If you’re on the hunt for a treat that combines irresistible crunch with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit, the Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe is absolutely calling your name. Imagine biting into a perfectly candied strawberry that crackles delightfully before revealing its juicy, tender inside—this recipe is a celebration of texture and vibrant flavor, all elegantly presented on a simple skewer. It’s as much fun to make as it is to share, turning fresh berries and a basic sugar syrup into a dazzling dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by this recipe’s simplicity—the few ingredients you gather play a starring role in creating that magical crunch and sweetness. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to highlight and protect the fresh fruit, crafting the perfect candy coating that’s crisp and beautifully clear.
- Fresh strawberries (1 lb.): The juicy, ripe fruit that bursts with flavor beneath the candy shell—feel free to swap in pears, grapes, kiwi, raspberries, or pineapple for variety.
- Sugar (2 cups): The essential sweetener that forms the syrup base, giving you the delightful crunch and shine you want on every bite.
- Water (1 cup): Helps dissolve the sugar and create a smooth syrup that cooks evenly without crystallizing.
- Corn syrup (¼ cup): Key for stopping the sugar from crystallizing and ensuring that perfect glossy finish.
- Red food coloring (optional): A tiny splash can intensify the candy’s vibrant look, making it even more eye-catching.
- Cocktail skewers: Perfect for holding your strawberries or other fruit firmly while dipping and for serving with style.
How to Make Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Candy Ingredients
Start by mixing 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of water, and ¼ cup of corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently to combine everything, watching as the sugar dissolves into a clear liquid. This base is the foundation of your crunchy coating, so getting it smooth and lump-free is key.
Step 2: Simmer to Perfection
Once the sugar has fully dissolved, turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You’ll notice shimmering bubbles as the syrup begins to thicken. Resist the urge to stir now—let it bubble gently as the magic happens.
Step 3: Prepare Your Fruit Skewers
While the syrup is simmering, take your washed and dried strawberries, or other fruits of your choice, and carefully insert cocktail skewers into each. It’s helpful to use fruit that’s dry to prevent the candy from slipping later on.
Step 4: Achieve the Perfect Candy Stage
Keep cooking the syrup until it takes on a beautiful golden, caramel-like color. Use a candy thermometer if you have one, aiming for around 300°F—a key stage called the hard crack point. This ensures the candy coating will harden crisp and snap just right.
Step 5: Add Color and Stir
Once you have the right temperature and color, add 1 or 2 drops of red food coloring if you like your candy skewers with an extra pop of visual appeal. Stir it in quickly and evenly.
Step 6: Dip Your Fruit
Working quickly, dip each fruit skewer into the hot candy syrup, allowing the treat to become generously coated. Give it a gentle tap to shake off any excess syrup; this helps avoid puddles and clutching sticky drips.
Step 7: Let Cool on Parchment Paper
Place the candy-coated fruit skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and lets the glossy candy shell set into that satisfying crunch.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Creation
After the coating cools completely, your Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds. The moment you bite into that crackly shell, bursting with sweet, fresh juice, you’ll know this treat is pure joy.
How to Serve Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, over your skewers immediately after dipping, before the candy hardens. You can also add a light dusting of edible glitter or colorful sugar crystals if you’re aiming for party-perfect presentation.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a refreshing contrast to the crunchy coating. Serve alongside a simple cheese plate or a scoop of creamy ice cream for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the skewers standing upright in a decorative glass or vintage jar filled with rock salt or sugar to keep them stable. Or, plate them on a large board with complementary fresh fruit, nuts, and dips for a beautiful, shareable dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, these candy fruit skewers remain crunchy and fresh for up to 24 hours. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the candy coating to become sticky or lose its crispness.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these skewers because the moisture can damage the candy shell and alter the texture of the fruit. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for maximum crunch.
Reheating
Since the candy coating hardens after cooling, reheating isn’t necessary or advised; it could melt the candy and ruin the texture. If you want warm fruit, consider serving alongside a warm dessert instead.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! Pears, grapes, kiwi, raspberries, or pineapple work wonderfully. Just make sure the fruit is dry and firm enough to hold on the skewer and support the candy coating.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can still make this recipe, but you’ll need to watch the syrup closely. Look for it to turn a golden amber color and test a small spoonful of syrup in cold water—it should harden instantly and crack when you break it.
Why is corn syrup important in the recipe?
Corn syrup prevents the sugar from crystallizing and keeps your candy syrup smooth and shiny, which helps create that perfect glassy shell on the fruit.
How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the skewers?
Make sure your fruit is completely dry before skewering and dipping. Quickly tapping off excess syrup also helps avoid sticky drips that could gum up the skewer.
Can I make these skewers ahead of a party?
Yes! You can prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them at room temperature until serving. Just avoid refrigeration as it can affect the crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about crafting your own Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe—it’s an irresistible blend of texture, flavor, and festive fun all wrapped up in a glossy candy shell. Whether you’re treating yourself or dazzling guests, this recipe brings a touch of sweetness and sparkle that’s simply unforgettable. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for some seriously delicious moments!
Print
Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 candied fruit skewers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy Fruit Skewers are a delightful treat featuring fresh strawberries or other fruits coated in a crunchy, sweet candy shell. Made by simmering a sugar, water, and corn syrup mixture to a hard crack stage, these skewers create a crisp caramelized coating perfect for parties or a fun dessert.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries (washed & dried) OR other fruit such as pears, grapes, kiwi, raspberries, pineapple
Candy Coating
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- Red food coloring (optional)
Tools
- Cocktail skewers (for strawberries or chosen fruit)
Instructions
- Prepare the Candy Base: Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and ¼ cup corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Once the sugar dissolves completely, increase the heat to let the mixture simmer with light bubbling to begin thickening.
- Skewer the Fruit: While the candy mixture heats, insert cocktail skewers into each strawberry or your chosen fruit, making them easy to dip and eat.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Continue heating the candy mixture until it turns a golden caramel color and thickens. Use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches about 300°F (hard crack stage) which guarantees a crunchy coating.
- Add Food Coloring: Optionally, add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring to enhance the candy’s appearance and stir the mixture well.
- Dip the Fruit: Quickly dip each skewered fruit into the hot candy coating, making sure to cover it completely. Gently tap to remove any excess candy.
- Set the Candy Coating: Place the dipped fruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow the candy shell to harden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the candy fruit skewers cool completely until the coating is firm and crisp, then enjoy your crunchy, sweet treat.
Notes
- Use fresh, dry fruit to ensure candy coating sticks properly.
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
- If the candy mixture hardens before use, gently reheat to liquefy again.
- Experiment with different fruits for variety, but firmer fruits hold the candy better.
- Work quickly during the dipping process, as the candy hardens fast.
