Tanghulu
why make this recipe
Tanghulu is a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of fruits and the crunchy texture of candy. This popular Chinese snack is perfect for celebrations or just a fun dessert at home. Making your own Tanghulu is easier than you think and allows you to choose your favorite fruits. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends and family with your cooking skills!
how to make Tanghulu
Ingredients :
- 1 lb strawberries, grapes, or other fruit of choice (~30 pieces)
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions :
- Wash the fruit thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean towel. Remove any leaves, stems, or parts that you can’t eat.
- Place the fruit onto skewers. You can add up to three pieces of fruit on each skewer to make it easier to handle.
- In a small pot, mix the sugar and water. Set the heat to low or medium, but do not stir the mix. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer. You want to wait until the mixture becomes thick, syrupy, and turns amber in color—this process usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
- To test if it’s ready, drizzle a spoonful of syrup into a bowl of ice water. If the syrup hardens quickly and can crack when bent, it is ready to use.
- Quickly dip the fruit skewers into the syrup, swirling them to create an even, thin coating. Then, immediately dip the skewer into the ice water bath to cool and harden the coating.
- Place the skewer on a plate. Repeat this with the remaining fruit, working quickly to prevent the sugar from burning. Enjoy your Tanghulu!
how to serve Tanghulu
Serving Tanghulu is simple. Place the coated fruit skewers on a decorative plate. You can serve them as a fun snack during parties or family gatherings. They also make great gifts wrapped in cellophane.
how to store Tanghulu
For the best taste, Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make the candy sticky.
tips to make Tanghulu
- Make sure to dry the fruit well to help the syrup stick better.
- Work quickly when dipping the fruit; the syrup can cool down and harden fast.
- Experiment with different fruits! You can use small pieces of pineapple, apple slices, or even melon.
variation
You can add food coloring to the syrup for a fun twist, or try sprinkling crushed nuts or coconut flakes on the syrup before it hardens for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fruit for Tanghulu?
It’s best to use fresh fruit. Frozen fruit might release too much water and not coat well with syrup.
2. How long does Tanghulu stay good?
Tanghulu is best eaten on the same day it’s made. If stored properly, it can last up to 1-2 days, but it’s best fresh.
3. What should I do if my syrup crystallizes?
If your syrup crystallizes, you can try reheating it with a bit of water on low heat until it becomes smooth again.

Tanghulu
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tanghulu is a delightful Chinese treat that combines the sweetness of fruits with a crunchy candy coating, perfect for celebrations or as a fun dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries, grapes, or other fruit of choice (~30 pieces)
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Wash the fruit thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean towel. Remove any leaves, stems, or parts that you can’t eat.
- Place the fruit onto skewers, adding up to three pieces of fruit on each skewer.
- In a small pot, mix the sugar and water. Set the heat to low or medium, bring to a boil, and let it simmer until thick and amber (about 10 to 20 minutes).
- To test, drizzle syrup into ice water; if it hardens quickly, it’s ready.
- Quickly dip the fruit skewers into the syrup, then swirl and dip into ice water to cool and harden.
- Place skewers on a plate and repeat with remaining fruit.
Notes
Work quickly to prevent the syrup from burning and ensure you dry the fruit well for better adhesion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: Chinese