Making Candied Strawberries Without Corn Syrup
To make candied strawberries without corn syrup, start by choosing fresh, ripe berries that are bright red and firm. Rinse and dry them thoroughly, then prepare a simple sugar syrup with equal parts sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Dip the strawberries in the syrup, allowing excess to drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined tray to harden. Continue on to discover tips for serving and storing your sweet treats.
Choosing the Right Strawberries
When it comes to making candied strawberries, picking the right ones is essential for achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.
Look for bright red, firm, and free from blemishes strawberries. Size matters, too; medium-sized berries usually work best since they dip easily and hold the candy coating well.
Check for freshness by smelling them; they should have a sweet aroma. Avoid strawberries with green or white patches, as they won’t be as sweet.
Once you’ve selected the perfect berries, you’ll set the stage for a delicious treat that’s sure to impress everyone.
Natural Sweetener Options
If you’re looking to enhance the sweetness of your candied strawberries without refined sugars, there are several natural sweetener options to evaluate.
Honey is a popular choice, adding a rich flavor and shine.
Maple syrup offers a unique taste and pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Agave nectar provides a mild sweetness and blends easily.
For a low-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener, which can add sweetness without the calories.
Choose one or mix a couple to find your perfect balance.
Just remember to adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences for the best results. Tanghulu recipe without corn syrup is even more tasty and easy to make. If corn syrup is not available in local stores near your city, then no worries, use honey as a substitute.
What does honey do?
- It gives a delicious flavor to caramelized strawberries.
- It precludes crystallization.
- It makes sugary strawberries shiny and glossy.
Key Ingredients You Need to Prepare Delicious Tanghulu Recipe
- Sugar, water, or your chosen fruit.
- You can go for grapes, berries, apples, kiwi, and orange slices. I recommend strawberries.
- Corn syrup or honey are also used.
The essential purpose of using corn syrup or honey is to prevent the crystallization of sugar syrup, so it sticks well to fruits.
Tanghulu Recipe
Equipment
- Candy thermometer or instant-read thermometer
- Toothpicks, bamboo skewers, or lollipop sticks
- A Square baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Materials
- 2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 20 fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry strawberries with a kitchen towel. There must be no moisture on the strawberries' surface because sugar syrups would not stock to moist strawberries.
Use fresh strawberries for best results
- Insert bamboo skewers or toothpicks into the stem of strawberries. You can also use lollipop sticks. You can also cut the stem if you want. Put 4 strawberries in each skewer. Do not overcrowd.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Pour sugar, water, honey into a saucepan. Do not stir; swirl the pan only. Let it boil on medium flame until sugar melts completely. It will take 15 minutes.
- Insert a candy thermometer or instant-read thermometer and heat until it reaches to300F. Turn off the heat.
Serving and Storing Candied Strawberries
Once your candied strawberries have set and formed that delightful candy shell, it’s time to think about how to serve and store them.
For serving, arrange them on a decorative platter or skewer them for a fun presentation. They make great party treats or gifts!
If you’re not eating them right away, store your strawberries in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispness.
Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can ruin the candy coating. Enjoy your sweet creations within a few days for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for Candied Strawberries?
You can use frozen strawberries for candied strawberries, but they may not hold their shape as well.
Thaw them first, then pat them dry to guarantee the coating sticks properly and maintains a nice texture.
How Long Do Candied Strawberries Last at Room Temperature?
Candied strawberries typically last about 1 to 2 days at room temperature.
If you want them to stay fresh longer, consider refrigerating them.
Just remember, they might lose some of their crispiness.
Can I Add Flavors to the Candy Coating?
Absolutely, you can add flavors to your candy coating!
Try mixing in extracts like vanilla, almond, or citrus zest for a delicious twist.
Just make sure the added ingredients don’t affect the coating’s consistency.
What Do I Do if the Candy Hardens Too Quickly?
If the candy hardens too quickly, you can gently reheat it on low heat, stirring constantly.
This’ll help soften the mixture, allowing you to work with it more easily and coat your strawberries effectively.
Are Candied Strawberries Safe for Children Under Five?
Yes, candied strawberries can be safe for children under five, but always supervise them while eating.
Make certain the strawberries are cut into small pieces to prevent choking hazards and ensure they are free of allergens.
3 Reasons to Must Try This Recipe
- This tasty candy strawberry is super easy and looks perfect on a bowl of almond cake.
- You can make flawless candied fruit without a candy thermometer.
- Honey makes this recipe perfect and mouth-licking.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make delicious candied strawberries without corn syrup, you can enjoy a healthier treat that’s just as sweet. By choosing fresh strawberries and using natural sweeteners, you’re not only satisfying your sweet tooth but also indulging in a guilt-free delight. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them as a snack, these candied strawberries are sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and start candying today!
Meet Khadija Sheikh, an avid kitchen specialist with a passion for exploring innovative kitchen gadgets, cooking tools, and remodeling tips. Her culinary journey is an artistry of flavors, where she uniquely combines her love for kitchen intricacies with a special focus on crafting meticulous step-by-step recipes. As a dedicated writer, Khadija not only unveils the secrets behind delightful dishes but also transforms kitchens into creative spaces. Join her a flavorful adventure, where every recipe becomes a narrative, and every kitchen tool tells a story.
