Homemade Tanghulu – Easy Chinese Candied Fruit Recipe

Why You’ll Love Homemade Tanghulu

Tanghulu is more than just a treat; it’s a delightful experience that combines the juiciness of fresh fruit with the satisfying crunch of a glossy sugar shell. This traditional Chinese street snack is:

• Quick & Easy – Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Visually Stunning – The glossy, candy-coated fruits make for a picture-perfect dessert.
• Customizable – Use your favorite fruits like strawberries, grapes, or kiwi.
• A Unique Snack – A fun way to enjoy fruit with a sweet, crunchy twist!

The History and Significance of Tanghulu

Dating back to the Song Dynasty, Tanghulu, also known as Bing Tanghulu, was originally made with hawthorn berries, believed to aid digestion and promote health. Over time, the recipe expanded to include a variety of fruits, making it a beloved treat enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

In Chinese culture, Tanghulu is often associated with the Lantern Festival, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Its shiny, candy coating is thought to ward off evil spirits, making it a popular snack for both young and old.

What Makes Tanghulu Special?

The magic of Tanghulu lies in its contrasting textures and flavors. Fresh, juicy fruits provide a refreshing burst of sweetness, while the sugar shell creates a crisp, glass-like crunch. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy sensations that make this treat irresistible.

Benefits of Homemade Tanghulu

• No Artificial Additives – Just fresh fruit and sugar for a naturally sweet treat.
• Fun to Make – Great for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect Party Snack – Impress your guests with this unique and beautiful dessert.

Tips & Variations for the Best Tanghulu

• Choose the Right Fruits – Strawberries, grapes, mandarins, and apples work best.
• Dry the Fruits Completely – Any moisture can prevent the sugar from sticking properly.
• Cook Sugar to the Right Temperature – Heat the syrup to 300°F (150°C) for a perfect hard crack.
• Add a Flavor Twist – Infuse the syrup with honey, ginger, or cinnamon for an extra layer of taste.
• Experiment with Colors – Add a few drops of natural food coloring for a festive touch!

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Sticky Coating? – The sugar wasn’t cooked to the hard crack stage. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the right temperature.

Fruits Falling Off the Skewers? – Make sure to pierce through the firmest part of the fruit and avoid overloading the skewer.

Sugar Syrup Hardening Too Fast? – Work quickly and keep the syrup warm over low heat while dipping.

You May Also Like:

If you loved this Homemade Tanghulu, don’t miss these other delicious and easy-to-make recipes:

• Candied Pecans – A crunchy, sweet snack perfect for the holidays.
• Honey Glazed Fruit Skewers – A healthy and delicious treat.
• Classic Chinese Almond Cookies – Simple & Delicious!.
• Sesame Peanut Brittle – A traditional Chinese sweet with a nutty crunch.
• Matcha Mochi Balls – Chewy and sweet with a hint of green tea.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Basil

Get ready to enjoy the magic of Homemade Tanghulu—a simple, fun, and absolutely delicious snack that will add a delightful crunch to your day!

Unique Flavor

5 from 1 vote

Homemade Tanghulu – Easy Chinese Candied Fruit Recipe

Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 180 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

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Author: Alex Milton Cooking Method: Boiling, Candying Cuisine: Asian, Chinese Courses: Desserts, Snacks Recipe Keys: Egg-Free Organic Quick Meals

Description

Experience the joy of making these delightful Tanghulu treats at home. A perfect combination of crispy caramel coating and fresh fruit, a nostalgic and irresistible snack.

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

Candied Fruit Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh Fruit (e.g., strawberries, grapes, or mandarins) (Choose firm fruits for best results.)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup Water
• ¹⁄₄ cup Corn Syrup (Adds shine to the candied fruit.)
• 1 cup White Sugar (for coating) (Optional, for extra sweetness and crunch.)

Instructions

Preparing the Candied Fruits

1. Preparing the Fruits

   Wash and dry your chosen fruits thoroughly. Skewer them with wooden sticks to make them easier to dip in the sugar syrup.
   Use fruits like strawberries, grapes, or pineapple for a colorful mix.

2. Making the Sugar Syrup

   In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
   Feel free to add a few drops of food coloring for extra vibrancy.

Candying the Fruits

1. Dipping and Coating

   Dip the skewered fruits into the sugar syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the excess syrup drip off.
   
   Work quickly as the syrup can harden fast.

2. Setting the Candied Fruits

   Place the candied fruits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them cool and harden for about 30 minutes.
   You can sprinkle some edible glitter for an extra touch of magic.

Enjoying Your Tanghulu

1. Serving and Storing

   Once hardened, serve your tanghulu immediately for the best crunch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
   These make delightful party treats or colorful edible decorations.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 482kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 0.1g1%

Sodium 18.6mg1%

Potassium 97.8mg3%

Total Carbohydrate 125.4g42%

Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%

Sugars 115.5g

Protein 0.4g1%

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Calcium 13.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)

Note

• - Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F (150°C).
  
  
• Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup to prevent burns.
  
• You can customize the fruits used based on your preference.
  
• Store the tanghulu in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness.
  
• Experiment with different fruit combinations for a unique twist.
  
• Consider adding a dash of salt or citrus zest to the syrup for added flavor complexity.

Keywords: Chinese, Tanghulu, Candied Fruit, Dessert, Snack

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