Candied Fruit Skewers
Tanghulu, a traditional Chinese street food, features fruit on a stick dipped in molten sugar for a glassy, crackly candy shell. This easy homemade Tanghulu recipe uses strawberries, grapes, and other firm fruits for a colorful, crunchy treat that’s perfect for parties or fun desserts. #tanghulu #candiedfruit #chinesestreetfood #sugarcrust #fruitonastick
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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1/2 cup water
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1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
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Fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, grapes, kiwi slices, blueberries)
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Bamboo skewers or toothpicks
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Ice water (for testing sugar)
Instructions
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Rinse and thoroughly dry the fruit—moisture will prevent the sugar coating from sticking.
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Skewer the fruit, 2–4 pieces per bamboo stick or toothpick.
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In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and vinegar. Heat over medium heat without stirring until the temperature reaches 300°F (150°C) (hard crack stage).
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If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dripping sugar syrup into ice water—it should instantly harden and crack.
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Quickly dip each fruit skewer into the hot syrup, turning to coat evenly.
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Let excess syrup drip off, then place skewers on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden.
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Enjoy immediately or within a few hours for the best texture.
Notes
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Use firm, fresh fruit to maintain texture under the hot syrup.
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Work quickly, as the syrup hardens fast once off the heat.
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Be cautious—sugar syrup is extremely hot and sticky.
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Avoid storing Tanghulu in the fridge, as moisture can dissolve the candy shell.
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Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/candied-fruit-skewers/