Tanghulu, also known as candied fruit, is a popular Asian candy that traditionally features fresh fruit dipped in a hard candy coating. Although you can really use any fresh fruit for tanghulu, strawberries are a favorite.

With their vibrant color and the perfect combination of sweet and sour flavors, tanghulu strawberries are not only fun to eat but also an easy DIY project. I also shared another fun version of this treat using grapes and a candy coating.

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This delicious treat made with simple ingredients went viral on TikTok making it a definite one to try. Here’s how you can make your own tanghulu strawberries at home with just a few simple ingredients.

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Ingredients for Tanghulu:

10-12 Fresh Strawberries: Choose firm, ripe strawberries for the best results. Make sure they are washed and completely dry.
1 cup granulated sugar: This will form the crunchy candy coating.
1/2 cup water: Needed to dissolve the sugar.
Wooden Skewers or Toothpicks: For dipping the strawberries into the candy coating.
Candy Thermometer: Essential for monitoring the sugar syrup to achieve the perfect temperature.
Ice Water: To set the sugar coated strawberries as they cool.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, no worries—try these simple tricks instead. First, cool a spoon in some ice water, then dip it into your sugar mix. If the syrup hardens right away on the spoon, you’re good to go. Another method is to drizzle a little syrup into a bowl of ice water. It should immediately set and form brittle threads that snap easily when bent. If the threads bend instead of breaking, give your syrup a bit more time on the stove.

How to Make Tanghulu Candied Strawberries

Originally made for candied hawthorns, you can now find all sorts of tanghulu fruit and tons of candied fruit recipes – including candied grapes, kiwis, blueberries, starfruit, and other sugar-glazed fruit.

Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries

Start by washing your strawberries and carefully drying them with a towel. Any moisture on the berries can prevent the candy coating from setting properly. Once dry, insert skewers or toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries, making sure they are secure but not poking through the other side.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine one cup of granulated sugar, a half cup of water.

Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture boil.

Insert your cooking thermometer and let the syrup reach 300°F (149°C), known as the hard crack stage or candy stage. This will ensure that your candy coating will be perfectly crisp.

Step 3: Dip the Strawberries

Once the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the heat.

Working quickly and carefully, dip each strawberry into the hot syrup, swirling to ensure it’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let any excess syrup drip off. Place the skewered strawberries down into a bowl of ice water.

The candy shell will harden almost immediately upon cooling.

Allow the tanghulu strawberries to cool completely. They are best enjoyed fresh, shortly after making them, for the crispest texture.

Tips for Perfect Tanghulu:

Work Quickly: The sugar syrup starts to harden as soon as it’s removed from the heat, so dip your strawberries quickly to get a smooth, even coating.
Safety First: Handling hot sugar can be dangerous. Use caution and consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from splashes.
Storage: Tanghulu is best enjoyed the day it’s made as humidity can soften the candy coating. If you must store them, keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Making tanghulu strawberries is a straightforward process that offers a wonderfully delightful reward. They literally look like glass candy.

These shiny, crunchy treats are not only a fun snack but also make beautiful, edible decorations for desserts or party platters.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home, tanghulu strawberries are sure to impress with their delightful crunch and vibrant flavor.

You might also like these fun fruit recipes: