Candied Pineapple Chunks
Transform your favorite tropical fruit into irresistibly sweet and chewy Candied Pineapple Chunks with this simple, homemade recipe! Featuring fresh pineapple simmered in a tangy lemon-infused sugar syrup, these glossy, caramelized treats are perfect for snacking, baking, or garnishing desserts. With just four ingredients and a few steps, you'll create a batch of golden, bite-sized delights that are as satisfying to make as they are to eat. The slow cooking process ensures the pineapple’s natural flavors shine while developing a luscious, candy-like texture. Serve them as a naturally sweet snack, mix them into trail mix, or use them to decorate cakes and cupcakes for a touch of tropical elegance. Whether dried in the oven or left to air-dry, these candied pineapple bites are a preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions and an irresistible addition to your pantry.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large (about 4 cups of chunks) Fresh pineapple
- 3 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
Instructions
Peel the fresh pineapple and cut it into bite-sized chunks, discarding the core and outer skin.
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.
Add the pineapple chunks to the saucepan, ensuring they are completely submerged in the syrup.
Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup reduces and the pineapple becomes glossy and translucent.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the candied pineapple chunks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer to cool.
Allow the pineapple pieces to dry at room temperature for 8-24 hours. For a quicker option, dry them in an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours, checking frequently to prevent over-drying.
Once the pineapple chunks are no longer sticky, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerated for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2628 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 21 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 690.2 g | 251% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 666.9 g | ||
| Protein | 3.7 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 118 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 764 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
