Description
Candy Fruit Skewers: A delightful treat featuring fresh strawberries (or other fruits) dipped in a crunchy, sweet homemade candy coating. Perfect for parties or a fun dessert, these skewers combine the natural juiciness of fruit with a crisp, caramelized sugar shell.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries (washed & dried) OR other fruit (e.g., pears, grapes, kiwi, raspberries, pineapple)
Candy Coating
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- Red food coloring (optional)
Other
- Cocktail skewers (for strawberries or chosen fruit)
Instructions
- Prepare Candy Mixture: Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and ¼ cup corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar evenly without splashing.
- Simmer Mixture: After the sugar dissolves, increase the heat and let the mixture simmer lightly, allowing it to bubble gently as it begins to thicken.
- Skewer Fruit: While the candy mixture heats, insert cocktail skewers into each strawberry or alternative fruit piece, ensuring they are securely held for dipping.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Continue heating the candy mixture until it thickens and changes to a golden caramel color. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature—aim for around 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Add Color: Optional – add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring to the candy mixture and stir thoroughly for an appealing hue.
- Dip Fruit: Quickly dip each skewered fruit into the hot candy coating, making sure they are fully covered. Gently tap each skewer to remove excess coating to avoid clumps.
- Cool and Set: Place the dipped fruit on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely until the candy sets hard.
- Serve: Once cooled and hardened, enjoy your crunchy, sweet candy fruit skewers as a refreshing and fun dessert.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the correct temperature (300°F) for the candy coating to harden properly.
- You can substitute strawberries with other firm fruits like pears, grapes, kiwi, raspberries, or pineapple to vary flavors.
- Be careful when handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
- Work quickly when dipping fruit to prevent the candy from hardening in the pot.
- Store leftovers in a cool, dry place to keep the candy coating crisp.
