Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe
If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to a playful, eye-catching dessert, look no further than Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight. This joyful treat features plump strawberries enveloped in a glassy, crackly candy shell that shatters with each bite, giving way to juicy, sweet fruit underneath. The combination is pure magic, offering irresistible textures and flavors in every mouthful. Whether for a party centerpiece or a weekend kitchen adventure, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fruit
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Tools
- 10–12 wooden skewers
- Parchment paper (for setting)
How to Make Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight
Step 1: Prep Your Strawberries and Skewers
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will be your base for setting the finished skewers. Carefully hull your strawberries and pat them completely dry with a paper towel—any moisture can prevent the candy coating from sticking. Thread each strawberry onto a wooden skewer, making sure they’re secure but not squished. Lay them out on the prepared tray so they’re ready to go once the candy mixture is hot.
Step 2: Make the Candy Coating
In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup over medium heat. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Allow it to bubble away undisturbed until it reaches 300°F, known as the hard crack stage, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy—this is the secret to getting that signature, glass-like snap for your Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight.
Step 3: Flavor and Dip
Once your syrup hits 300°F, immediately remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if you’re using it. Now, working quickly and carefully (that syrup is hot!), dip each strawberry skewer into the candy mixture, swirling to coat the fruit completely. Let any excess drip off, then either stand the skewers upright in a block of foam or lay them gently on your parchment-lined tray to set. The candy coating will harden and turn glossy in just a minute or two.
Step 4: Cool and Set
Once all your strawberries are dipped and coated, let them cool at room temperature until the candy shell is completely hard and crisp. Don’t rush this step—the payoff is that beautiful, audible crunch when you bite in! Once set, your Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight are ready for the spotlight.
How to Serve Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight
Garnishes
For a dazzling presentation, consider sprinkling your skewers with a touch of edible glitter, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. These little extras enhance both the look and flavor, making your Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight extra memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with a bowl of lightly whipped cream, a platter of fresh fruit, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These sides add a creamy contrast to the crunchy, sweet shell and juicy berries, making your dessert spread even more tempting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight upright in a vase or mason jar for a bouquet effect, or lay them in neat rows on a pretty platter. For parties, consider wrapping each skewer in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a festive, grab-and-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra skewers, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they’re not stacked, as the candy shell can stick or crack. Enjoy them within 24 hours for the best crunch and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight. The moisture from the freezer will cause the candy shell to soften and become sticky, and the strawberries themselves won’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
Reheating
These skewers are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature and don’t require reheating. If the candy coating softens slightly due to humidity, you can place them in a cool, dry spot for a bit to help the shell firm up again.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits for these skewers?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, grapes, apple chunks, or even mandarin orange segments work beautifully. Just be sure the fruit is dry before dipping to help the candy shell adhere and stay crunchy.
How do I know when the candy mixture is ready?
Use a candy thermometer to be sure—the mixture should reach 300°F (hard crack stage). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a bit of syrup into a bowl of cold water; it should harden instantly and break with a snap.
Can I make these without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and gives the candy its glossy finish. If you’re avoiding corn syrup, you can try substituting with golden syrup, but the texture may be slightly different.
What’s the best way to set the skewers upright?
A block of florist’s foam or a sturdy piece of Styrofoam works wonders for holding the skewers upright as the candy sets. Alternatively, simply lay them flat on parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch.
How long do Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight stay crunchy?
They’re at their best the day they’re made, but if stored properly in a cool, dry place, you can enjoy their crunch for up to 24 hours. After that, the candy coating may begin to absorb moisture and lose its snap.
Final Thoughts
Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight are a sweet adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just to enjoy a playful treat, they guarantee smiles with every crunchy, juicy bite. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and let the magic begin!
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Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 skewers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy Fruit Skewers feature fresh strawberries coated in a crisp, sweet candy shell made from a perfect sugar syrup cooked to the hard crack stage. These tanghulu-style skewers offer a delightful contrast between juicy fruit and crunchy coating, making for an irresistible dessert or snack that’s visually appealing and deliciously nostalgic.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Tools
- 10–12 wooden skewers
- Parchment paper (for setting)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries, then carefully insert wooden skewers into each one, ensuring the fruit is secure for dipping and serving.
- Make Candy Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Boil the syrup without stirring until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, which usually takes 10–12 minutes. This temperature ensures a crisp, crunchy coating.
- Add Vanilla (Optional): Remove the syrup from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor, if using.
- Dip Strawberries: Immediately dip each strawberry on the skewer into the hot syrup, swirling to coat the fruit completely. Let any excess syrup drip back into the pan.
- Set Candy Coating: Place the coated skewers upright in a foam block or lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden completely.
- Serve: Allow the candy coating to cool fully before serving to enjoy the perfect crunchy texture.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the hard crack stage (300°F) for the right crunch.
- Dried or wet fruit may affect candy adhesion—make sure fruits are dry before dipping.
- Other fruits like grapes or apple chunks work well as alternatives.
- Enjoy the skewers the same day for maximum crunchiness as the candy coating can soften over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired (Tanghulu-style)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
