Tanghulu Fruit Sugar Skewers (Printable)

Juicy fruit coated with glassy sugar for a sweet, shattering bite. Enjoy fresh for the best crunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 16 strawberries, hulled
02 - 16 seedless grapes
03 - 8 small mandarin segments, peeled
04 - 8 cherry tomatoes, washed and dried (optional)

→ Sugar Syrup

05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 1 cup water
07 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)

→ Other

08 - 8 bamboo skewers

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash all fruit thoroughly and dry each piece completely to prevent the sugar coating from seizing.
02 - Thread 2 strawberries, 2 grapes, and 1 mandarin segment (or cherry tomato) onto each bamboo skewer, alternating fruit for color and flavor contrast.
03 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set a greased wire rack nearby for finished skewers.
04 - Combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup (if using) in a medium saucepan. Stir to dissolve sugar, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat without further stirring.
05 - Cook syrup until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. If no thermometer is available, test readiness by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water— it should harden and crack immediately.
06 - Quickly and carefully dip each fruit skewer into the hot syrup, rotating for even coverage. Allow excess syrup to drip off, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet or rack.
07 - Let the skewers cool undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the sugar shell hardens and turns crisp. Serve immediately for optimal crunch.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Easy to make at home with just fruit, sugar, and water
  • Fun and interactive for kids or groups to assemble
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
  • Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
  • The sparkle and crunch impress every time
02 -
  • High in vitamin C thanks to fresh fruit
  • A fun hands-on project for families and kids
  • Stays naturally gluten free and vegan with most fruits
  • The hard crack sugar is what sets Tanghulu apart from classic candied fruits.
03 -
  • Always dry fruit thoroughly water and sugar do not mix and even a few drops can ruin the shell
  • Use a candy thermometer for stress-free hard crack results if you are new to making sugar syrup
  • Do not rush dipping take your time to coat each skewer evenly by gently turning in the syrup
  • If you want extra pizzazz sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on before the shell sets
  • Never touch hot sugar with bare hands use tongs or gloves for safety

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