It seems like you’re looking for a Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit) recipe. Here’s a simple recipe for making this sweet and crunchy treat!

It seems like you’re looking for a Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit) recipe. Here’s a simple recipe for making this sweet and crunchy treat!

## Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit)

Tanghulu is a popular Chinese street food that consists of fresh fruit coated in a crisp, hard candy shell. This treat is perfect for those who enjoy the combination of natural sweetness from the fruit and the sugary crunch of the candied coating. Traditionally made with hawthorn berries, it is now often made with strawberries, grapes, or other fruits that have a sturdy texture. Making Tanghulu at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as a snack, or simply to enjoy the taste of Chinese street food at home, Tanghulu is a fun and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

### 1. Simple Ingredients

With just fruit and sugar, this recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients that are easy to find.

### 2. Customizable

You can use any fruit of your choice, allowing you to create Tanghulu that fits your personal taste.

### 3. Crunchy Candy Coating

The hard candy shell provides a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the juicy, fresh fruit inside.

### 4. Fun to Make

It’s a fun and hands-on recipe that’s perfect for kids or for making with family and friends.

### 5. Unique Treat

Tanghulu is a fun alternative to regular candy and a perfect way to try a new and exciting snack.

## Ingredients

– Fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, or hawthorn berries are traditional)

– Granulated sugar

– Water

– Skewers or wooden sticks

## Variations

– **Fruit Choices**: Try different fruits like tangerines, apples, or cherries for a new twist.

– **Flavor Add-ins**: Add a few drops of lemon juice to the sugar syrup for a tangy kick, or use flavored syrups for a unique taste.

– **Toppings**: After dipping the fruit in the syrup, you can roll it in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or edible glitter for an extra touch.

## How to Make the Recipe

### Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Wash and dry your fruit thoroughly. If using strawberries or grapes, remove the stems. Insert a skewer or wooden stick into each piece of fruit.

### Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Use 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water for a thicker syrup. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the syrup reaches about 300°F (150°C), or the hard-crack stage. You can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.

### Step 3: Coat the Fruit

Once the syrup is ready, carefully dip the fruit into the hot syrup. Rotate the fruit to ensure it is fully coated. Let any excess syrup drip off before transferring the fruit to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

### Step 4: Let it Cool

Allow the Tanghulu to cool for a few minutes until the candy coating hardens. Once cooled, it will be ready to enjoy!

## Tips for Making the Recipe

– **Dry the Fruit**: Ensure the fruit is completely dry before dipping it into the syrup to prevent the sugar from seizing.

– **Watch the Syrup Temperature**: If the syrup is not hot enough, it won’t harden properly. Ensure it reaches the correct temperature for a crisp candy shell.

– **Work Quickly**: The syrup will harden quickly as it cools, so be sure to dip the fruit immediately after reaching the right temperature.

## How to Serve

Serve Tanghulu on a platter or in individual servings for a fun treat. These make a great snack for parties, celebrations, or a unique gift idea.

## Make Ahead and Storage

### Storing Leftovers

Tanghulu should be eaten fresh, as the candy coating can lose its crunch over time. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.

### Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Tanghulu to extend its shelf life. However, the candy shell may lose some of its crispness after thawing.

### Reheating

Tanghulu doesn’t require reheating. To regain some crispiness, you can place it in a cool, dry place for a few hours.

## FAQs

### 1. Can I use other fruits besides strawberries and grapes?

Yes! You can use any fruit with a firm texture, such as tangerines, kiwi, or even apples.

### 2. How do I know when the syrup is ready?

The syrup is ready when it reaches the hard-crack stage, which is around 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.

### 3. Can I add flavoring to the syrup?

Yes! You can add a few drops of vanilla extract, lemon juice, or even flavored syrups to create different flavors.

### 4. How long will Tanghulu stay fresh?

Tanghulu is best enjoyed the same day it’s made, as the candy shell may soften after a few hours.

### 5. Can I make Tanghulu with frozen fruit?

It’s best to use fresh fruit, as frozen fruit has more moisture and can affect the candy coating.

### 6. Can I make Tanghulu without a candy thermometer?

While a thermometer is ideal, you can also test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it hardens immediately and forms a brittle texture, it’s ready.

### 7. Can I make Tanghulu with other sugars?

Yes! You can try using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile, but they may affect the color of the syrup.

### 8. Can I make Tanghulu in advance?

Tanghulu is best made fresh, but you can prepare the syrup ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.

### 9. How can I make sure the syrup doesn’t burn?

Keep the heat low and stir the syrup often to prevent it from burning. Monitor the temperature closely.

### 10. Can I dip multiple fruits at once?

Yes, you can prepare multiple pieces of fruit on skewers and dip them into the syrup one at a time.

## Conclusion

Tanghulu is a fun, vibrant, and unique treat that combines the refreshing taste of fresh fruit with the sweetness of a crisp candy coating. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity with kids or a tasty snack for yourself, this Chinese candied fruit is an easy and delicious choice. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create this classic street food from the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy!