Easy Tanghulu Recipe

Sweet, glossy, and impossibly crunchy—this Easy Tanghulu Recipe lets you make the iconic Chinese street snack right at home using just a handful of everyday ingredients. It’s a joyful project that transforms fresh fruit into an irresistible treat coated in shimmering, crackling sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tanghulu is all about simplicity: three humble ingredients get elevated into something truly special, so each one matters. The fruit brings natural color and juiciness, the sugar offers the signature glassy crunch, and a splash of water ensures everything melts perfectly for the glossy coating.

• Imperial Sugar granulated sugar (1 cup): This gives you a clear candy shell—use the best quality you can for the shiniest finish!
• Water (½ cup): Helps the sugar dissolve and caramelize evenly without burning.
• Fresh fruit (½ lb, such as strawberries, pineapple, kiwis, or oranges): Choose ripe, firm fruit for the best structure and juiciness; dry thoroughly after washing.
• Ice water: Instantly sets the hard candy shell and gives you that snappy texture.

Variations

One of the joys of the Easy Tanghulu Recipe is how incredibly flexible it is—you can get creative with flavors, shapes, and even dietary swaps to suit any crowd or craving.

• Dazzling Fruit Skewers: Try grapes, blueberries, apple slices, or even mandarin segments for a rainbow effect.
• Citrusy Twist: Add a few drops of lemon juice to the sugar syrup for a brighter, slightly tangy finish.
• Vegan & Organic: Use organic sugar or swap with vegan-friendly sweeteners like beet sugar for a plant-based spin.
• Super Crunchy Edition: Stack smaller fruits closer together on the skewer for more crackly candy crunch with every bite.

How to Make Easy Tanghulu Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fruit and Skewers

Wash your fruit thoroughly, then dry it completely—extra moisture can ruin the candy shell, so pat each piece with paper towels. Thread 1–3 pieces of fruit onto each skewer, making sure to leave enough room at the base for holding. Set aside while you prep the syrup.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, swirling (not stirring) occasionally, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil and reaches 275–329°F (hard crack stage). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test by dipping a skewer in the syrup and then into ice water—if the sugar hardens immediately, you’re ready to dip!

Step 3: Dip and Coat the Fruit

Once your sugar syrup is ready, turn the heat down low to keep it fluid but not cooking further. Working quickly (but carefully!), dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, rolling it to coat evenly. Let any excess syrup drip off before moving on.

Step 4: Set in Ice Water

Immediately plunge the glazed fruit skewer into a bowl of ice water for 2–4 seconds. This rapid chill hardens the candy shell to create that perfect shatter. Remove and lay on a parchment-lined tray while you finish dipping the rest.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Easy Tanghulu Recipe is best enjoyed right away while the shell is still crisp and snappy! Serve up your glossy fruit skewers and listen for that signature crunch—pure joy in every bite.

How to Serve Easy Tanghulu Recipe

Garnishes

The glossy, glassy shells shine beautifully all on their own, but you can sprinkle on a hint of toasted sesame seeds or a pinch of flaky salt while the candy is still tacky for a unique twist. Edible glitter or gold leaf takes the Easy Tanghulu Recipe from playful to party-ready in seconds!

Side Dishes

Enjoy these sweet crunchy skewers after a simple stir-fry, serve them as a playful dessert with green tea, or mix them into a fruit platter for a showstopping edible centerpiece. They’re delightful with creamy treats like panna cotta or Greek yogurt too!

Creative Ways to Present

Display your tanghulu skewers upright in a glass or jar, or lay them out on a platter draped with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful contrast. For a special occasion, wrap individual skewers in cellophane and tie with a colorful ribbon for charming edible gifts. The Easy Tanghulu Recipe is just as gorgeous as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover tanghulu (that’s a big if!), store them uncovered at cool room temperature for up to a day. Avoid the fridge—moisture will melt the crisp shell and make it sticky.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for tanghulu, as the harsh cold can crack the candy shell and the fruit will release water as it thaws, turning the coating sticky and chewy.

Reheating

Tanghulu is at its best freshly made for maximum crunch. If the candy softens a bit, you can enjoy it as is—reheating will simply melt the shell, so it’s best to make only what you’ll eat right away.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely joyful about making Easy Tanghulu Recipe at home—and even more so about cracking into that first glossy bite. If you’ve been craving a playful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to share, give this recipe a try. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite fruits, and let the sweet memories begin!

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