Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings
Discover Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings—a unique, easy, and unforgettable treat perfect for parties or a fun snack. Fresh pineapple infused with tropical rum (or juice) and coated in a vibrant layer of Skittles candy.
Equipment
- Shallow dish or container
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Food processor or Rolling pin (optional, for crushing Skittles)
Ingredients
- Fresh Pineapple Rings ripe, about 1/2 inch thick
- Tropical Fruit Rum enough to completely cover pineapple rings (about 1-2 cups or more)
- Skittles Candy mixed or separated by color
- Sugar or Crushed Skittles optional, for extra coating
Instructions
- Step 1: Get Your Pineapple Ready: Arrange your fresh pineapple rings in a shallow dish or container (like a glass baking dish or sturdy Tupperware). Use a single layer or slightly overlapping if necessary, ensuring they can soak up the rum evenly.
- Step 2: Give 'Em a Rum Bath: Pour the tropical fruit rum over the pineapple rings, making sure they are completely submerged. Gently press them down if needed. This is where the infusion happens.
- Step 3: Chill Out Time: Cover the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling allows the pineapple to soak up the rum and become tender and flavorful.
- Step 4: Drain and Dry: After the infusion time, carefully remove the pineapple rings from the refrigerator. Lift them out of the rum and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, or lay them out on paper towels. Let them drain thoroughly for a few minutes, then gently pat the rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 5: Add the Candy Coating: Gently press individual Skittles candies onto the surface of each pineapple ring. Alternatively, crush Skittles (using a food processor or a baggie and rolling pin) and roll the edges or the whole ring in the crushed candy for a more complete coating.
- Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch: For extra sparkle or a more intense candy shell, dust the finished rings with a little extra sugar or roll them in more crushed Skittles.
- Step 7: Serve Chilled: Arrange your Candied Pineapple Skittle Rings on a platter and serve them cold directly from the fridge.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions:
- **Rum Swap:** Try coconut rum, spiced rum, or regular white rum. For non-alcoholic, use tropical juice like pineapple-coconut or passion fruit.
- **Different Fruit:** Experiment with mango slices, peach slices, or firm pear slices (infusion time may vary).
- **Candy Fun:** Use different candies like Sour Skittles, small chewy candies, or crushed hard candies.
- **Extra Flavors:** Add a split vanilla bean or a few mint leaves to the rum during infusion.
- **Drizzle:** Drizzle finished rings with melted white chocolate or a simple glaze before the candy coating sets.
- Use fresh pineapple for better texture; well-drained canned pineapple might be softer.
- Thoroughly drain and pat dry the pineapple after infusing to help Skittles stick.
- Natural pineapple moisture usually helps pressed Skittles stick; for rolling in crushed Skittles, a light brush of clear syrup (like corn syrup) might help if needed, but try without first.
- A food processor or baggie and rolling pin work well for crushing Skittles.
- You can infuse the pineapple a day or two ahead; add Skittles just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, in a single layer or separated by parchment paper.
- Best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as Skittles may soften over time due to moisture.