Pineapple Cowboy Candy

Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Addictive!

This Pineapple Cowboy Candy combines juicy pineapple with a fiery-sweet glaze, creating the ultimate condiment for burgers, grilled meats, cheese boards, or even straight-from-the-jar snacking. A tropical twist on classic cowboy candy that’s guaranteed to become your new obsession!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect heat-sweet balance – Tropical pineapple tames the spicy kick
Versatile uses – Glaze for meats, topping for desserts, or cocktail garnish
Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
Crowd-pleasing gift – Beautiful in jars with ribbon

Ingredients

(Makes about 3 cups)

Main Components

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled & cut into 1″ chunks (about 4 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 tbsp minced candied ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pineapple

1. Cut pineapple into 1-inch chunks (or rings for burgers)
2. If canning, sterilize jars and keep warm

2. Make the Syrup

1. In saucepan, combine:

• Sugar
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne
• Smoked paprika

1. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer 5 minutes

3. Candy the Pineapple

1. Add pineapple to syrup
2. Simmer 15-20 minutes until translucent and glossy
3. Remove from heat, discard whole spices if using

4. Jar & Store

1. Pack hot pineapple into jars
2. Pour syrup over, leaving ½” headspace
3. Seal and process in water bath 10 minutes (optional)
4. OR cool and refrigerate up to 3 weeks

Pro Tips

Heat control – Remove seeds from peppers for milder version
Texture preference – Simmer less for firmer pineapple
Glaze hack – Reduce leftover syrup for meat glazes
Gift idea – Tie with ribbon and recipe card

Creative Ways to Serve

Burger topping – Especially good on pulled pork
Charcuterie boards – Pairs with sharp cheddar
Cocktail garnish – For spicy margaritas
Dessert upgrade – Over vanilla ice cream

Storage & Safety

Refrigerator – 3 weeks in airtight jar
Canning – Processed jars last 1 year
Freezing – Not recommended (texture changes)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Yes, but reduce sugar by ¼ cup and simmer time to 10 minutes

Q: How do I make this less spicy?
A: Omit cayenne and reduce red pepper flakes to 1 tsp

Q: Is this water bath canning safe?
A: Yes, due to high acid content from vinegar

Q: What’s the best pineapple to use?
A: Fresh, ripe pineapple – avoid overripe fruit

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Cowboy Candy is the ultimate sweet-heat condiment that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. The glossy, jewel-like pineapple chunks make stunning edible gifts, while the versatile syrup doubles as a marinade or cocktail mixer.

Pineapple Cowboy Candy

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 50 mins

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Description

Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly delicious! Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a unique twist on the classic candied jalapeños, perfect for adding a flavorful kick to your dishes or enjoying as a snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups pineapple chunks

1 cup sliced jalapeños

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

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Instructions

In a large saucepan, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, celery seed, garlic powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Add pineapple chunks and sliced jalapeños to the saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pineapple and jalapeños to clean jars, packing them tightly.

Continue simmering the syrup for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Carefully pour the hot syrup over the pineapple and jalapeños in the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and seal with lids.

Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator. Let the Pineapple Cowboy Candy sit for at least a week to develop the flavors before enjoying.

Serve as a topping for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, or enjoy as a sweet and spicy snack!

Prep Time: 30 minutes