Are you ready to add a burst of color and a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors to your snack routine? Look no further than these incredibly fun and surprisingly easy Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings! This recipe takes simple dried pineapple and elevates it to an exciting, vibrant treat that's perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or just a joyful afternoon pick-me-up.
Imagine the tropical sweetness of pineapple, intensified by candying, then met with the iconic fruity crunch of Skittles. It's a match made in candy heaven, offering a chewy texture and an explosion of flavors that will delight both kids and adults alike. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a candy wonderland!
Why You'll Love This Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings Recipe
This isn't just another snack; it's an experience! Here's why these Skittle-adorned pineapple rings will become your new favorite treat:
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of crushed Skittles make these rings an absolute showstopper.
- Sweet & Tangy Perfection: The natural tartness of pineapple perfectly balances the sweetness of the candy coating and Skittles.
- Fun to Make: It's a creative kitchen project that's enjoyable for all ages.
- Unique Treat: Stand out from the crowd with a homemade candy that's unlike anything you'll find in stores.
- Versatile: Great for parties, edible gifts, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is straightforward for this recipe. You'll need:
- Fresh Pineapple
- Granulated Sugar
- Water
- Light Corn Syrup
- Skittles Candy (original or your preferred flavor mix)
How to Make Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings
The process involves a few simple steps: slicing and preparing your pineapple, simmering it in a sweet syrup, dehydrating, and finally, adding the colorful Skittle coating. While a dedicated dehydrator makes the drying process easier, you can also use your oven on its lowest setting.
Tips for Perfect Candied Pineapple
- Uniform Slices: Aim for evenly thick pineapple slices (about 1/4 inch) to ensure they dry at the same rate. A good, sharp chef's knife makes this much easier.
- Don't Overcrowd: When drying, ensure there's enough space between each pineapple ring for air circulation.
- Patience is Key: Dehydrating takes time. Don't rush the process; wait until the rings are chewy but not sticky.
- Crush Skittles Evenly: Use a food processor or a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin to get a fine, consistent Skittle dust for the best coating.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to get creative! Instead of Skittles, try decorating with sprinkles, finely chopped nuts, or other crushed candies. These candied pineapple rings are excellent on their own, as a garnish for cocktails or desserts, or even chopped and added to trail mix.
Now, let's dive into the full recipe card to create your own batch of these delightful Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings!
FAQs
What are Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings?
Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings are a unique and delicious snack made by dehydrating fresh pineapple slices that have been coated in a simple syrup, then decorated with crushed Skittles candy for an extra burst of color and fruity flavor. They're sweet, tangy, and wonderfully chewy.
Can I use other candies or fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Skittles add a distinct fruity and colorful touch, you can experiment with other hard candies that can be crushed, like Jolly Ranchers. For fruits, thin slices of apples, mangoes, or even citrus could work, though the drying times and flavor profiles will vary.
How should I store Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings?
For best results, store your Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or frozen for several months. Just be sure they are fully dry before storing to prevent sticking.
Are Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings gluten-free?
The main ingredients (pineapple, sugar, water, corn syrup) are typically gluten-free. Most Skittles varieties in the United States are considered gluten-free, but it's always best to check the specific packaging of your Skittles to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 15-20 rings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and colorful recipe combining the tang of pineapple with a sweet candy glaze, finished with a vibrant coating of crushed Skittles for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
1 large fresh pineapple
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup Skittles candy (original or desired flavors)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pineapple. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Carefully slice off the skin. Using a pineapple corer or a small cookie cutter, remove the tough core from each slice. Slice the pineapple into 1/4-inch thick rings.
Step 2: Make the simple syrup. In a large pot, combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Candy the pineapple. Reduce heat to low. Add pineapple slices to the syrup in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Simmer for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the pineapple appears slightly translucent. Remove pineapple with tongs and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess syrup.
Step 4: Dehydrate the pineapple. Arrange the pineapple rings in a single layer on dehydrator trays or oven racks (if using an oven, set to the lowest temperature, around 150-175°F / 65-80°C). Dehydrate for 2-3 hours, or until the pineapple is chewy and slightly tacky but no longer wet. Flip occasionally for even drying. If using an oven, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
Step 5: Prepare the Skittles. While the pineapple is dehydrating, crush the Skittles. You can do this by pulsing them in a food processor or placing them in a sturdy Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they form a fine powder with some small candy bits.
Step 6: Coat with Skittles. Once the candied pineapple rings are cooled and dried, lightly moisten one side of each ring by dabbing it with a tiny bit of water or the remaining simple syrup (if still sticky enough, you might not need this). Immediately press the moistened side into the crushed Skittles, coating thoroughly. Gently shake off any excess.
Step 7: Final drying (optional). If the Skittles feel a bit sticky, you can return the coated rings to the dehydrator or oven for another 30-60 minutes on low heat to set the candy coating. Allow to cool completely before storing.
Notes
Ensure pineapple slices are of even thickness for consistent drying. If using an oven, monitor closely to prevent burning. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a less sticky finish, consider a final quick dry after adding Skittles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours (dehydration)
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Dehydrating, Candying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ring
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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