Tanghulu Recipe (Chinese Candied Fruit)

Why Make This Recipe

Tanghulu is a delightful Chinese treat that combines the natural sweetness of fruit with a crunchy sugar coating. It’s not only visually appealing but also offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Making this dish is simple, and it allows you to use your favorite fruits. Plus, it’s a fun snack to make and enjoy, whether for a party, family gathering, or just a sweet treat at home.

How to Make Tanghulu

Ingredients:

• 1 lb strawberries, grapes, or other fruit of choice (~30 pieces)
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water

Directions:

1. Wash the fruit and pat it dry. Remove any leaves, stems, or inedible parts.
2. Place the fruit onto skewers. Aim for 3 pieces or fewer per skewer to make them easier to manage.
3. In a small pot on low to medium heat, add sugar and water. Avoid stirring.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until it becomes thick, syrupy, and amber in color (about 300°F). This takes about 10-20 minutes.
5. To test if the syrup is ready, drizzle a spoonful into an ice water bath. If it hardens within seconds and cracks when bent, it’s perfect.
6. Quickly dip the fruit skewers into the syrup, swirling to coat them evenly. Then, dip the skewers into the ice water bath to cool and harden the sugar coating.
7. Place the skewers on a plate and repeat with the remaining fruit. Work quickly to prevent the sugar from burning.
8. Enjoy your homemade Tanghulu!

How to Serve Tanghulu

Serve Tanghulu as a fun snack or dessert. They look great on a platter and can be enjoyed as is or with friends and family. Perfect for parties, they add a festive touch and are sure to impress guests with their shiny, sugary coating.

How to Store Tanghulu

Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, place the skewers in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the sugar to become sticky. Eat within a day or two for the best texture and flavor.

Tips to Make Tanghulu

• Choose fresh, firm fruits for the best results.
• Work quickly with the syrup once it’s ready, as it can burn easily.
• To prevent the sugar from sticking, make sure the fruit is completely dry before dipping.
• If you’re new to candy-making, consider using a candy thermometer for accurate temperature checks.

Variation

You can experiment with different fruits like apples, cherries, or even citrus fruits like mandarin oranges. Try adding food coloring to the syrup for a fun touch, or sprinkle some crushed nuts or coconut on the sugar coating for added flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fruit for Tanghulu?
It’s best to use fresh fruit for Tanghulu, as frozen fruit may release water and not hold up well with the sugar coating.

2. What can I do if the syrup crystallizes?
If your syrup crystallizes, you can reheat it gently with a bit more water until it becomes smooth again.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just ensure you have a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume of syrup and fruit.

Tanghulu

Print Recipe

Tanghulu is a delightful Chinese treat featuring fruit coated in a crunchy sugar layer, making it a fun and visually appealing snack.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb strawberries, grapes, or other fruit of choice (~30 pieces)
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Wash the fruit and pat it dry. Remove any leaves, stems, or inedible parts.
2. Place the fruit onto skewers, aiming for 3 pieces or fewer per skewer for easier management.
3. In a small pot on low to medium heat, add sugar and water without stirring.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until it becomes thick, syrupy, and amber in color (about 300°F), this takes about 10-20 minutes.
5. To test if the syrup is ready, drizzle a spoonful into an ice water bath. If it hardens within seconds and cracks when bent, it’s perfect.
6. Quickly dip the fruit skewers into the syrup, swirling to coat them evenly, then dip into the ice water bath to cool and harden the sugar coating.
7. Place the skewers on a plate and repeat with the remaining fruit, working quickly to prevent the sugar from burning.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh; store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Candy Making
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skewers
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Tanghulu, snack, Chinese dessert, fruit candy, party treat