When it comes to adding sweet heat and glossy perfection to your BBQ, there’s nothing quite like Rib Candy. And if you're after a flavor that's equal parts fruity, fiery, and unforgettable, the Apple Cherry Habanero variety from Texas Pepper Jelly might just be your new favorite squeeze bottle. Let’s break down what it is, how it works, and why it’s a BBQ game-changer.
- What Is Texas Pepper Jelly Rib Candy?
- Apple Cherry Habanero: Flavor Breakdown
- How to Use Rib Candy
- Top 10 Uses for Apple Cherry Habanero Rib Candy
- Why It Works So Well
- FAQ
What Is Texas Pepper Jelly Rib Candy?
Rib Candy is a pourable finishing glaze created by Texas Pepper Jelly. It’s designed to complement BBQ meats by adding a burst of sweet and spicy flavor right at the end of the cook. Unlike a thick BBQ sauce, Rib Candy is thinner and more versatile—it soaks in quickly, caramelizes beautifully, and delivers a powerful punch of fruit-forward heat with every bite.
Apple Cherry Habanero: Flavor Breakdown
This blend combines tart apple, juicy cherry, and fiery habanero into one perfectly balanced bottle. You get fruit sweetness right up front, a tangy middle note from the apple, and then a satisfying habanero kick that lingers without overpowering. It’s complex, bold, and made for pitmasters who like to bring contrast to their cooks.
How to Use Rib Candy
Rib Candy can be brushed, poured, drizzled, or injected depending on the type of meat and your BBQ goals. Because it’s thinner than traditional BBQ sauces, it works great as a finishing glaze, flavor layer, or even an internal injection. You can apply it straight from the bottle during the last 10–15 minutes of a cook to let it tack up, or use it post-cook as a flavorful drizzle before slicing and serving.
Top 10 Uses for Apple Cherry Habanero Rib Candy
While it’s designed for ribs, this sweet heat glaze is way more versatile than the name suggests. Here are 10 great ways to use it:
- On Pork Ribs: Use it as a finishing glaze to get a glossy, flavor-packed bark.
- Injected into Pork Butts: Add sweetness and spice deep inside the meat before smoking.
- Brushed on Chicken Thighs or Wings: Apply during the last 5–10 minutes for a caramelized skin with kick.
- Drizzled Over Smoked Sausages: Especially good on spicy or cheddar-filled sausages for contrast.
- As a Glaze for Smoked Ham: Makes a memorable holiday centerpiece with a fruity, peppery crust.
- Mixed into Meatloaf Glaze: Add a squirt to ketchup or BBQ sauce for a bold meatloaf topper.
- Over Grilled Pork Chops: Drizzle post-cook for a juicy sweet-heat finish.
- On Burgers: Use it like a finishing sauce—especially good on bacon cheeseburgers.
- As a Wing Sauce Base: Combine with melted butter or BBQ sauce for next-level spicy wings.
- With Grilled Pineapple or Jalapeños: Great for BBQ sides or toppings that need some zip.
Why It Works So Well
What sets Rib Candy apart is its consistency and balance. The thinner texture means it penetrates quickly and evenly, while the flavor profile gives you three layers in one: sweet, tart, and hot. The habanero heat doesn’t dominate—it enhances. That makes this a flexible glaze that works across proteins and cooking styles, from hot-and-fast grilling to long, slow smokes.
Plus, it saves time. No need to make your own fruit reduction or chili glaze—Texas Pepper Jelly has already done the work. You just open, pour, and impress.
FAQ
Is Rib Candy a BBQ sauce?
No. Rib Candy is a finishing glaze, thinner than BBQ sauce and typically used during the final phase of cooking or just before serving. It’s designed to add flavor without masking your bark or rub.
How spicy is the Apple Cherry Habanero flavor?
It has a medium heat level. The habanero adds warmth and complexity but is balanced by the sweet apple and cherry flavors. Most people describe it as “just right”—noticeable but not overwhelming.
Can I use it on meats other than pork?
Absolutely. It’s excellent on chicken, ham, burgers, wings, and even beef sausages. Some customers even use it on grilled veggies or as a hot wing base.
Do I need to refrigerate it after opening?
Yes. Once opened, Rib Candy should be refrigerated to maintain freshness, flavor, and shelf life.
Is Apple Cherry Habanero the spiciest Rib Candy flavor?
There is an Apple Cherry 2x Habanero which is the spiciest Rib Candy flavor. Texas Pepper Jelly offers both regular and habanero versions of many Rib Candy flavors. While this one has some heat, there are hotter varieties for true chili-heads—and milder ones too if you're serving a crowd.
Final Thoughts: Add a Sweet Kick with Apple Cherry Habanero Rib Candy
When you want your BBQ to stand out, it’s not just about the meat—it’s about that finishing touch. Texas Pepper Jelly Apple Cherry Habanero Rib Candy gives you a bold, flavorful edge without the fuss of making your own glazes. It delivers fruit-forward sweetness, balanced heat, and eye-catching shine with one quick pour.
Whether you're glazing ribs, injecting pork, or drizzling it on burgers, this Rib Candy brings flavor that turns good BBQ into unforgettable BBQ. Easy to use, endlessly versatile, and a proven favorite among serious grillers—it's a must-have in any BBQ lineup.
Grab a bottle at DDR BBQ Supply and taste the difference that sweet heat can make.
Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find these guides helpful:
- Wet vs. Dry Ribs: Which BBQ Style is Better?
- What Makes Texas BBQ Truly Texan?
- What is Brisket? The Meat That Made Texas Famous
- What is mop sauce?
- How to Grill Lamb Chops Like a Pro
- How to Season a Grill
- The Secret Ingredient in Serious BBQ: Why Bulk Worcestershire Sauce Belongs in Your Pitmaster Pantry
- What is a Binder?
- Trek vs. Ledge vs. Peak Green Mountain Pellet Grills
- Why Use a Meat Resting Blanket for BBQ
- The Ultimate Guide to Meat Injections
- Ceramic Grill Face-Off: Primo vs. Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg
- 25 Creative Ways to Use Waygu Tallow Beyond BBQ
- Why LC BBQ Rubs Should Be Your Go To For Authentic Texas BBQ Flavor
- The Ultimate Guide to Charcoal: How It's Made and Why It Matters
- Alabama White Sauce; The Tangy BBQ Secret You've Been Missing
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. You can shop top-quality grills, smokers, the best BBQ rubs and sauces, accessories, and expert advice. Stock up on top-quality BBQ supplies to bring authentic smokehouse flavor to your backyard cookouts.
Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
