The Best Crunchy Strawberry Tanghulu

Are you ready to elevate your snacking game with a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat? Let me introduce you to Tanghulu, a captivating and delicious snack that’s taking the internet by storm. Originating from China, Tanghulu features candy covered fruit that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, all encased in a shiny, crunchy candy coating. Today, we’re diving into the world of Tanghulu with a focus on one of the most popular variation: Strawberry Tanghulu.

If you’ve been scrolling through Tiktok snacks lately, you’ve probably come across the mesmerizing videos of glistening candied strawberries being cracked open with a satisfying crunch. This Strawberry Tanghulu recipe has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world, becoming a viral sensation.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the Tanghulu recipe step-by-step, showing you exactly how to make Tanghulu at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly fun to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these stunning candy covered fruit treats that are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a delightful snack.

So, grab your strawberries, some sugar, and let’s get ready to make this iconic Strawberry Tanghulu recipe.

Why you’ll love this recipe ♡

• This recipe requires only a few basic ingredients that you likely already have at home, making it an easy and accessible treat.
• The glossy, candy-coated strawberries look beautiful and impressive, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a special treat.
• You can easily customize this recipe by using different fruits or adding food coloring and edible decorations to the sugar mixture for a personal touch.

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

Servings: 4

Equipment

1 candy thermometer

Step by Step Guide

1. Rinse and pat the strawberries dry, keeping the stems on. Thread 2-3 strawberries onto each wooden skewer.

2. In a small saucepan, mix the sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer; the hard crack stage.

3. Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool down a bit.

4. Fill a bowl with cold water and ice.

5. Dip each skewered strawberry into the hot sugar mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Let the excess sugar drip off.

6. Quickly dip the sugar-coated strawberries into the ice water bath to set the coating. Take them out and gently pat them dry.

7. Serve the strawberry tanghulu skewers cold and crunchy for a delicious and special treat. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQ

Q: What is Tanghulu?
A: Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack made by coating fruits with a hard sugar shell.

Q: Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
A: Yes, you can use fruits like grapes, mandarin orange segments, or small apples for Tanghulu.

Q: How do I prevent the sugar coating from becoming sticky?
A: Ensure the sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F) and dip the coated strawberries in an ice water bath to harden the coating quickly.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: Granulated white sugar is recommended for this recipe as it provides the best results for the hard candy coating.

Q: Do I need a candy thermometer?
A: A candy thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature.

Q: What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
A: You can use metal skewers, lollipop sticks, or even sturdy toothpicks as alternatives.

Q: How long does it take for the sugar coating to harden?
A: The sugar coating hardens almost immediately after dipping in the ice water bath.

Q: Can I make Tanghulu ahead of time?
A: Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in a cool, dry place.

Q: How do I store leftover Tanghulu?
A: Store leftover Tanghulu in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent the sugar coating from becoming sticky.

Q: Can I use honey or another sweetener instead of sugar?
A: Honey and other sweeteners won’t achieve the same hard candy texture needed for Tanghulu.

Q: Why is my sugar mixture crystallizing?
A: Stirring too much or using unclean utensils can cause crystallization. Ensure everything is clean and stir minimally.

Q: What can I do if my sugar mixture burns?
A: Use a lower heat and watch the mixture closely. If it burns, you’ll need to start over with fresh sugar and water.

Q: Can I add flavorings to the sugar mixture?
A: Yes, you can add a few drops of flavored extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.

Q: How can I achieve a smoother sugar coating?
A: Ensure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping and allow excess sugar to drip off thoroughly.

Q: What should I do if my strawberries slide off the skewers?
A: Ensure the skewers are inserted firmly and try not to overload each skewer with too many strawberries.

Q: Can I use this method for making Tanghulu with citrus fruits?
A: Yes, but be aware that citrus fruits may release more juice, potentially affecting the sugar coating.