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It takes just three ingredients to make my easy recipe for Candied Pineapples! You don't need a dehydrator or candy thermometer, and can use fresh or canned pineapple. If you're a pineapple lover, you're going to be obsessed with this recipe!
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Pineapple Candy Recipe
Over the summer, there is no treat I love more than pineapple. It's the perfect addition to any summer menu, especially for get-togethers. What's even better, though, is candied pineapple!
Homemade candied treats are surprisingly easy to make. I first tried it years ago by making candied bacon (which I now make all the time, and is one of my most popular recipes) and candied strawberries, then again with candied apples and candied yams, and now I'm experimenting with other fruits and nuts, like this recipe for pineapple candy and candied pecans.
Once you candy pineapple slices, the options for delicious ways to use them are endless. Candied pineapple can be added to nuts and golden raisins and/or other candied fruits with cocoa chips for a homemade trail mix, or you can top off your favorite summer drinks with a slice of candied pineapple for a decorative, tasty touch. You can even use pineapple candy to make pineapple upside-down cake cookies!
Why candy pineapple?
- It's easier than you think. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, and the recipe comes together following simple steps. Anyone can candy pineapple slices!
- Candying pineapples only calls for three simple ingredients. You won't need to purchase anything special to do it.
- Candied fruit makes a great holiday gift, and despite being a summer fruit, you can make candied pineapple year-round to give out over the holidays!
- Candying your own fruit is much cheaper than buying it at the store, and it will taste better, too.
- You can use candied pineapple to make all kinds of desserts, or step up the flavor of your favorites.
Candy Pineapple Ingredients
- Pineapple: You can use canned rings, chunks, or fresh pineapple for this recipe. I love the look of whole ring slices!
- White Sugar: White sugar has a clean, crisp sweet flavor that melts clear, which is perfect for candying fruit.
- Corn Syrup: Clear white corn syrup is integral to a glossy, beautiful candy coating!
- Pineapple Juice (optional): If you're using fresh pineapple, you'll need pineapple juice. If you're using canned, you can use the juice from the can.
How to Make Candied Fruit
1: Drain the Pineapple
Drain the pineapple cans, reserving the juice. Measure out 1½ cups of juice; if you're short, add some water.
2: Make the Candy Coating
Pour the juice into a large saucepan along with half the sugar, and all of the corn syrup. Turn to medium heat, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a low boil for about 4 minutes.
3: Add Pineapples
Turn the heat down to low, then add in the pineapple rings. Spread them out to try to keep them from touching.
4: Boil and Flip
Continue boiling, turning the pineapple slices frequently to ensure they're fully coated and not stuck together.
5: Cook Until Translucent
Continue cooking for 45 minutes, checking regularly to ensure that the pineapple isn't sticking, until the slices are entirely translucent.
6: Remove to Rack
Once translucent, remove the pineapples from the syrup and place on a cooling rack with parchment paper underneath.
7: Dry Completely
Allow the pineapple to completely dry out. This can take up to overnight; if you want to dry them faster, place the wire rack in the oven with a baking tray under the rack, and bake at 200°F for about 30 minutes.
8: Sugar-Coat
Once the pineapple is completely dry and no longer sticky, pour the remaining sugar in a shallow bowl and toss the pineapple in it to coat them completely.
9: Store and Enjoy!
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, and enjoy! See more storage tips below!
Candied Fruit Recipe
Candying Pineapple Tips
- If you have a dehydrator (I don't!), you can use it to dehydrate the pineapple quickly and easily after it's glazed.
- If the pineapple is sticky, it's not dry! Leave it out in a cool, dry place or, ideally, set it in the oven at a low temperature for a few hours. It's very important that it's not sticky at all, or else it can spoil quickly.
- Canned pineapple will lead to a sweeter, lighter treat, while fresh will have more tang and chew. Use the one you prefer!
- Homemade candied pineapple can be used in any recipe that calls for store-bought candied pineapple, such as fruit cake and cookies.
Isabel's Top Tip
Be careful while flipping the pineapple pieces! Boiling sugar is extremely hot and sticky, and getting any on you can burn you badly. Use a slotted spoon to avoid splashing, and make sure you're wearing thick oven mitts any time you're close to the pot.
Storing Candied Fruit
- Refrigerator: Candied pineapple, like all candied fruit, will last longer if refrigerated. Place in an airtight container or a plastic bag with the air pressed out, and store for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Candied fruit doesn't freeze well! The expansion of any leftover liquid can break the candy coating, and ruin the texture entirely.
- Pantry: Candied fruit is fairly shelf stable, and lasts up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place.
Pineapple Candy FAQ
When I'm not snacking on it like candy, I like to break up candied pineapple into small slices or chunks and bake them into cookies, cakes, and other dessert recipes! They taste amazing mixed into homemade ice cream, and can be used to top tropical salads or fancy summer drinks. I've even put it on my morning yogurt and oatmeal and it's delicious!
No! There are four ways to dehydrate candied fruit, and only one requires a dehydrator. You can sun dry the fruit by leaving the rack of fruit in a sunny spot, which is my favorite in summer. You can air dry it by leaving it out overnight in a cool, dry place. To hasten the process, you can use a dehydrator, or place it in the oven at 200°F for about 30 minutes.
Easy Pineapple Recipes
- Pineapple Ham
- Pineapple Glaze
- Pineapple Rum Cocktail - perfect for serving with slices of candied pineapple!
- Pineapple Dole Whip
- Sweet Pineapple Casserole
If you enjoyed the recipe, leave a comment and a rating below!
Candied Pineapple
Video
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or large skillet
- 1 Cooling Rack
- Shallow bowl or plate
Ingredients
- 40 oz Pineapple rings - two 20-oz cans
- 3 cups Sugar - divided
- ¼ cup Light corn syrup
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple cans, reserving the juice. Measure out 1½ cups of juice; if you're short, add some water.40 oz Pineapple rings
- Pour the juice into a large saucepan along with half the sugar, and all of the corn syrup. Turn to medium heat, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a low boil for about 4 minutes.3 cups Sugar,¼ cup Light corn syrup
- Turn the heat down to low, then add in the pineapple rings. Spread them out to try to keep them from touching.
- Continue boiling, turning the pineapple slices frequently to ensure they're fully coated and not stuck together.
- Continue cooking for 45 minutes, checking regularly to ensure that the pineapple isn't sticking, until the slices are entirely translucent.
- Once translucent, remove the pineapples from the syrup and place on a cooling rack with parchment paper underneath.
- Allow the pineapple to completely dry out. This can take up to overnight; if you want to dry them faster, place the wire rack in the oven with a baking tray under the rack, and bake at 200°F for about 30 minutes.
- Once the pineapple is completely dry and no longer sticky, pour the remaining sugar in a shallow bowl and toss the pineapple in it to coat them completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, and enjoy! See more storage tips below!
Notes
- If you have a dehydrator (I don't!), you can use it to dehydrate the pineapple quickly and easily after it's glazed.
- If the pineapple is sticky, it's not dry! Leave it out in a cool, dry place or, ideally, set it in the oven at a low temperature for a few hours. It's very important that it's not sticky at all, or else it can spoil quickly.
- Canned pineapple will lead to a sweeter, lighter treat, while fresh will have more tang and chew. Use the one you prefer!
- Homemade candied pineapple can be used in any recipe that calls for store-bought candied pineapple, such as fruit cake and cookies.
Tisa D Roland says
Your recipe worked great. Thank You!
Isabel Laessig says
Thanks so much, Tisa! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Kar says
Haven't made this yet, but it sounds great, and so much cheaper than the store bought kind... looking forward to making this...yay!
Isabel Laessig says
I am so glad I inspired you to try it! Cheers! Thanks for cooking with me! ❤️
– Isabel
Kate says
Do you save the syrup? I made candied cranberries and I saved the syrup. They also had you strain the fruit to get rid of the extra syrup. It is great in lemonade and on pancakes. I just wondered as pineapple syrup would be oh so yummy! TY for the recipe
Isabel Laessig says
That is a great suggestion, Kate! Thank you! ❤️ Happy cooking, and I'll see you around the Sunday Supper table! – Isabel
Martha J says
Will this make sweetened dried pineapple I see in stores?
Isabel Laessig says
Yes it will! Enjoy! ❤️ Happy cooking, and I'll see you around the Sunday Supper table! – Isabel