Imperial Candied Pineapple
Imperial Candied Pineapple offers luscious, translucent pineapple slices coated in sweet sugar, perfect as a snack or garnish for tropical desserts, appealing to fruit lovers and confectionery enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups sugar, light corn syrup, and 1 cup water in a heavy skillet.
- Over medium heat, cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly.
- Cook, without stirring, to 232°F.
- Drop 4 pineapple rings at a time into the syrup and simmer slowly for 5 minutes.
- Turn the pineapple slices and simmer until translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Drain on a wire rack.
- Repeat until all pineapple slices are candied.
- Let stand, uncovered, for 24 hours.
- Sprinkle all sides with 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
- Allow to stand for another 24 hours, then sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
- Refrigerate, covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh pineapple if possible, though canned works well. Make sure to keep the syrup at a steady temperature to avoid crystallization. If you want to reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute that can withstand cooking, but note that this may alter the texture. Also, remember to stir constantly until the sugar dissolves to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Candied pineapple makes a delightful addition to desserts like ice cream or cake. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Doughnuts for a sweet brunch treat. You can also chop it up and use it in fruit salads or as a topping for pancakes. For a tropical twist, serve it alongside California Punch for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Once fully cooled and sugared, store the candied pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a month when properly stored. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the candied slices, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and thaw them in the fridge before using.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imperial Candied Pineapple contains roughly 760 calories, with 1g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure it's ripe and sweet for the best flavor. Slice it into rings and follow the same cooking instructions as for canned pineapple, but keep an eye on cooking times, as fresh may require slight adjustments.
How do I know when the syrup is ready?
The syrup is ready when it reaches 232°F on a candy thermometer. This temperature ensures that the sugar syrup has reached the soft-ball stage, allowing the pineapple to become perfectly candied without being overly sticky.
What if my candied pineapple is too sticky?
If your candied pineapple turns out too sticky, it may not have cooked long enough or the syrup was too thin. You can try sprinkling additional sugar on it to absorb some of the moisture, or return it to a low heat for a few minutes to dry it out slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).