Sweet and Spicy 5 Steps Pineapple Cowboy Candy You’ll Crave Recipe
A deliciously sweet and spicy pineapple jalapeño cowboy candy recipe that combines fresh jalapeños and pineapple in a tangy, flavorful syrup. Perfect as a condiment or gift, this recipe yields a vibrant preserve with a balance of heat and sweetness that you’ll crave.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 5 half-pint jars 1x
- Category: Condiment, Preserve, Relish
- Method: Simmering and canning
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Halal
Produce
- 3 cups fresh jalapeños, sliced (about 15–18 peppers)
- 1½ cups fresh pineapple, diced (or use canned in juice, drained)
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Prep the Jalapeños and Pineapple: Wear gloves to safely slice the jalapeños into ¼-inch rings after removing stems. Dice the fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks roughly matching the size of the jalapeño slices. If using canned pineapple, ensure it’s packed in juice (not syrup) and drained fully.
- Create the Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, celery seed, mustard seeds, ground ginger, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, forming a vibrant syrup.
- Simmer the Goodness: Add the sliced jalapeños and diced pineapple into the syrup. Reduce heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes until the jalapeños begin to look slightly translucent, infusing the syrup with their spicy flavor. Remove from heat promptly after.
- Jar It Up: Using a slotted spoon, carefully pack the pineapple and jalapeños into sterilized half-pint jars. Ladle the hot syrup over the fruit and peppers ensuring you leave a ¼-inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, then seal jars tightly with lids and rings.
- Preserve (Optional): For longer storage, process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, refrigerate opened or non-processed jars and enjoy within 3 weeks for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
- Use fresh pineapple for best texture, but canned pineapple in juice works as a convenient substitute.
- Processing in a boiling water bath extends shelf life up to a year; otherwise refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks.
- Adjust red pepper flakes or omit entirely for heat preference.
- Sterilize jars and lids properly before filling to ensure food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pineapple jalapeño relish, cowboy candy, sweet and spicy preserve, homemade condiments, jalapeño jam, pineapple chutney