Description
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese candied fruit snack featuring fresh, juicy fruits coated in a hard, glossy sugar shell. This sweet and tart treat combines a satisfying crunch with vibrant flavors, perfect as a delightful snack or visually impressive dessert. Easy to customize with various fruits and optional toppings, Tanghulu offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy fresh fruit with a crispy candy glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 4–5 pieces of fresh fruit per skewer (hawthorn berries, strawberries, grapes, or kiwis)
Syrup
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Tools
- Skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen fruits to ensure the sugar coating sticks perfectly. Remove any stems or seeds as needed, then carefully skewer about 4-5 pieces per stick for ideal bite-sized portions.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: Combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches about 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage. Optionally add lemon juice to prevent crystallization.
- Dip the Fruit: Quickly but carefully dip each skewer into the hot syrup, ensuring the fruit is fully coated. Lift and let the excess syrup drip off before placing the skewers on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden.
- Let Candy Harden: Allow Tanghulu to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until the sugar coating is completely hard, glossy, and perfectly crunchy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, your Tanghulu is ready to eat. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two days to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Make sure fruits are completely dry before dipping to prevent the syrup from sliding off.
- Use a candy thermometer to reach the perfect syrup temperature for a crisp shell.
- Work quickly when dipping as the sugar hardens fast once removed from heat.
- Handle hot sugar syrup carefully to avoid burns and keep children away during preparation.
- Store Tanghulu in an airtight container to maintain crunch and avoid moisture absorption.
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects the sugar shell texture and fruit quality.
- Reheating may melt the sugar shell and alter texture; best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg