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Candied Pineapple

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Tried making candied pineapple and it's so pretty! Takes about 9 hours but most is drying. The sugar syrup makes rings all sparkly and sweet while keeping that tropical taste. Used for cake decorating but great for snacking too. Love how they look like stained glass. Worth the wait for special treats.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:23:59 GMT
A close-up of sliced, canned pineapple rings glistening with syrup and sprinkled with sugar in a white bowl. Pin it
A close-up of sliced, canned pineapple rings glistening with syrup and sprinkled with sugar in a white bowl. | lastminrecipes.com

Making candied pineapple at home fills your kitchen with the most amazing tropical aroma. The pineapple rings turn into beautiful jewel like pieces that are chewy sweet and so much better than store bought. I love how these transform from simple canned pineapple into something truly special.

Why You Need This Recipe

You'll be amazed how just three simple ingredients create something so delicious. These sweet rings are perfect for snacking baking or adding to your morning oatmeal. Plus you know exactly what's in them no preservatives or artificial ingredients.

What You Need

Start with canned pineapple rings in heavy syrup they give the most consistent results. Regular granulated sugar helps preserve the fruit and adds that perfect sweetness. A bit of corn syrup ensures everything gets evenly coated and gives your finished pieces a beautiful shine.

Let's Make Them

First drain your pineapple but save some of that juice. Mix it with sugar and corn syrup in a skillet until everything's dissolved and bubbling. Add your pineapple rings in one layer and let them simmer flipping now and then until they turn clear about 45 minutes. Let them dry overnight on a rack or pop them in a low oven then roll in sugar.

My Best Tips

If you live somewhere humid use your oven for drying it works better than air drying. Always store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Don't throw away that leftover syrup it's amazing in drinks or over pancakes. Roll the pieces in fresh sugar right before serving they look extra pretty that way.

So Many Ways to Enjoy

Chop up your candied pineapple for amazing trail mix or layer it in parfaits with yogurt and granola. It adds such wonderful tropical flavor to morning oatmeal. My favorite way to enjoy it though is over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of that pineapple syrup pure heaven.

A white bowl filled with sugar-coated pineapple-shaped gummies, with a fresh pineapple partially visible in the background. Pin it
A white bowl filled with sugar-coated pineapple-shaped gummies, with a fresh pineapple partially visible in the background. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the pineapple is done cooking?
The pineapple rings should be completely translucent. Remove the pan from heat to check clearly without bubbles obscuring the view.
→ How should I store candied pineapple?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. In humid conditions, it may need to be rerolled in sugar before serving.
→ Can I speed up the drying process?
Yes, place the drying rack in a 200°F oven for about 30 minutes instead of air drying overnight. The pineapple is ready when it's no longer sticky.
→ What can I do with the leftover syrup?
The leftover syrup can be used as a drink mixer or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
→ How can I use candied pineapple?
Use it as a topping for ice cream, in trail mix, parfaits, oatmeal, or eat it on its own as a sweet snack.

Candied Pineapple

Sweet, translucent candied pineapple rings made from canned pineapple and sugar syrup. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert topping.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 rings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 20-ounce cans pineapple rounds in heavy syrup.
02 3 cups sugar, divided.
03 1/4 cup light corn syrup.

Instructions

Step 01

Drain pineapple and measure 1 1/2 cups juice. Add water if needed to reach amount.

Step 02

Mix juice, 2 1/2 cups sugar and corn syrup in skillet. Heat to dissolve sugar and boil 4 minutes.

Step 03

Add pineapple rings in single layer. Cook on low 45 minutes, turning often, until translucent.

Step 04

Remove rings to drying rack. Air dry overnight or in 200°F oven for 30 minutes until not sticky.

Step 05

Roll cooled rings in remaining 1/2 cup sugar before serving.

Notes

  1. Can save syrup for drink mixer or topping.
  2. Store at room temp up to 1 week.
  3. May need re-rolling in sugar if humid.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large wide skillet.
  • Drying rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: ~