Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Cowboy Candy Recipe for Brave Tastebuds

Sweet and fiery flavors dance together in this spicy pineapple cowboy candy that will tantalize your taste buds.

Tropical pineapple chunks get a bold kick from jalapeño peppers and a sugary glaze.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

Homemade preserves like these become instant conversation starters at gatherings and potlucks.

The vibrant yellow and green colors make this condiment as beautiful as it is delicious.

Simple ingredients transform into a versatile topping that elevates everything from tacos to grilled meats.

Zero culinary expertise required – just a desire to create something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 185 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s Inside Pineapple Cowboy Candy

• Sugar: Provides the foundational sweetness and helps create a glossy, thick syrup that coats the ingredients perfectly.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness while creating a preservation environment.

• Salt: Intensifies overall flavor and helps balance the sweet and spicy elements.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a subtle, earthy depth to the candied mixture.
• Turmeric: Adds warm, golden color and subtle earthiness to the syrup.
• Paprika: Contributes a gentle smokiness and rich red undertone.
• Cayenne: Provides a vibrant heat that complements the sweet base.

• Jalapenos: Fresh, crisp peppers that deliver a spicy kick and textural crunch; choose bright green, firm peppers without blemishes.
• Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and juicy texture; select ripe fruits with a golden color and sweet aroma.

Tools To Prep Pineapple Cowboy Candy Sweet And Spicy

• Cutting Board: Large, sturdy surface for slicing jalapenos and pineapple safely.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for creating thin, even jalapeno rounds and precise pineapple chunks.
• Medium Saucepan: Needed for cooking syrup and simmering ingredients together.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for transferring jalapenos and pineapple from syrup to jars.
• Glass Jars with Lids: Sterilized containers for storing and preserving cowboy candy.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring syrup and ingredients while cooking.

How To Make Pineapple Cowboy Candy With A Kick

• Slice and Prep Peppers

Carefully cut jalapenos into delicate rounds, removing seeds to control heat. Chop fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces.

• Craft Tangy Syrup

Combine sugar, vinegar, and spices in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

• Blend Fruits into Syrup

Toss jalapeno rounds and pineapple chunks into the bubbling syrup. Let them dance and mingle, softening and absorbing flavors for 10-15 minutes.

• Preserve and Seal

Transfer the candied peppers and pineapple into clean jars using a slotted spoon. Pour remaining syrup over the top, ensuring everything is fully submerged.

• Chill and Savor

Allow jars to cool completely before refrigerating. Wait 24-48 hours for flavors to intensify. Sprinkle over tacos, burgers, or spread on crackers for a spicy-sweet kick.

Fun Variations For Pineapple Cowboy Candy

• Flavor Boosting Tip: Experiment with different types of peppers like serrano or habanero for varied heat levels and unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These pickled treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
• Dietary Swap Solutions: For a low-sugar version, substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, maintaining the tangy-sweet balance while reducing calories.
• Spice Level Control: Remove jalapeño seeds completely for a super mild version, or keep seeds for extra heat – perfect for spice-loving family members.
• Preservation Pro Move: Process jars in a water bath for shelf-stable cowboy candy that can be stored at room temperature for several months, following standard canning safety procedures.

Serve Pineapple Cowboy Candy With A Twist

• Zesty Burger Bliss: Elevate your burger game by topping juicy patties with these spicy-sweet pineapple candied jalapenos for an explosive flavor combination.
• Creamy Appetizer Magic: Spread softened cream cheese on crackers and crown with these tangy, candied jalapeno-pineapple bites for an instant crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Sprinkle these vibrant condiments over tacos, adding a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang that transforms your typical taco experience.
• BBQ Sensation Topper: Enhance grilled meats by scattered these glossy, spicy-sweet gems across your favorite BBQ proteins, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion.

How To Store Pineapple Cowboy Candy Properly

• Refrigerator Refreshment Strategy: Store these spicy-sweet morsels in sealed glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Always allow the hot mixture to cool completely at room temperature before sealing jars to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• Flavor Intensification Method: Let the candied jalapenos and pineapple rest in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before serving, allowing the ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Smart Portioning Approach: Use clean utensils each time you remove the cowboy candy from the jar, and consider dividing the batch into smaller containers for easier access and longer preservation.

Spicy Pineapple Cowboy Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

This zesty pineapple cowboy candy recipe brings a sweet and spicy kick to traditional preserves. Tropical flavors mingle with jalapeño heat, creating a condiment perfect for adventurous palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh jalapenos, sliced into rounds
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp (2.5 grams) salt
• 1 tsp (5 grams) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (1 gram) turmeric (optional, adds color & depth)
• ½ tsp (1 gram) smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
• ¼ tsp (0.5 grams) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice jalapeños into thin rings, removing seeds for milder heat. Dice pineapple into small, consistent cubes that will harmonize with the peppers.
2. Syrup Creation: In a saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices over medium heat. Whisk until ingredients merge into a smooth liquid, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Infusion Process: Add jalapeño rings and pineapple cubes to the simmering syrup. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically, until jalapeños become soft and translucent, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Jarring: Transfer the infused jalapeños and pineapple to sterilized glass jars using a slotted spoon. Pour the hot, spice-infused syrup over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Preservation: Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then seal jars tightly. Refrigerate for 24-48 hours to allow flavors to develop and deepen.
6. Serving Suggestions: Use this vibrant relish as a dynamic topping for grilled proteins, spread on cream cheese, garnish tacos, or pair with classic barbecue dishes for an exciting flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Seed Removal Strategy: Remove seeds for milder heat, perfect for those with lower spice tolerance or serving to family with varied heat preferences.
• Precise Cutting Technique: Cut jalapeños and pineapple into uniform, thin rings and small cubes to ensure consistent flavor distribution and attractive presentation.
• Syrup Consistency Control: Watch syrup carefully while simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, thick texture that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Preservation Tip: Sterilize glass jars thoroughly before adding the hot mixture to prevent bacterial growth and extend refrigerated shelf life up to two weeks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 67 g
• Sodium: 42 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 77 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg