Description
Delight in the classic fair treat with these Rock Candy Sugar-Coated Strawberries. Fresh, juicy strawberries are dipped in a glossy, crunchy hard candy shell made from a simple sugar syrup cooked to the perfect hard crack stage. This easy stovetop recipe yields a beautiful and irresistible candy coating that adds a sweet, crisp texture to each strawberry, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Fruit
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, washed and dried with stems intact
Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon flavor extract such as vanilla or strawberry (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick spray to prevent the coated strawberries from sticking.
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Place over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This ensures the sugar syrup will harden into a crisp coating.
- Add Color and Flavor: If desired, add a drop or two of gel food coloring and the flavor extract into the hot sugar syrup, swirling gently to combine without stirring vigorously.
- Dip Strawberries: Working quickly to keep the syrup hot, hold each strawberry by its stem and dip it into the hot sugar syrup, turning it to coat evenly with the candy coating.
- Drain and Set: Allow the excess syrup to drip off, then place the coated strawberries on the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool and harden at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once hardened, serve the strawberries the same day for the best crunchy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Work quickly as the sugar syrup hardens rapidly; if it thickens before use, gently reheat to restore fluidity.
- Be very cautious when handling the hot sugar syrup to avoid burns; use appropriate tools and protective measures.
- For optimal crunch and appearance, serve the rock candy strawberries the same day they are prepared.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 strawberry
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
