Tanghulu is a delightful traditional Chinese snack that beautifully combines the sweetness of candied fruit with the satisfying crunch of a sugar coating. This Tanghulu recipe showcases the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh fruit skewered on sticks and dipped in sugary syrup. Whether you enjoy it at street fairs or want to recreate this beloved treat at home, making Tanghulu is simpler than it seems. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress friends and family with this eye-catching dessert. The glossy finish and addictive taste make Tanghulu not only pleasing to the palate but also visually stunning. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from selecting the best fruits to perfecting the sugar syrup for that ideal crispness. Prepare to dive into the world of homemade Tanghulu!
Why You’ll Love This Tanghulu Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Tanghulu Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Fruit: Choose your favorite fruits like strawberries, grapes, or mandarin oranges; ensure they are ripe and firm for the best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for creating that glossy coating; avoid using brown sugar as it won’t achieve the same effect.
- Water: Just plain water will help dissolve the sugar; it’s essential for making the syrup.
- Lollipop Sticks or Skewers: These are needed for holding the fruit; ensure they’re sturdy enough to support your creations.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Tanghulu Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit
Wash and dry your chosen fruits thoroughly. If using larger fruits like strawberries or mandarin oranges, skewer them onto lollipop sticks or skewers.
Step 2: Make Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar. Stir gently until combined completely.
Step 3: Heat Until Dissolved
Allow the mixture to come to a simmer without stirring until all sugar has dissolved completely—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Cool Slightly
Once dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool slightly until it reaches around 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer—this will give you that perfect crunch.
Step 5: Dip Your Fruit
Carefully dip each skewer of fruit into the warm syrup while rotating to coat evenly. Allow any excess syrup to drip off before placing them on parchment paper.
Step 6: Let Set
Leave your finished Tanghulus at room temperature until the syrup hardens completely—this usually takes about an hour.
Transfer to plates and enjoy your beautiful homemade Tanghulu!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Choose Fresh Fruits: Select ripe but firm fruits as they hold up better during dipping in hot syrup.
- Temperature Control: Monitor the syrup closely; if it gets too hot beyond 300°F (150°C), it might burn.
- Practice Safety: Be careful when handling hot syrup as it can cause burns; use caution when dipping.
How to Serve Tanghulu Recipe
This Tanghulu Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Fruit Platter: The sweetness of the Tanghulu complements a variety of fresh fruits, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
- Yogurt Dip: A creamy yogurt dip can enhance the tangy notes of the dish while adding richness.
- Green Tea: The mild bitterness of green tea perfectly offsets the sweetness of the Tanghulu, making it a refreshing drink choice.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the fruit for your Tanghulu Recipe a few hours ahead. Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly, then skewer them on sticks. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before coating them in syrup.
- Storing: Leftover Tanghulu can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for up to 3 days, though the texture may change slightly.
- Reheating: To reheat Tanghulu, gently warm it in a microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds. This helps maintain its texture without melting the sugar coating completely.
Suggestions for Tanghulu Recipe:
Choose the Right Fruit
When making a Tanghulu recipe, selecting the right fruit is crucial. Traditional choices include strawberries, grapes, or hawthorn berries. The fruit should be firm and slightly tart, as this balances the sweetness of the sugar coating. Avoid overly ripe or soft fruits, as they can break apart during the dipping process or become mushy when coated in sugar. Ensure you wash and thoroughly dry the fruit before dipping. This helps the sugar adhere better, creating that perfect crispy outer layer that defines Tanghulu.
Perfecting Sugar Syrup Consistency
A common mistake in any Tanghulu recipe involves getting the sugar syrup just right. The sugar should dissolve fully and reach about 300°F (hard crack stage). If you undercook it, your candy coating will remain sticky and won’t harden properly. On the other hand, overcooking can lead to burnt sugar, ruining your Tanghulu. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Allow the syrup to cool slightly before dipping your fruit for optimal results.
Maintaining Skewering Technique
Properly skewering your fruit is another important aspect of a successful Tanghulu recipe. Use wooden skewers or sticks that are sturdy enough to hold the fruit securely while you dip it into hot syrup. Ensure that you pierce each piece of fruit through its center for balance. If they wobble on the skewer, they may tip over when you dip them into the syrup, leading to uneven coating. Additionally, be cautious of sharp ends; cover them with a piece of fruit if needed.
Timing Your Coating
Timing is essential in any Tanghulu recipe, especially when it comes to coating your fruit with sugar syrup. Once your syrup reaches the correct temperature and has cooled slightly, work quickly to dip each skewer of fruit before the syrup begins to harden in the pot. If you hesitate too long, you might not be able to coat all your pieces evenly or end up with a lumpy finish. After coating, place them on parchment paper immediately so they don’t stick together.
FAQs:
What is Tanghulu?
Tanghulu is a popular Chinese snack made by skewer-fresh fruits like strawberries or hawthorn berries and coating them with hardened sugar syrup. The result is a sweet treat with a crunchy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the juicy fruit inside. Traditionally served at fairs and festivals in China, Tanghulu has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique texture and appealing presentation.
How do I store leftover Tanghulu?
To keep leftover Tanghulu fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture will cause the candy coating to become sticky and lose its crispness. If you have multiple pieces, layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking while maintaining their crunchiness.
Can I use different types of fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional Tanghulu often features strawberries or hawthorn berries, you can experiment with various fruits based on your preference or seasonal availability. Grapes and mandarin oranges also work well due to their firm texture and refreshing taste. Just make sure whatever fruit you choose is ripe but not too soft so that it holds up during preparation.
Is making Tanghulu difficult?
Making Tanghulu may seem challenging at first due to its specific steps involving sugar syrup preparation and timing; however, it’s quite manageable with practice! Following a reliable tanghulu recipe closely and ensuring you have all ingredients ready will simplify the process significantly. Once you’ve mastered it a few times, you’ll find yourself creating this delicious treat effortlessly!
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering a tanghulu recipe requires attention to detail from selecting the right fruits to achieving perfect sugar syrup consistency. Remember that timing is critical when dipping your skewered fruits into hot syrup; this ensures that every piece gets an even coating without sticking together afterward. Additionally, avoid common mistakes such as using overly ripe fruits or improper skewer techniques which could compromise your final product’s quality. With these tips in mind, enjoy crafting delightful tanghulus that impress family and friends alike!

Easy Tanghulu Recipe for Delicious Treats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy making
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Tanghulu, a delightful Chinese treat, is a fun and visually stunning dessert that combines vibrant fruits with a crunchy sugar coating. Perfect for gatherings or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this easy Tanghulu recipe allows you to recreate this street food favorite in the comfort of your home. The process involves selecting your preferred fruits, preparing a simple sugar syrup, and dipping the skewered fruit into the warm syrup for that signature glossy finish. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress friends and family with this addictive snack. Dive into the world of homemade Tanghulu and enjoy the delightful crunch paired with juicy fruit flavors!
Ingredients
- Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, grapes, or mandarin oranges)
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Lollipop sticks or skewers
Instructions
- Wash and dry your chosen fruits thoroughly. Skewer larger fruits onto sticks.
- In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to simmer without stirring for 5-7 minutes until all sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly until it reaches 300°F (150°C).
- Dip each skewer of fruit into the warm syrup, rotating to coat evenly.
- Place on parchment paper and let set at room temperature for about an hour until hardened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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