Sweet Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe: Crispy Candied Fruit Magic

Sweet memories of street markets dance through my mind when I think about this crispy strawberry tanghulu treat.

Chinese candied delights have captured hearts worldwide with their glossy, crystalline coating.

Perfectly ripe strawberries become magical when transformed into these stunning sugar-glazed skewers.

Each glistening bite promises a delightful crunch that shatters like delicate glass.

Street vendors in Beijing originally crafted these stunning treats, inspiring food lovers everywhere.

Crisp sugar shells envelop juicy strawberries, creating a mesmerizing contrast of textures.

You’ll want to experience this delectable sensation right in your own kitchen.

Let’s uncover the simple magic that turns ordinary fruit into an extraordinary snack!

What To Serve With Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

• Pair with Sparkling White Wine: The crisp, light effervescence of a chilled Prosecco or Champagne perfectly complements the sweet, candied strawberries, creating a delightful contrast between the sugar coating and the wine's subtle acidity.
• Match with Creamy Mascarpone Dip: Whip up a quick mascarpone dip with a touch of honey and vanilla, offering a rich, smooth counterpoint to the crunchy caramelized sugar shell of the tanghulu.
• Serve with Green Tea: A traditional Chinese green tea balances the intense sweetness of the candied strawberries, providing a refreshing and slightly bitter backdrop that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create an Ice Cream Companion: Crush the tanghulu and sprinkle the pieces over vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a textural dessert experience that combines cool creaminess with crisp sugar coating.

Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe Variations Worth Trying

• Berry Blast Tanghulu: Replace strawberries with a mix of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a colorful and antioxidant-rich treat.
• Tropical Paradise Tanghulu: Swap strawberries for chunks of fresh pineapple, mango, or dragon fruit for a vibrant tropical flavor profile.
• Citrus Zinger Tanghulu: Alternate between strawberries and mandarin orange segments for a tangy and sweet combination that adds bright citrus notes.
• Chocolate-Dipped Tanghulu: After creating the traditional sugar coating, drizzle or dip the fruity skewers in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra indulgent layer of flavor.

FAQs About Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

• What makes tanghulu so special?

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese street snack that transforms fresh fruit into a glossy, crystal-like candy coating, turning ordinary strawberries into a stunning and delicious treat that’s both visually appealing and fun to eat.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginners?

Not at all! While it requires some patience and careful sugar handling, the process is straightforward. With a few practice attempts, you’ll quickly master creating these beautiful candied fruit skewers.

• Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Tanghulu works wonderfully with various fruits like grapes, mandarin oranges, or cherries. Just ensure the fruits are firm, fresh, and completely dry before dipping to achieve that perfect glass-like sugar coating.

• How long will the tanghulu stay crispy?

The sugar coating is best enjoyed within a few hours of making. Once prepared, eat them quickly to maintain the signature crunch and glossy appearance before humidity starts to soften the sugar shell.

Why Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe Is Crunchy, Sweet, And Fun

• Quick and Simple Snack: Whip up this delightful treat in just minutes with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
• Party-Perfect Dessert: Impress guests at gatherings, birthdays, or social events with these beautiful, glossy strawberry skewers that look professionally made.
• Kid-Friendly Preparation: Engage children in a fun cooking activity where they can help skewer fruits and watch the magical sugar coating transform ordinary strawberries into a stunning sweet treat.
• Healthier Dessert Option: Enjoy a light, fruity snack that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a delicate sugar glaze, offering a more nutritious alternative to heavy traditional desserts.

What You’ll Need For Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

• Strawberries: Sweet, bright red berries that are the star of tanghulu, best when firm and ripe with no soft spots or blemishes.

• White Granulated Sugar, Water: Create a glossy, crisp candy shell that transforms strawberries into a shiny, sweet treat.

• Bamboo Skewers, Paper Towels: Essential for holding strawberries and ensuring they are completely dry before sugar coating, standard wooden skewers work perfectly.

How To Make Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prepare Strawberries

Gently wash fresh strawberries under cool running water. Pat them completely dry using clean paper towels. Make sure no moisture remains on the surface, as this will impact the candy coating’s ability to stick perfectly.

Step 2: Skewer Strawberry Clusters

Select bamboo skewers and carefully pierce 2-3 strawberries onto each stick. Arrange the strawberries close together but not touching, creating a beautiful fruity cluster. Ensure the skewers are sturdy and the strawberries are securely attached.

Step 3: Create Sugar Syrup

• White granulated sugar
• Water
• Corn syrup

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the syrup to reach hard crack stage (around 300°F) without stirring. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Test Sugar Syrup Readiness

Drop a small amount of syrup into cold water. If it hardens immediately and creates a brittle strand, the syrup is ready. Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature monitoring.

Step 5: Dip and Coat Strawberries

Hold the skewered strawberries by the stick and carefully dip them into the hot sugar syrup. Swirl and twirl to ensure complete, even coating. Allow excess syrup to drip off briefly.

Step 6: Cool and Harden

Place the coated strawberry skewers on a silicone mat or parchment paper. Let them cool and harden at room temperature for several minutes until the candy coating becomes glossy and transparent.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the completed strawberry tanghulu on a serving platter. Enjoy immediately for the best crisp, sweet experience. The candy coating should crack beautifully when bitten.

Tips That Help With Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

• Moisture-Free Magic: Pat strawberries completely dry with paper towels to ensure the sugar coating sticks perfectly and creates a crisp, glossy shell.
• Skewering Pro Tip: Thread 2-3 strawberries per stick for a balanced treat that's easy to handle and looks visually appealing.
• Sugar Syrup Success: Heat sugar slowly and consistently to reach the right amber color without burning, watching carefully for the perfect caramelization.
• Temperature Control: Use a candy thermometer to hit the precise 300°F hard crack stage, guaranteeing a glass-like sugar coating that shatters beautifully.
• Storage Savvy: Enjoy tanghulu immediately after making or store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 hours to maintain the crisp sugar shell's texture.

How To Store Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe Properly

• Refrigerate tanghulu immediately after preparing to maintain its crispy sugar coating.
• Wrap each skewer individually in clear plastic wrap to prevent sticking and preserve the glossy texture.
• Keep the candied strawberries in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, creating a barrier between each piece.
• Consume within 4-6 hours for the best taste and crunchiest sugar shell, as humidity can quickly soften the delicate candy coating.

Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet street vendor magic meets kitchen creativity with strawberry tanghulu, a Chinese candy-coated fruit sensation. Glossy caramel shells encase plump strawberries, offering crackly texture and sugary delight you’ll crave from first crisp bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pint (16 ounces / 450 grams) fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) water

Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) light corn syrup (optional, for extra shine and stability)
• Bamboo skewers or toothpicks

Garnish/Optional Ingredients:

(None)

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare fresh strawberries by gently removing stems or preserving them for an elegant presentation.
2. Pat strawberries completely dry using clean paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains to guarantee perfect sugar coating adhesion.
3. Select sturdy bamboo skewers and carefully thread 2-3 plump strawberries onto each stick, arranging them with slight spacing for even caramelization.
4. Create a crystalline sugar syrup by heating granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, allowing it to melt and transform into a golden, translucent liquid.
5. Monitor the sugar’s temperature precisely, watching for a deep amber hue that indicates optimal caramelization without burning.
6. Quickly and confidently dip each skewered strawberry into the molten sugar, rotating to ensure complete and uniform coverage.
7. Swiftly remove the coated strawberries and suspend them over a silicone mat or parchment paper, allowing excess sugar to drip and form a delicate, glass-like shell.
8. Let the tanghulu cool for several minutes until the sugar hardens into a crisp, glossy coating that shatters delicately when bitten.
9. Serve immediately to preserve the candied strawberries’ optimal texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Pat strawberries completely dry to ensure the sugar coating sticks perfectly and creates a crisp, glossy shell.
• Choose firm, ripe strawberries with bright red color for the best texture and sweetness in your tanghulu.
• Consider using wooden skewers with pointed ends for easier piercing and more elegant presentation.
• For a dietary twist, swap strawberries with other fruits like mandarin oranges, grapes, or pineapple chunks to create unique tanghulu variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 267
• Sugar: 50 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg