Candied Strawberries Recipe
Candied strawberries are a simple yet delightful treat that combines the freshness of strawberries and the satisfying crunch of a sugar glaze. These strawberries, covered in a rugged, glossy candy shell, are delicious and visually stunning, making them perfect for parties, desserts, or as a fun homemade gift. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Let’s walk through how you can make these at home, along with tips for success and nutritional information to keep things balanced.
What Are Candied Strawberries?
Candied strawberries are fresh strawberries coated in a complex sugar syrup that cools quickly to form a shiny, crunchy layer. The texture makes them unique—each bite gives you the crisp snap of the candy coating, followed by the juicy burst of the strawberry inside. Though they look fancy, making candied strawberries is quick and straightforward.
How to Make Candied Strawberries at Home
Making candied strawberries requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort. Here’s how you can make them in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries (choose firm ones)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional for extra shine)
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions:
Prepare the Strawberries
Wash your strawberries thoroughly and make sure they are scorched. Any moisture on the strawberries can cause the sugar syrup to slide off or seize up.
Make the Candy Coating
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let it boil until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer (called the “hard crack” stage).
Dip the Strawberries
Insert a skewer or toothpick into each strawberry. Once your sugar syrup is ready, dip each strawberry into it, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess syrup drip off before placing the strawberry on a piece of parchment paper to cool.
Let Them Set
The sugar coating hardens in just a few minutes. Once they are thoroughly cooled, they are ready to eat!
Tips for Perfect Candied Strawberries
- Pick the Right Strawberries
Firm, ripe strawberries are ideal for candying. Overly soft strawberries can collapse or leak juice, which makes the candy coating sticky or messy.
- Keep Your Sugar Syrup at the Right Temperature
Using a candy thermometer is critical. If the syrup is too cool, the coating won’t harden properly and will remain sticky. The sugar can burn if it’s too hot, resulting in a bitter taste.
- Work Quickly
Once your sugar syrup reaches the right temperature, dip the strawberries quickly. The syrup hardens once rapidly removed from the heat, so have everything ready before you start.
Fun Ways to Use Candied Strawberries
Candied strawberries are versatile and can be used in many creative ways:
- As a Fancy Dessert Topping
Their shiny, red appearance makes candied strawberries a stunning decoration for cakes, cupcakes, or even on top of ice cream. They add both flavor and visual appeal to any dessert.
- A Homemade Edible Gift
Candied strawberries make a thoughtful and unique gift. Wrap them in decorative packaging or a dessert box for a special occasion.
- As a Party Snack
Arrange candied strawberries on a platter or add them to a fruit tray for a fun addition to your next party. Their vibrant color and shiny coating make them an eye-catching snack that will impress guests.
Nutritional Information for Candied Strawberries
While candied strawberries are delicious, they are also high in sugar. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a single medium-sized candied strawberry:
| Calories | ~45-50 calories per strawberry |
| Sugar | ~12-14 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~13-15 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams |
| Fiber | ~1 gram |
| Protein | ~0.2 grams |
Though the candy coating adds sugar and calories, strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. So, while candied strawberries should be enjoyed as an occasional treat, they still offer some nutritional benefits from the fruit.
Conclusion
Candied strawberries are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a combination of sweet and crunchy textures. With just a few simple ingredients and some technique, you can create a beautiful and delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you use them as a dessert garnish, give them as a gift, or enjoy them as a fun snack, candied strawberries are sure to impress.
