Tanghulu, the traditional Chinese candied fruit skewer, has taken the dessert world by storm, trending on platforms like Pinterest and TikTok in 2025. These glossy, crunchy treats combine the natural sweetness of fruit with a crisp sugar shell, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun DIY project, these 12 tanghulu ideas offer creative spins on the classic recipe, from vibrant fruits to innovative flavor pairings. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner, these recipes are easy to make with minimal ingredients, making them ideal for impressing guests or indulging in a sweet treat. Ready to dive into the world of candied fruit? Explore these tanghulu ideas and elevate your dessert game today!
1. Classic Strawberry Tanghulu
The quintessential tanghulu, this version uses fresh strawberries for a juicy, tart base. The vibrant red fruit coated in a shiny sugar shell is a visual stunner.
Ingredients: 10 fresh strawberries, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, bamboo skewers.
Instructions: Skewer strawberries. Heat sugar and water to 300°F (hard crack stage), dip strawberries, and cool on parchment paper. Serves 2-3.
Perfect for beginners exploring tanghulu recipes, this classic is a must-try.
2. Grape Tanghulu
Grapes make for bite-sized, poppable tanghulu. Use seedless green or red grapes for a sweet-tart contrast to the crunchy shell.
Ingredients: 15 seedless grapes, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer grapes. Boil sugar and water to hard crack stage, dip grapes, and let harden. Serves 3-4.
A great addition to candied fruit ideas for kids’ parties or quick snacks.
3. Mango Tanghulu
Tropical mango chunks bring a juicy, exotic twist to tanghulu. Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping and vibrant flavor.
Ingredients: 2 mangoes (cubed), 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer mango cubes. Cook sugar and water to 300°F, dip mango, and cool. Serves 4.
This recipe shines in tanghulu with exotic fruits, perfect for summer gatherings.
4. Kiwi Tanghulu
Kiwi’s tangy, vibrant green flesh pairs beautifully with the sweet sugar coating, creating a visually striking treat.
Ingredients: 3 kiwis (peeled, sliced), 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer kiwi slices. Heat sugar-water mix to hard crack stage, dip slices, and cool on parchment. Serves 3.
A standout in easy tanghulu desserts for its bold color and flavor.
5. Pineapple Tanghulu
Pineapple chunks offer a sweet-tart tropical burst, ideal for a refreshing tanghulu variation.
Ingredients: 1 cup pineapple chunks, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer pineapple. Boil sugar and water to 300°F, dip chunks, and let set. Serves 3-4.
This recipe is a hit for fruit candy recipes with a beachy vibe.
6. Apple Tanghulu
Inspired by traditional Chinese recipes, candied apple slices offer a crisp, autumnal twist on tanghulu.
Ingredients: 2 apples (sliced), 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer apple slices. Cook sugar-water to hard crack stage, dip apples, and cool. Serves 4.
Perfect for fall in Chinese candied fruit recipes, pairing well with cozy drinks.
7. Orange Segment Tanghulu
Orange segments provide a juicy, citrusy base with a glossy sugar shell, ideal for a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients: 2 oranges (segmented), ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer orange segments. Heat sugar and water to 300°F, dip segments, and cool. Serves 3.
A zesty choice for tanghulu flavors to brighten any party spread.
8. Blueberry Tanghulu
Tiny blueberries create delicate, bite-sized tanghulu perfect for elegant dessert platters.
Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer blueberries (3-4 per skewer). Boil sugar-water to hard crack stage, dip, and let harden. Serves 4.
This recipe fits into healthy tanghulu variations with its antioxidant-rich fruit.
9. Peach Tanghulu
Juicy peach slices coated in a crisp sugar shell offer a summery, sweet treat for tanghulu lovers.
Ingredients: 2 peaches (sliced), 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer peach slices. Cook sugar and water to 300°F, dip peaches, and cool. Serves 4.
A delicious option for tanghulu for parties, adding a soft, sweet bite.
10. Watermelon Tanghulu
Watermelon cubes bring a refreshing, juicy element to tanghulu, ideal for hot days or vibrant dessert displays.
Ingredients: 1 cup watermelon cubes, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer watermelon. Boil sugar-water to hard crack stage, dip cubes, and let set. Serves 3.
A fun pick for sweet fruit treats, especially for outdoor gatherings.
11. Chocolate-Dipped Tanghulu
Add a decadent twist by dipping classic strawberry tanghulu in melted dark chocolate after the sugar hardens.
Ingredients: 10 strawberries, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, ½ cup melted dark chocolate, skewers.
Instructions: Make strawberry tanghulu as above. Once cooled, dip in melted chocolate and chill. Serves 2-3.
This indulgent version elevates tanghulu dessert trends for special occasions.
12. Matcha-Infused Tanghulu
Incorporate matcha for a trendy, earthy flavor by dusting candied grapes with matcha powder post-dip.
Ingredients: 15 grapes, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup water, 1 tsp matcha powder, skewers.
Instructions: Skewer grapes, dip in 300°F sugar syrup, cool slightly, and dust with matcha. Serves 3-4.
A unique addition to DIY tanghulu ideas, perfect for modern dessert lovers.
These 12 tanghulu ideas bring a mix of classic and innovative flavors to your dessert table, aligning with 2025’s Pinterest trend of visually appealing, shareable treats. To perfect your tanghulu, use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar reaches the hard crack stage (300°F) for a crisp shell. Always dry fruits thoroughly to prevent the sugar from slipping off, and work quickly to dip before the syrup cools. Source fresh fruits from local markets or retailers like Whole Foods, and grab bamboo skewers from Amazon for easy prep. Whether you're hosting a party or craving a sweet snack, these recipes are sure to impress. Ready to create your own candied fruit masterpiece? Try these tanghulu ideas today and share your creations in the comments below!
