Grape Tanghulu

Grape Tanghulu is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by More Nick on YouTube.

Prep: 19 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 34 min

Cost: $9.49 total, $2.37 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
  • 1 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 1 pound Red Seedless Grapes (washed, dried, stems removed)
  • 12 pieces Wooden Skewers (about 6‑inch long, food‑grade)
  • 2 cups Ice (crushed or cubed)

Instructions

  1. Wash and Dry Grapes

    Rinse the grapes under cold water, remove stems, and pat completely dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Ice Water Bath

    Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of ice and add enough cold water to create an ice‑water bath.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Make Sugar Syrup

    Combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Stir once, then bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high heat

  4. Harden Skewer Tips

    Dip the tip of each wooden skewer into the hot syrup, then immediately submerge it in the ice‑water bath until the coating hardens and cracks.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Thread Grapes onto Skewers

    Slide 3‑4 grapes onto the hardened tip of each skewer, leaving a short handle for dipping.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Dip Grapes in Syrup and Ice Water

    Holding the skewer by the handle, dip the grape‑laden end into the hot syrup, then quickly transfer to the ice‑water bath to set the candy coating.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Set and Cool

    Place the finished candy grapes on a cooling rack or parchment‑lined plate. Allow them to harden completely (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

  8. Clean Up the Pan

    Return the saucepan to low heat, add a splash of water, and stir until the residual sugar dissolves. Pour the liquid into the sink.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low heat

Nutrition Facts

Calories
20
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using refined sugar)

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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Grape Tanghulu

Recipe by More Nick

A fun, bite‑size candy made by coating fresh grapes in a hot sugar syrup, then hardening them in ice water. Perfect for parties, kids' snacks, or a sweet treat you can make at home in under 35 minutes.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.49
Total cost
$2.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling the sugar syrup to the correct stage without stirring.
  • Hardening the skewer tip in ice water before threading grapes.
  • Quickly transferring the dipped grapes to ice water to prevent burning.

Safety Warnings

  • Sugar syrup reaches temperatures above 300°F and can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Use tongs or a heat‑proof utensil when working with the hot syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of grape tongue hulu in Chinese confectionery?

A

Grape tongue hulu (also called "húlu") is a traditional Chinese street‑food candy where fruit is coated in hot sugar syrup and hardened on a stick. Historically, fruit‑on‑a‑stick treats were sold at festivals and markets as a sweet, portable snack, symbolizing abundance and good luck.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of hulu in Chinese cuisine?

A

In northern China, hulu often uses hawthorn or persimmon, while southern regions favor grapes, strawberries, or tropical fruits. Some versions add a thin layer of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture.

cultural
Q

How is grape tongue hulu traditionally served in Chinese street markets?

A

Vendors typically serve the candy grapes on wooden sticks, displayed in a tray, and customers eat them immediately while the sugar coating is still crisp. They are often enjoyed as a quick sweet treat alongside tea or other snacks.

cultural
Q

During which Chinese celebrations is hulu commonly enjoyed?

A

Hulu is popular during Lunar New Year, Mid‑Autumn Festival, and local temple fairs, where bright, glossy fruit candies symbolize prosperity and the sweetness of the coming year.

cultural
Q

What makes grape tongue hulu special compared to other fruit candies in Chinese cuisine?

A

The contrast of a juicy, fresh grape with a thin, glass‑like sugar shell creates a unique bite‑texture that is both crisp and juicy. The quick hardening technique also gives the candy a glossy, jewel‑like appearance.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making grape tongue hulu at home?

A

Common errors include stirring the syrup after it boils, which causes crystallization, and not using an ice‑water bath cold enough to crack the sugar coating. Also, wet grapes will prevent the syrup from adhering properly.

technical
Q

Why does this grape tongue hulu recipe dip the skewer tip in syrup before adding grapes?

A

Hardening the skewer tip first creates a solid anchor that holds the grapes securely during the second dip, preventing them from sliding off when the hot syrup is applied.

technical
Q

Can I make grape tongue hulu ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the candy a day ahead. Store the finished grapes in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay crisp for up to a week. Refrigeration can cause the sugar shell to become sticky.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sugar coating is properly set?

A

The coating should be clear, glossy, and crackle when tapped. It should feel hard to the touch but break cleanly with a gentle snap, revealing the fresh grape underneath.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on quick, fun, and visually appealing snack‑style recipes that are easy for home cooks, often featuring creative twists on classic treats and street‑food favorites.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel More Nick's approach to candy making differ from other cooking channels?

A

More Nick emphasizes minimal equipment, fast preparation, and playful presentation, showing viewers how to turn everyday ingredients like grapes and sugar into eye‑catching candy treats without complex techniques.

channel

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