Cowboy Candy as a unique appetizer or snack. It’s great on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other foods. Try serving it with:
- Cream cheese and crackers: The sweetness of the pineapple and the heat of the jalapenos complement the creamy cheese perfectly.
- Grilled meats: The Pineapple Cowboy Candy adds a sweet and spicy kick to grilled chicken, pork, or even steak.
- Salads: Chop up the Pineapple Cowboy Candy and sprinkle it on top of your favorite salad for a burst of flavor. This Pineapple Cowboy Candy reminds me of another family favorite, my Magic Candy recipe.
- Desserts: Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even brownies.
- Charcuterie boards: Add Pineapple Cowboy Candy to your charcuterie board for a sweet and spicy twist. It goes great with cheeses, cured meats, and nuts.
- Tacos: Add some to your favorite tacos for a burst of flavor. The blend of sweet and heat works perfectly in this instance. For more recipe ideas, check out my Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy!
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Pineapple Cowboy Candy comes out with cream cheese and crackers. This Pineapple Cowboy Candy is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying! For presentation, arrange the Pineapple Cowboy Candy on a platter with a variety of cheeses and crackers. You can also drizzle a little of the leftover syrup over the platter for an extra touch of sweetness. If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for several days.
I’ve also tried a few variations that my family loves. One of our favorites is adding a pinch of ginger to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor. Another variation is using different types of peppers, such as serranos or habaneros, for a different level of heat. You can check out this Pineapple and jalapeno cowboy candy recipe! My kids especially love the version with a little brown sugar added to the syrup.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get asked about Pineapple Cowboy Candy. I hope these answers help you feel confident in making this delicious treat!
Can I make this Pineapple Cowboy Candy ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often find that the flavors meld together even better when the Pineapple Cowboy Candy has a chance to sit for a day or two. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute white vinegar or even rice vinegar in your Pineapple Cowboy Candy. The apple cider vinegar adds a unique tanginess, but the other vinegars will still work in a pinch.
How do I store leftover Pineapple Cowboy Candy?
Store any leftover Pineapple Cowboy Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for several days, if it lasts that long!
Can I use canned pineapple?
While fresh pineapple is definitely the way to go for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple rings if you’re in a bind. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the syrup.
How spicy is this Pineapple Cowboy Candy?
The spiciness level depends on the type and amount of jalapenos you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before slicing them. You can also use a milder pepper, such as Anaheim pepper.
Can I dehydrate the Pineapple Cowboy Candy without a dehydrator?
Yes, you can! You can use your oven on the lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 77°C). Place the pineapple rings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for several hours, until they reach your desired consistency. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
What can I do with the leftover syrup?
Don’t throw it away! The leftover syrup is delicious drizzled over ice cream, pancakes, or waffles. You can also use it as a glaze for grilled meats.
Is this Pineapple Cowboy Candy suitable for kids?
It depends on the child’s spice tolerance. For younger children, I recommend making a milder version with the seeds and membranes removed from the jalapenos. You can also reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. The Pineapple Cowboy Candy Ingredients: • 3 cups of diced fresh …can be adjusted for everyone.
These answers are based on my personal Pineapple Cowboy Candy experiences and feedback from my family and readers. I hope they help you create the perfect batch of Pineapple Cowboy Candy for your family!
The Final Word
This Pineapple Cowboy Candy has definitely earned its place in my recipe collection. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s just plain fun! Plus, it’s a great way to add a little excitement to your family meals. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the Pineapple Cowboy Candy Recipe – Hawk Point HomeStead.
My Pineapple Cowboy Candy Tips:
- Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar: It adds a crucial tanginess that balances the sweetness and spice.
- Low and slow is the way to go: Simmering the pineapple gently in the syrup ensures that it becomes perfectly candied without burning.
- Adjust the spice to your liking: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types and amounts of peppers to find the perfect level of heat for your family.
I’ve also tried a few variations that have been a hit. One of our favorites is adding a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup for a warm, cozy flavor. Another variation is using pineapple juice instead of water for an extra burst of pineapple flavor. My husband especially loves the version with a little rum added to the syrup (just be sure to cook off the alcohol before serving to kids!). You can get more inspiration for Pineapple Cowboy Candy by looking at the Pineapple and jalapeno cowboy candy recipe shared in the Facebook group.
I hope you make this Pineapple Cowboy Candy your own, and I hope your family loves it as much as mine does. Get ready for some sweet and spicy smiles around the table! You can also share your creations in the Facebook group! I encourage you to share your own spin on this Pineapple Cowboy Candy recipe.
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Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Sweet and spicy, Pineapple Cowboy Candy is candied pineapple simmered in a fiery syrup with brown sugar and spices. This addictive treat is perfect as a snack or topping for grilled meats and cheeses.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch thick rings
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cut pineapple slices into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, honey, chili flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the pineapple pieces to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the syrup.
- Simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the pineapple is translucent and the syrup has thickened significantly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and let the Pineapple Cowboy Candy cool completely in the syrup.
- Transfer the candied pineapple to a jar and spoon some syrup over it. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Serve Pineapple Cowboy Candy on its own as a snack, or use it as a topping for grilled meats, cheeses, or even ice cream. The syrup can be drizzled over cocktails or used as a glaze.