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Tanghulu recipe skewer with strawberries, grapes, and kiwi coated in a clear crunchy sugar shell

Tanghulu Recipe with Strawberries, Grapes, and Kiwi

This tanghulu recipe creates fresh fruit skewers with a crisp, glossy candy shell and a sweet contrast of juicy fruit and crunchy sugar coating. It is a quick, eye-catching treat perfect for gatherings or a fun homemade dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb strawberries, grapes, or mixed fruit
  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash the strawberries, grapes, and kiwi if using, then dry the fruit thoroughly with paper towels and remove any stems or leaves.
  2. Place 2–3 prepared fruit pieces onto each skewer, arranging them close together to make dipping easier.
Cooking
  1. Add white granulated sugar and water to a saucepan and cook over medium heat without stirring until the syrup reaches 300°F / 149°C and becomes light golden.
  2. Check the syrup by dropping a small amount into ice water; it is ready when it hardens right away and breaks with a clean crack.
Assembly
  1. Dip each fruit skewer quickly into the hot sugar syrup, turning gently to coat the fruit with a thin, even candy layer.
  2. Briefly dip the coated skewers into ice water, then set them on parchment paper until the candy shell becomes firm.
Serving
  1. Serve the tanghulu immediately for the best crisp sugar coating.

Notes

Use firm fruit that is completely dry, and avoid refrigerating finished tanghulu because moisture can soften the candy shell.