Print

Tanghulu

Tanghulu
Print Recipe

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese treat featuring fresh, firm fruit skewered and coated in a hard, glossy sugar shell. This crunchy candied fruit snack perfectly balances tartness and sweetness with an irresistible texture, making it a fun and versatile treat loved worldwide.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Fruit

  • Firm, ripe fruit like hawthorns, strawberries, grapes, or mandarin segments (3-5 pieces per skewer)

Sugar Syrup

  • 2 cups granulated white sugar (high quality)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and dry your chosen fruit thoroughly, ensuring they are completely dry as moisture prevents sugar from sticking well. Remove stems if necessary and skewer 3-5 pieces per stick for easy handling.
  2. Make the Sugar Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat without stirring. Once boiling, add lemon juice to prevent crystallization. Continue boiling until the syrup reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C on candy thermometer).
  3. Dip the Fruit Skewers: Working quickly, dip each fruit skewer into the boiling syrup to coat evenly. Lift out and let excess drip off, forming a smooth, glossy candy shell.
  4. Cool and Harden: Place the coated skewers onto parchment-lined trays or hang vertically to cool. The syrup will solidify into a transparent, crunchy shell within minutes.
  5. Enjoy: Once hardened, serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor contrast between the candy shell and juicy fruit inside.

Notes

  • Use firm, fresh fruit to ensure the candy coating holds well and maintains texture.
  • Dry fruit thoroughly to prevent candy shell from becoming sticky or melting.
  • Use a candy thermometer to reach the hard crack stage for perfect crunch.
  • Work quickly when dipping and cooling to avoid clumps or uneven coating.
  • Store Tanghulu in a cool, dry place in an airtight container lined with parchment paper; avoid refrigeration.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tanghulu, candied fruit, Chinese snack, sugar coated fruit, crunchy dessert, hawthorn snack, fruity candy

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/tanghulu/