Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit Skewers)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Medium

Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit Skewers)

Skewers of firm fruit dipped in sugar syrup cooked to the hard-crack stage, so the shell shatters like glass on the first bite. Eat them within the hour for the best crunch. Makes 8 skewers in about 45 minutes.

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Cooling 10 min

Total 45 min

Yield 8 skewers

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

Adjust yield

skewers

9 oz (250 g)small firm strawberries or seedless grapes, washed, hulled, dried completely
1 ½ cups (300 g)granulated sugar
⅔ cup (150 ml)water

Fresh ingredient guides

StrawberriesHow to pick, season & nutrition · 49 kcal per 152 g

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Instructions

Wash the fruit and dry it completely with paper towels; any water makes the shell slip off.
Thread 3 or 4 pieces of fruit onto each of 8 bamboo skewers.
Line a tray with parchment and fill a wide bowl with ice water.
Boil the sugar and water in a small, deep saucepan over medium heat without stirring until the thermometer reads 300 F (149 C), 8 to 12 minutes; the syrup should be pale amber.
Remove from the heat, tilt the pan and quickly roll a skewer through the syrup to coat all sides.
Dip the skewer in the ice water for 2 seconds to set the shell, then rest it on the tray.
Repeat with the remaining skewers, reheating the syrup gently if it thickens.

Tips

Do not stir the syrup after it boils or it will turn cloudy.
Dry fruit thoroughly and work in dry weather; humidity softens the shell.
Eat within 1 hour and do not refrigerate, as moisture dissolves the shell.
Sugar at 300 F (149 C) gives severe burns; use oven mitts, and warn eaters that the shell can chip teeth. Do not give to young children.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make tanghulu (chinese candied fruit skewers)?

Plan on 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, plus 10 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 8 skewers.

How should I store tanghulu (chinese candied fruit skewers)?

Best eaten right away; do not refrigerate.

Can I make tanghulu (chinese candied fruit skewers) ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 8 servings this recipe makes.

167 Calories / serving

0.1g Fat

43.1g Carbs

0.2g Protein

42.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (8 servings): ~1336 cal · 1g fat · 345g carbs · 2g protein · 338g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.