Krispy Sweets
Sweet and tangy homemade pickles with a crunchy texture, infused with spices and finished with a sugary syrup, perfect for snack lovers and pickle enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pack whole small or medium cucumbers into a gallon jar with lid.
- Add canning salt, alum, and mixed pickling spices to the jar.
- Pour in 4 cups of cold vinegar and add water as needed to fill the jar.
- Seal the jar and let stand for 8 weeks.
- Drain and wash the jar (not the pickles).
- Cut the cucumbers into thick slices and put them back into the jar.
- Add 6 cups of sugar (no liquid).
- Shake and roll the jar several times a day until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup.
- Store in the fridge; will keep for months.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers to ensure crunchiness in your Krispy Sweets. If you're out of alum, you can substitute with a bit of vinegar, but this may alter the texture slightly. Experiment with different pickling spices according to your taste. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, keeping in mind that the syrup will be quite sweet. Consider trying this recipe with other vegetables for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Krispy Sweets are a delightful addition to summer picnics or barbecues. Serve them alongside grilled meats, like Frankfurters, or as a tangy topping on sandwiches. They can also be included on a charcuterie board for a burst of flavor. For a creative twist, chop them up and mix into potato salad or serve with a side of Stuffed Pork Chop For One Person for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once prepared, store the sealed jar of Krispy Sweets in the fridge. They will stay fresh for several months. If you notice any excess syrup, you can drain it off before serving. For the best flavor, allow the pickles to sit for a few days after mixing the sugar before consuming. To reheat, simply enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Krispy Sweets contains roughly 5 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of cucumbers, but small or medium cucumbers work best for maintaining crunchiness. If you prefer, you can also experiment with pickling other vegetables such as carrots or green beans, but the pickling time may vary depending on the vegetable.
How do I know when the pickles are ready to eat?
The pickles should be ready to eat after the initial 8 weeks of soaking. However, for the best flavor, it’s ideal to let them sit for a few days after adding the sugar. Taste one to see if they meet your flavor preference and adjust accordingly in future batches.
What should I do if the sugar doesn't dissolve?
If the sugar isn’t dissolving, ensure you are shaking and rolling the jar several times a day. If it still doesn’t dissolve after a week, you can gently warm the jar in a water bath to help the sugar dissolve more quickly, but be careful not to heat it too much.
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).