Candy Strawberries

Sweet and juicy strawberries get a dazzling makeover in this irresistible treat.

By coating fresh strawberries in a hot sugar syrup, you’ll create stunning candy strawberries that are almost too beautiful to eat.

Almost.

With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be indulging in these sweet masterpieces in no time.

Ready Time

45 mins

Yields

7 servings

Ingredients

Fresh strawberries (14)
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
Light corn syrup (1/4 cup)
Water (1/4 cup)
Food coloring (optional)
Wax paper or parchment paper

Instructions

Rinse the strawberries under cold running water, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water.

Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the syrup reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.

Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool slightly.

If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the syrup and stir well.

Insert a fork or dipping tool into the stem end of each strawberry.

Dip each strawberry into the hot syrup, coating about 3/4 of the berry.

Tap off any excess syrup by gently tapping the fork or dipping tool against the side of the saucepan.

Place the coated strawberries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each berry.

Let the syrup harden completely, which may take about 30-40 minutes, depending on the humidity.

Once set, your candy strawberries are ready to serve! You should end up with 7 beautiful and delicious treats.

Notes

For best results, use fresh and dry strawberries, as excess moisture can prevent the syrup from adhering properly. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water – it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water.

Keep the coated strawberries away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent the syrup from becoming sticky.

To store, place the candy strawberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can customize the colors by using different food coloring, perfect for special occasions or themed parties.

Experiment with different berry types, like blueberries or raspberries, for a unique twist on this recipe.