These crunchy, sweet strawberries are a unique and fun Valentine treat (or for any ordinary day too)! If you ever loved those nostalgic red candy apples as a kid, get ready to enjoy the same sweet crunch but with a fresh twist. The best part? These candy fruit skewers are so easy to make, and you can even customize them with your favorite fruitsโwhether itโs strawberries, pears, kiwi, or pineapple. Itโs like an edible candy art project, and I promise, the crunch of the sweet candy coating against the juicy fruit will blow your mind!
Why Youโll Love Candy Fruit Skewers
- Nostalgic & Fun: These remind me of those classic candy apples we loved as kids, and theyโll take you right back to those sweet moments. Itโs like a bite of childhood happiness.
- Versatile: While I used strawberries, you can create a beautiful, colorful platter with different fruits like pears, grapes, raspberries, or even pineapple. Thereโs no limit to the delicious combinations!
- Easy to Make: Donโt be intimidated! With just a few ingredients and a little patience, youโll have a gorgeous platter of candy-coated fruits. Itโs fun, straightforward, and you get to be a little creative with the colors and presentation.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether youโre celebrating Valentineโs Day or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself or with friends, these candy fruit skewers are a crowd-pleaser. Theyโre also great for parties or as a whimsical snack for kids!
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Ingredients in Candy Fruit Skewers
Hereโs what youโll need to bring these sweet treats to life:
- Fresh Strawberries (or Other Fruit): You can use any fruit you likeโjust make sure itโs washed, dried, and ready for dipping!
- Sugar: This is what gives your candy coating that irresistible sweetness and perfect crunch.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup to create the candy mixture.
- Corn Syrup: Adds that shiny, smooth texture to the candy and helps it harden properly.
- Red Food Coloring (Optional): For that nostalgic red candy coating, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a natural look.
- Cocktail Skewers: These make it easy to dip each piece of fruit into the candy coating and serve them up in a fun, festive way.
(Note: Full measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Letโs get that candy coating on your fruit and have some fun:
Prepare the Skewers
Wash and dry your strawberries (or other fruit) thoroughly. If youโre using strawberries, gently insert a cocktail skewer into each strawberry. Set them aside on a clean surface or baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Make the Candy Coating
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and ยผ cup corn syrup over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture starts to simmer (lightly bubbling), itโs time to turn up the heat! Keep an eye on it, and allow the mixture to bubble and thicken as it turns a golden, caramel-like color. Youโll know itโs ready when the temperature on your candy thermometer reaches 300ยฐF.
Add the Color
If youโre going for that classic red candy look, add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring to the mixture and stir well to combine.
Dip the Fruit
Once the candy mixture is ready, carefully dip each fruit skewer into the hot syrup, making sure itโs fully coated. Gently tap off any excess coating and place the dipped fruit on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Let the Candy Harden
Allow the candy-coated fruit to cool completely. This will take a few minutes, and once itโs hardened, youโll have that satisfying crunch when you take a bite!
Enjoy!
Once cooled, these candy fruit skewers are ready to enjoy! You can serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container for later (though theyโre best enjoyed fresh).
How to Serve Candy Fruit Skewers
- As a Fun Snack: These are perfect for movie nights, kidsโ parties, or as a sweet snack to share with friends.
- For Special Occasions: Serve these at Valentineโs Day, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of sweetness and fun.
- With a Dip: If youโre feeling extra indulgent, serve the candy fruit skewers with a side of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for an added treat!
Additional Tips
- Fruit Variety: Feel free to mix and match fruits based on whatโs in season or your personal favorites. Grapes, pears, and raspberries are all excellent choices!
- Make It Your Own: If you want to get creative, you can drizzle extra candy coating over the fruit after it hardens or sprinkle crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles on top.
- Work Quickly: The candy mixture can harden quickly, so work fast when dipping the fruit and be sure to tap off any excess syrup.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: Approximately 12 skewers
Calories per serving: 90
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 0g
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
A1: Yes! You can use any fruit you likeโgrapes, kiwi, pears, or even pineapple. Just make sure they are firm and dry before dipping.
Q2: Do I need a candy thermometer?
A2: While itโs helpful, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it hardens quickly and forms a crunchy texture, itโs ready!
Q3: How do I store these?
A3: Store the candy fruit skewers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Theyโre best enjoyed fresh but can last for a short time if stored properly.
Q4: Can I make these without food coloring?
A4: Absolutely! The candy coating will still be just as sweet and delicious without the red food coloring.
Q5: What other fruits work well with this recipe?
A5: In addition to strawberries, try pears, raspberries, grapes, or slices of apple. The possibilities are endless!
Q6: Can I make these in advance?
A6: Yes, but keep in mind the candy coating may lose its crispness if stored for too long. Itโs best to enjoy them the same day theyโre made.
Q7: Can I add a touch of flavor to the candy coating?
A7: Yes! You can add a small amount of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the syrup for a unique flavor twist.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes! If youโre making a larger batch, just double the ingredients and use a bigger pot.
Q9: What if the candy hardens before I dip all the fruit?
A9: If the candy starts to harden, simply reheat it gently on low heat until it softens again.
Q10: Are these candy fruit skewers suitable for kids?
A10: Definitely! Just be sure to supervise the candy-making process, as the syrup gets very hot. The kids will love the sweet crunch of the fruit!
Conclusion
These Candy Fruit Skewers are not only a fun, nostalgic treat but also super versatile and simple to make. Whether youโre treating yourself, hosting a party, or preparing something special for Valentineโs Day, these sweet and crunchy fruit skewers will steal the show. With the perfect balance of fruit and candy, theyโre a bite of joy youโll savor with every crunch! Enjoy!
Print
Candy Fruit Skewers: Crunchy, Sweet Strawberry Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 candied fruit skewers (depending on the size of the fruit)
Description
These crunchy, sweet strawberries (or any fruit) are a nostalgic treat for Valentineโs Day or any occasion! Coated in a delicious candy glaze, they make for a fun and easy homemade snack. Perfect for your sweet tooth, these candied fruit skewers are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries (washed & dried) OR other fruit (e.g., pears, grapes, kiwi, raspberries, pineapple)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- ยผ cup corn syrup
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Cocktail skewers (for strawberries)
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and ยผ cup corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine.
- Once the sugar dissolves, turn the heat up and allow the mixture to simmer, lightly bubbling.
- While the mixture heats up, insert skewers into each strawberry (or other fruit).
- Continue heating the candy mixture until it thickens and turns a golden, caramel-like color. Use a candy thermometer to check; the temperature should be around 300ยฐF.
- Add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring to the candy (optional), and stir well.
- Quickly dip each strawberry (on the skewer) into the candy coating. Gently tap off any excess.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and allow them to harden.
- Let cool completely, then enjoy!
Notes
- You can experiment with different fruits such as pears, grapes, or kiwi for variety.
- Be cautious when handling the hot candy syrup, as it can cause burns.
- If you prefer a color other than red, feel free to use different food coloring.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candied strawberry skewer
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0g