Strawberry Tanghulu
If you’ve been on food TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the mesmerizing crack of Tanghulu—that shiny, glass-like sugar shell shattering with every bite. This classic Chinese street food is having a major moment, and for good reason. Traditionally made with hawthorn berries, Tanghulu is a simple yet stunning dessert that transforms fresh fruit into candy-coated perfection.
This version features juicy strawberries encased in a crisp, caramelized sugar shell, striking the perfect balance between sweet crunch and refreshing tartness. It’s easier than it looks, but nailing that glossy, shatteringly thin coating takes a little technique. Whether you’re making it for fun, for aesthetics, or just to experience that ASMR-worthy crunch firsthand, this Strawberry Tanghulu is a treat worth trying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy, Crunchy, & Satisfying – That shiny sugar shell cracks like glass when you bite into it, making every bite a mix of sweet crunch and juicy fruit.
✔ Easier Than It Looks – With just a few ingredients, you can master this street-food favorite at home—no fancy equipment needed!
✔ TikTok-Worthy & Trendy – This viral treat is all over social media, and for good reason. It’s simple, stunning, and ridiculously satisfying to eat.
✔ Perfect for Snacking or Sharing – Serve these up at a party, make them with kids, or just enjoy a few yourself—because who can resist sugar-coated fruit?
✔ Customizable with Different Fruits – Strawberries are a classic, but you can try this with grapes, blueberries, kiwi slices, or even mandarin segments for a fun twist!
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Sugar
- Water
- Ice cubes
Instructions for Making Strawberry Tanghulu
If you prefer to use a printable recipe card, you’ll find one at the bottom of this post! You’re welcome to print it out so you can keep it a folder at home and return to it the next time you want to make this recipe. Here, I’m going to share more about the super simple step-by-step process, alongside some photos to help guide you along the way in the kitchen.
- Wash and dry the strawberries, leaving the stems intact. Skewer 2-3 strawberries on each wooden skewer.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare a bowl filled with ice water.
- Dip each skewered strawberry into the hot sugar mixture, coating it thoroughly. Allow any excess sugar to drip off.
- Immediately dip the coated strawberries into the ice water bath to cool and harden the sugar coating. Remove and pat dry.
- Serve the strawberry tanghulu skewers chilled and crispy, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Tanghulu
✔ Use Dry, Room-Temperature Fruit – Water is the enemy of caramelized sugar. Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before dipping, or the sugar won’t stick properly. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before coating—cold fruit can cause the sugar to harden too quickly and become cloudy.
✔ Get the Sugar Syrup to the Right Temperature – The key to that shiny, glass-like shell is reaching the hard crack stage (300°F/150°C). If the syrup is undercooked, it will be sticky and chewy instead of crisp. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dipping a spoon into the syrup and immediately dunking it in ice water—if it hardens and snaps, it’s ready!
✔ Work Quickly – Once the sugar reaches hard crack stage, it sets FAST. Dip your strawberries one by one, twisting to coat evenly, and immediately place them on parchment paper to harden.
✔ Use Skewers for Easy Dipping – Traditional Tanghulu is made with fruit skewered on bamboo sticks. This makes it easier to dip and ensures a smooth, even coating. If you prefer single bites, use toothpicks for mini Tanghulu treats!
✔ Avoid Stirring the Sugar Syrup – Stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize and turn grainy. Instead, gently swirl the pan if needed to mix.
✔ Keep an Ice Water Bath Ready – If the sugar starts browning too much, dunk the bottom of the pan in ice water to stop the cooking immediately.
✔ Eat It Fresh! – Tanghulu is best enjoyed right away while the sugar shell is crisp. Over time, humidity can soften the coating, making it sticky instead of crunchy.
Serving Ideas for Strawberry Tanghulu
Tanghulu is already a showstopper on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy it:
Classic & Simple
- As-is, on skewers – The traditional way! Arrange a few strawberries on a bamboo skewer for easy snacking and aesthetic presentation.
- Mini Tanghulu Bites – Use toothpicks instead of skewers for bite-sized versions, perfect for parties or kids.
Chocolate & Dips
- Drizzle with Melted Chocolate – Once the sugar shell hardens, drizzle with dark, milk, or white chocolate for a decadent touch.
- Serve with Whipped Cream – The light, fluffy texture of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the crunchy sugar shell.
- Dip in Sweetened Condensed Milk – For a creamy contrast, serve with a small bowl of condensed milk or vanilla yogurt.
Dessert Pairings
- With Ice Cream – Add Tanghulu skewers to vanilla or cookies & cream ice cream for extra crunch and flavor.
- On a Dessert Charcuterie Board – Arrange with chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallows, and fresh fruit for a stunning dessert platter.
- Crumble Over Cheesecake or Pancakes – Break the Tanghulu into shards and sprinkle over cheesecake, waffles, or pancakes for a crispy, caramelized topping.
Strawberry Tanghulu
Ingredients
- 10-12 large fresh strawberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash and dry the strawberries, leaving the stems intact. Skewer 2-3 strawberries on each wooden skewer.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare a bowl filled with ice water.
- Dip each skewered strawberry into the hot sugar mixture, coating it thoroughly. Allow any excess sugar to drip off.
- Immediately dip the coated strawberries into the ice water bath to cool and harden the sugar coating. Remove and pat dry.
- Serve the strawberry tanghulu skewers chilled and crispy, and enjoy!
Strawberry Tanghulu is proof that a few simple ingredients can create something truly magical. With its shiny, glass-like shell and satisfying crunch, it’s easy to see why this classic Chinese street food is now a viral sensation. Whether you’re making it for a fun treat, a party snack, or just to experience that TikTok-famous bite, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments section below!
