Name: Pineapple Cowboy Candy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 1 medium ripe pineapple (Approximately 3 cups sliced, core removed); 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

If you have a craving for something sweet with a surprising kick, Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a delightful treat that you simply must try. This unique concoction takes ripe, juicy pineapple slices and transforms them into a candied delight with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and warmth. The blend of sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and a touch of salt creates a flavor experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a zesty snack or a charming addition to your savory dishes, Pineapple Cowboy Candy brings a burst of flavor and a hint of heat in every bite.

Pineapple Cowboy Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Pineapple Cowboy Candy is refreshingly simple, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that vibrant flavor and texture. From the sweetness of fresh pineapple to the spicy kick of crushed red pepper flakes, every component comes together beautifully to create this candy masterpiece.

1 medium ripe pineapple: Choose one that’s sweet and juicy, providing the foundational flavor and texture for this candy.
2 cups granulated sugar: This is the key to crafting the perfect syrup that coats the pineapple slices with a glossy sweetness.
1/2 cup water: Essential for dissolving the sugar into a syrup that gently simmers and infuses the fruit.
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds that signature spicy punch; feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a warm, comforting note that balances the heat and sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and prevent the candy from tasting overly sweet.

How to Make Pineapple Cowboy Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Start by grabbing a ripe pineapple and slicing it thinly, being careful to remove the tough core. You want tender, easy-to-candy slices—aim for about 3 cups of pineapple. The thin slices will soak up the spicy-sweet syrup beautifully and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until all the sugar dissolves completely. This syrup is the sweet base that will transform your pineapple into candy, so make sure it’s smooth and clear before moving on.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, and salt, stirring well to bring all these flavors together in your syrup. This spice blend is what makes Pineapple Cowboy Candy truly stand out—it adds depth, warmth, and a little fiery surprise in each bite.

Step 4: Simmer the Pineapple

Gently place your pineapple slices into the syrup, allowing them to simmer over medium heat for about 25 to 30 minutes. Be sure to stir gently now and then to make sure every slice is evenly coated and infused with that incredible spicy-sweet syrup.

Step 5: Drain and Dry

After simmering, carefully remove the pineapple slices with a slotted spoon, letting any excess syrup drip back into the pan. Lay each slice out on a plate lined with paper towels and let them cool for about an hour. This drying step is crucial to getting that pleasant sticky-but-not-soggy texture every candy lover craves.

How to Serve Pineapple Cowboy Candy

Garnishes

Pineapple Cowboy Candy shines beautifully when garnished with fresh herbs, like a sprinkle of chopped mint or cilantro, which adds bright freshness that contrasts the candy’s sweet and spicy notes. A few extra red pepper flakes on top can also boost the visual appeal and give an inviting hint of heat.

Side Dishes

This candy pairs wonderfully with creamy elements—think dollops of rich cream cheese or crème fraîche served alongside. It also complements grilled meats or roasted vegetables, providing a vibrant, tangy-sweet contrast that wakes up the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to surprise your guests? Use Pineapple Cowboy Candy as a topping for warm biscuits or toast, or mix it into a cheese board with sharp cheddar, salty crackers, and nuts. It also works wonders chopped into salads or stirred into cocktails for an unexpected burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pineapple Cowboy Candy fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to two weeks, maintaining that perfect balance of sticky sweetness and spicy zing with every bite.

Freezing

If you want to keep your candy for longer, you can freeze it, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. Place the pineapple candy in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat Pineapple Cowboy Candy gently by warming it in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes. This will refresh the syrup’s sticky sheen and soften the pineapple slices just enough without losing their candied charm.

FAQs

Can I adjust the spiciness in Pineapple Cowboy Candy?

Absolutely! The amount of crushed red pepper flakes can be increased or decreased based on your heat tolerance. Start with less if you’re unsure and add more gradually as you make the candy.

Is it necessary to use fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple works best for texture and flavor, but if you must, you can try using canned pineapple slices—just be sure to drain them well and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long does Pineapple Cowboy Candy last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about two weeks. The flavors actually deepen a bit over the first few days, making it even more delicious.

Can Pineapple Cowboy Candy be used in recipes other than as a snack?

Definitely! It’s fabulous as a topping on ice cream, stirred into yogurt, or chopped into salsas and salads for a spicy-sweet twist.

What is the texture of Pineapple Cowboy Candy like?

It’s pleasantly chewy with a sticky, glossy coating from the syrup. The pineapple slices soften but still hold their shape, offering a juicy burst with every bite combined with a touch of spice.

Final Thoughts

Pineapple Cowboy Candy is one of those treats that turns everyday fruit into something extraordinarily flavorful and fun. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, adding it to your culinary creations, or enjoying it solo, this dish brings sunshine, spice, and sweetness to your kitchen in the best way possible. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this sweet-and-spicy delight again and again.

Pineapple Cowboy Candy Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of Pineapple Cowboy Candy 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a sweet and spicy candied pineapple treat made by simmering pineapple slices in a flavorful syrup of sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and a hint of salt. This tangy and spicy preserve is perfect as a unique condiment, topping, or snack, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

1 medium ripe pineapple (Approximately 3 cups sliced, core removed)

Syrup

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple: Cut the pineapple into thin slices, removing the tough core, to yield about 3 cups of pineapple slices.
Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves creating a clear syrup.
Add Spices to Syrup: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, and salt into the syrup and mix well to distribute flavors evenly.
Simmer the Pineapple: Add the pineapple slices to the prepared syrup. Allow them to simmer gently over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pineapple pieces are fully coated and the syrup thickens slightly.
Remove Pineapple from Syrup: Using a slotted spoon, lift the pineapple slices from the syrup, letting any excess liquid drip back into the pan.
Cool and Dry: Lay the candied pineapple slices on a plate lined with paper towels. Let cool and dry at room temperature for about one hour to set the candying process.
Store Properly: Transfer the cooled Pineapple Cowboy Candy to an airtight container and refrigerate to keep fresh. It can be stored for up to two weeks.

Notes

Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Use ripe but firm pineapples for best texture after candying.
This candy makes a great topping for cream cheese, crackers, or grilled meats.
If you prefer less cinnamon flavor, reduce the quantity to 1/2 teaspoon.
Ensure the pineapple slices are thin enough to absorb the syrup but thick enough to hold shape.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American Southern