Name: Traditional Tanghulu with a Modern Twist
Total time: 15 min
Yield: serving
Ingredients: Fresh fruit of your choice (strawberries, grapes, or hawthorn berries); 1 cup of sugar; ½ cup of water; Skewers; Optional toppings: sesame seeds, edible glitter

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Tanghulu, a simple yet mesmerizing dessert, has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of social media foodies worldwide. Originating from northern China, this snack is traditionally made with hawthorn fruit dipped in a hard sugar glaze, transforming ordinary fruit into a delightful, shiny treat.

Today, the recipe has evolved right here, and you’ll find everything from strawberries to grapes coated in this irresistible caramelized layer.

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What Makes Tanghulu So Special?

Tanghulu is both visually captivating and satisfyingly crunchy. The thin layer of hardened sugar provides a delicate crack when you bite into it, giving way to the fresh, juicy fruit inside. It's a perfect harmony of textures: the crunch of the sugar and the burst of sweetness from the fruit.

But let’s not stop at hawthorn berries! One of the reasons Tanghulu has exploded on social media is its adaptability. You can use any fruit that has a firm texture—strawberries, grapes, or even slices of apple work perfectly. Want to add a bit of extra flair? Try sprinkling sesame seeds or drizzling chocolate over your candied creation for a modern twist.

Ingredients Needed to Make Tanghulu

Fresh fruit of your choice (strawberries, grapes, or hawthorn berries)
1 cup of sugar
½ cup of water
Skewers
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, edible glitter

How to Make Tanghulu

Prepare the fruit: Wash and thoroughly dry your fruit. This step is crucial to ensure the sugar glaze sticks properly. Insert the fruit onto skewers, keeping enough space between each piece for an even coating.
Make the sugar syrup: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes a light amber color. The syrup should reach a hard-crack stage, around 300°F (150°C), but if you don’t have a thermometer, just dip a spoon into the syrup. If the syrup hardens quickly after touching a cold surface, it’s ready.
Dip the fruit: Working quickly, dip each skewer of fruit into the sugar syrup, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated. Hold the skewer over the pot to allow excess syrup to drip off. Once the fruit is covered, place it on a lined baking sheet to cool.
Add a little something extra (optional): If you want to experiment, you can sprinkle toppings like sesame seeds or drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed fruit for added flavor and aesthetic.
Cool and enjoy: Let the skewers cool completely before serving. The sugar will harden into a beautiful, glossy shell.

Nutrition Facts (per serving of Tanghulu)

Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 5 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Tanghulu is primarily a sweet treat with a high sugar content from the glaze, but the freshness of the fruit offers some fiber and natural vitamins depending on what you use (strawberries, grapes, etc.). It’s a fun indulgence, but like most sweets, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

For more delicious recipes and vibrant cooking inspiration, head over to Tales Of A Kitchen to explore a variety of wholesome and unique dishes!