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Sweet, Shiny & Irresistibly Crunchy
Tanghulu is a classic Chinese candied fruit snack that’s gone viral for its glassy crunch and juicy, sweet-tart center. Traditionally sold as a street food, it’s made by dipping fresh fruit into hot sugar syrup that hardens into a crisp shell. The best part? You only need three simple ingredients to make it at home! 🍓✨
Perfect for parties, after-school treats, or when you’re craving a fun, Instagram-worthy snack, Tanghulu delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Busy moms love it for quick prep, kids love the candy crunch, and foodies love the authentic street food vibe. Once you try this easy recipe, you’ll want to make Tanghulu again and again!
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 skewers
Ingredients List
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
2 cups fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, blueberries, or apple slices)
Wooden skewers
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Saucepan
- Candy thermometer (recommended, but optional)
- Wooden skewers
- Heatproof spoon
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
Wash and dry fruit thoroughly. (Moisture prevents sugar from sticking.)
Skewer fruit onto wooden sticks.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat on medium until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). Do not stir.
Once the syrup is ready, quickly dip the fruit skewers into the hot syrup, turning to coat evenly.
Place skewers on a parchment-lined sheet to cool. The sugar will harden within minutes into a shiny, crunchy shell.
Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying crunch!
Pro Tips Section
Storage: Tanghulu is best enjoyed right away. If storing, keep in a cool, dry place for a few hours, but avoid refrigeration (sugar will melt).
Substitutions: Try citrus slices, pineapple chunks, or cherry tomatoes for a savory-sweet twist.
Meal Prep: Skewer fruit ahead of time, then dip just before serving.
Serving Ideas: Pair with tea, or serve on a dessert platter with chocolate-dipped fruit for variety.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 skewer | 95 | 0g | 24g | 0g | 1g | 21g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary depending on the ingredients and preparation method.
Variation Recipes
Citrus Tanghulu: Swap in orange wedges, mandarins, or even lemon slices for a zesty, refreshing crunch that balances sweet and tart flavors.
Berry Medley Tanghulu: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful skewer that looks beautiful on a party platter.
Exotic Tanghulu: Try kiwi slices, pineapple chunks, or even cherry tomatoes for a fun twist that surprises the taste buds.
Mini Tanghulu Pops: Instead of skewers, dip single fruits on toothpicks for perfect bite-sized treats for kids or party buffets.
Conclusion
Tanghulu proves that the simplest recipes often bring the most joy. With just sugar, water, and your favorite fruits, you can create a shiny, crunchy snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you keep it classic with strawberries or experiment with citrus and tropical fruits, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to any gathering.
Save this recipe to Pinterest for later, share it with friends, and bring the magic of Chinese street food into your own kitchen. One bite of Tanghulu’s candy crunch, and you’ll understand why it’s a global favorite!
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