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Strawberry tangulu with grapes on a skewer.
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5 from 2 votes

Tanghulu

Tanghulu! This ancient Chinese sweet treat of skewered fruit encased in a hard sugar shell that has been around for centuries! Learn how to make this easy, enticing delicacy at home using just a few ingredients and your favorite fruit. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time9 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 6 servings
Author: The Kitchen Prep

Equipment

  • 6 bamboo skewers
  • 1 heavy-bottom saucepan
  • 1 candy thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 6 strawberries
  • 18 green grapes

Instructions

  • Skewer fruit onto bamboo skewers in desired pattern. Set up a station where you can place the skewers upright after dipping. (See above for tips.)
  • Combine water and sugar in a saucepan; stir to combine. Place on a stove top over medium high heat.
  • Bring the mixture to boil until the sugar dissolves. Try not to stir the mixture once it comes to boil or it could form sugar crystals.
  • Continue to boil the mixture until a candy thermometer reaches 300°-310°F. (See notes below for ways to tell if the sugar syrup is ready without a thermometer.) Once it comes to hard crack candy temperature, reduce the heat to low or remove the saucepan from the burner.
  • Working quickly, dip the fruit skewers carefully in the mixture and swirl to fully coat. Gently tap the skewer on the side of the saucepan and let any excess drip off.
  • Place the skewer upright to cool.
  • Repeat the process with the rest of the skewers. The tanghulu should harden within the minute and should be eaten once cooled.

Notes

To test sugar syrup temperature without a candy thermometer: Dip the end of a skewer into the mixture and then dunk it immediately in ice water. It should harden immediately into hard candy when it's ready.
How to clean the pan after making tanghulu or hard candy: Fill the pan with a bit of warm water and place it back on the stovetop over medium high heat. Swirl the pan every so often until the water comes to a boil. Eventually the hardened sugar will dissolve!