Testing an Ice “Tanghulu” from TikTok
Testing an Ice “Tanghulu” from TikTok! 🧊 🍡 is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 65 calories per serving. Recipe by Hey It's Honeysuckle on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 45 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min
Cost: $31.77 total, $7.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Strawberries (washed, stems removed)
- 1 cup Red Seedless Grapes (washed, stems removed)
- 1 cup Blueberries (washed, dry on paper towel)
- 1 large Orange (peeled, cut into bite‑size wedges, stems removed)
- 8 pieces Wooden Skewers (soaked in water 10 min to prevent burning)
- 2 cups Ice (crushed or cubed)
- 4 cups Cold Water (very cold, can add extra ice for lower temperature)
- 1/2 cup Lemonade (optional) (for drizzling after ice shell forms)
- 1/2 cup Strawberry Milk (optional) (for drizzling, adds sweet milky flavor)
Instructions
Wash and Dry Fruit
Rinse strawberries, grapes, blueberries and orange under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Fruit
Remove strawberry stems, cut orange into bite‑size wedges, and discard any grape stems.
Time: PT5M
Skewer Fruit
Thread the fruit onto wooden skewers, alternating colors for a rainbow effect.
Time: PT5M
Freeze Fruit Skewers
Place the skewers on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer until rock‑hard, about 2‑3 hours.
Time: PT2H30M
Prepare Ice‑Water Bath
Fill a large bowl with cold water and add the ice cubes, stirring until the water is near 0 °C.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 0°C
Form Ice Shell
Using tongs, dip each frozen skewer into the ice‑water bath for about 1 minute, then lift and let excess water drip off.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 0°C
Optional Sweet Drizzle
If desired, drizzle a thin stream of lemonade or strawberry milk over the ice‑coated skewers for extra flavor.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Arrange the finished Bing Hulu on a serving plate and enjoy immediately while the ice shell is crisp.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 65
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegan (if optional dairy omitted), Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free (without optional milk)
Allergens: None (unless optional strawberry milk is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Strawberries: Raspberries, blackberries
- Instead of Red Seedless Grapes: Green grapes, black grapes
- Instead of Blueberries: blackberries, raspberries
- Instead of Orange: tangerine, clementine
- Instead of Wooden Skewers: metal cocktail sticks
- Instead of Lemonade (optional): simple syrup, fruit juice
- Instead of Strawberry Milk (optional): vanilla almond milk, regular milk
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Freezer
- Large Bowl
- Tongs
- Wooden Skewers
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Freeze the fruit skewers until completely solid (2‑3 hours).
- Dip the frozen skewers in the ice‑water bath for exactly 1 minute to create a thin, crunchy shell.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use metal skewers for faster heat transfer if you prefer a thinner shell.
- For extra sparkle, add a pinch of edible glitter to the ice water (food‑grade).
- Serve with a small spoon of sweetened condensed milk for a decadent dip.
Troubleshooting
Ice shell does not form or is too thin
Make sure the fruit is completely frozen before dipping and keep the water as cold as possible with plenty of ice.
Ice coating is too thick and mushy
Limit the dip time to 1 minute; longer immersion creates a heavier ice layer that melts quickly.
Fruit sticks together or cracks during freezing
Leave a small gap between pieces on the skewer and ensure they are dry before freezing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer; consume within 24 hours for best texture.
Freezer: Can keep frozen up to 48 hours, but ice shell may become soggy.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; the ice shell will melt.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze the skewered fruit a day ahead to save time.
- Prepare the ice‑water bath just before serving so it stays cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Bing Hulu in Chinese cuisine?
Bing Hulu is a modern, no‑cooking twist on the traditional Tanghulu, a street‑food treat where candied fruit is coated in a hard sugar glaze. It reflects a contemporary desire for healthier, less messy snacks while preserving the iconic crunchy exterior.
What are the traditional regional variations of Tanghulu versus Bing Hulu in Chinese street food?
Traditional Tanghulu uses a hot sugar syrup that hardens into a glossy shell, often featuring hawthorn or strawberries. Bing Hulu skips the sugar, using frozen fruit and an ice‑water dip to create a translucent, crunchy coating, making it a lighter, summer‑friendly version.
How is Bing Hulu traditionally served in China during summer festivals?
When served, Bing Hulu is presented on bamboo sticks or skewers, displayed on a platter, and eaten immediately to enjoy the crisp ice shell before it melts. It’s often offered as a refreshing palate cleanser at outdoor fairs and night markets.
What occasions or celebrations is Bing Hulu traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, frozen fruit treats like Bing Hulu have become popular at summer gatherings, family picnics, and street festivals where a cool, sweet bite is welcomed in hot weather.
What other Chinese desserts pair well with Bing Hulu?
Bing Hulu pairs nicely with mango pudding, red bean soup, or a scoop of lychee ice cream, offering contrasting textures and complementary fruity flavors.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Bing Hulu versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Bing Hulu uses fresh, seasonal fruit (strawberries, grapes, blueberries, orange) and plain ice water. Substitutes can include any firm fruit such as kiwi or pineapple, and flavored ice baths like lemonade for a sweet twist.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Bing Hulu at home?
Common errors include dipping fruit that isn’t fully frozen, using warm water which prevents a proper ice shell, and leaving the fruit in the water too long, resulting in a thick, soggy coating.
Why does this Bing Hulu recipe use an ice‑water dip instead of a hot sugar glaze?
The ice‑water dip creates a thin, translucent shell without the risk of burns or the added sugar of a traditional glaze, making the snack safer and lower‑calorie while still delivering a satisfying crunch.
Can I make Bing Hulu ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can freeze the skewered fruit up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them in an airtight container in the freezer and dip them in ice water just before serving to form the shell.
What does the YouTube channel Hey It's Honeysuckle specialize in?
The YouTube channel Hey It's Honeysuckle focuses on fun, easy-to-make snack and dessert recipes, often putting playful twists on classic treats while emphasizing minimal cooking and quick preparation.
How does the YouTube channel Hey It's Honeysuckle's approach to Chinese snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Hey It's Honeysuckle adapts traditional Chinese street foods into low‑effort, no‑heat versions like Bing Hulu, prioritizing safety and accessibility for home cooks, whereas many other channels stick to authentic, often more labor‑intensive methods.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
