Tanghulu, also known as candied fruit skewers, is a traditional Chinese street snack that features fruit coated in a crispy, hard sugar shell. It’s a popular treat enjoyed for its sweet and tangy flavor and crunchy texture. Often made with hawthorn berries in China, this snack can also be made with a variety of fruits like strawberries, grapes, or even tangerines for a colorful and refreshing treat. Perfect for a sweet snack or a fun dessert, Tanghulu is as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, or hawthorn berries work well)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, helps prevent crystallization)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
- Wooden skewers (or toothpicks)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit
Wash and dry your fruit thoroughly. If you’re using larger fruit like strawberries, you can leave them whole, or cut them into smaller pieces. Skewer the fruit onto wooden sticks, ensuring each skewer is filled with 4-6 pieces of fruit depending on size. - Make the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, bring the syrup to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water – it should harden immediately. - Coat the Fruit
Once the syrup has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a minute. Carefully dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, swirling it to coat the fruit evenly with a thin layer of candy. Be sure to work quickly, as the syrup will begin to harden as it cools. - Let the Tanghulu Set
Place the coated fruit skewers on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden. The sugar shell should set within a few minutes, forming a crisp, shiny candy coating. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the Tanghulu is fully set, serve immediately for a crunchy, sweet treat! It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.