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Pineapple Cowboy Candy: Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Recipe


  • Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 24 hours refrigeration)
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pineapple Cowboy Candy delivers a perfectly balanced blend of sweet pineapple, fiery red pepper flakes, and zesty apple cider vinegar in a tangy syrup. This unique condiment features fresh pineapple simmered with sugar, ginger, and spices, creating a versatile topping ideal for tacos, burgers, cheese boards, or snacking. Chilling for 24 hours enhances its bold, spicy-sweet flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and dice the fresh pineapple into small chunks.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger.
  3. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  4. Add the pineapple chunks, stirring to coat them in the syrup.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove saucepan from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
  7. If desired, stir in fresh mint leaves.
  8. Transfer the pineapple and syrup mixture to sterilized jars.
  9. Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Notes

For substitutions, use canned pineapple (drained), brown sugar for a deeper sweetness, or white vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar. To reduce heat, lower red pepper flakes; to intensify, add a pinch of cayenne. Store tightly sealed in the fridge for up to two weeks. If syrup is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of water. Always use sterilized jars for best results.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 0.2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg