Candy pineapples are a fun, tropical treat that combine the natural sweetness of pineapple with the sugary goodness of candy. These colorful, chewy candies are perfect for parties, snacks, or even as a homemade gift. Making your own candy pineapples at home is easier than you might think, and the process is a great way to get creative in the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own candy pineapples.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fresh Pineapple – You’ll need about one ripe pineapple. Make sure it’s fresh and sweet, as the fruit’s natural sugars will contribute to the candy’s flavor.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar is key for the candy coating.
- Cornstarch – This will help thicken the syrup for coating the pineapples.
- Water – To make the syrup and to boil the pineapple slices.
- Gel Food Coloring – Optional, for adding a fun, vibrant color to your candy pineapples.
- Lemon Juice – Helps balance the sweetness of the syrup.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple
Start by peeling and cutting the pineapple. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring you remove the tough core from each slice. If you want to make the candy pineapples look more authentic, you can use a small pineapple-shaped cookie cutter to get the right shape.
2. Boil the Pineapple
Once your pineapple pieces are ready, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the pineapple chunks to the water and cook them for about 5-10 minutes. This step helps soften the pineapple and allows it to absorb some of the syrup later. After boiling, drain the pineapple and set the pieces aside to cool.
3. Make the Syrup
In a separate saucepan, combine about 2 cups of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the syrup to a simmer. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to help balance the sweetness, and if you want, add a few drops of food coloring to create a fun, bright color for the candy.
4. Coat the Pineapple Pieces
Once the syrup is ready and the pineapple has cooled, dip each pineapple piece into the syrup. Make sure each piece is fully coated with the sticky syrup. For a thicker candy coating, you can let the pineapple sit in the syrup for a few minutes before removing it.
5. Dust with Sugar and Cornstarch
Prepare a small bowl with a mixture of sugar and cornstarch (about 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch). After dipping each piece of pineapple in syrup, roll it in the sugar and cornstarch mixture to give it a nice, non-sticky finish. The cornstarch helps prevent the candy from sticking together as it sets.
6. Let the Candy Pineapples Dry
Place the coated pineapple pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to dry for a few hours, or overnight if you have the time. The candy coating will harden as it cools, giving the pineapples a chewy, candy-like texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the candy pineapples are completely dried and hardened, they’re ready to be enjoyed! You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, though they’re likely to disappear long before that!
Tips for Making Candy Pineapples:
- Experiment with flavors: If you want to mix things up, consider adding a little pineapple juice to the syrup for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use a candy thermometer: If you’re aiming for a specific texture, you can use a candy thermometer to ensure your syrup reaches the right temperature for a perfect candy coating.
- Add a twist: To give your candy pineapples an extra touch, try dipping them in melted chocolate or sprinkling them with sea salt once they’re dry.
Conclusion
Making candy pineapples at home is a fun and simple way to enjoy a tropical, homemade treat. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can create these chewy, sugary delights that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, candy pineapples will surely bring a touch of sunshine to your day!