Description
Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a sweet and spicy treat that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple with the bold flavors of turmeric, cayenne pepper, and ginger. The combination of these ingredients creates a syrupy, candy-like texture that’s coated in sugar, making it a delightful snack or topping for your favorite desserts. Simple to make and irresistibly addictive, this candy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups diced pineapple
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, combine the diced pineapple, sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, cayenne pepper, ginger, and salt. Stir everything together to mix evenly. - Cook the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. - Simmer:
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue simmering until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy. - Cool the Mixture:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. - Dry the Pineapple:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied pineapple pieces to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to cool and dry. The pieces should become slightly tacky but not too wet. - Coat the Pineapple:
Once the pineapple pieces have cooled and become slightly tacky, roll them in additional sugar to coat evenly. - Set the Candy:
Place the coated pineapple pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set and dry further. - Store:
Store the finished Pineapple Cowboy Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- If the syrup is too thin after simmering, continue cooking it for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- For a variation, you can add a few other spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, to change the flavor profile.
- Allow the candy to cool completely before storing to ensure the sugar coating stays intact.
- This candy makes a great addition to charcuterie boards, salads, or served as a stand-alone snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0mg