This STARBURST TANGHULU is a fruity delight!

This STARBURST TANGHULU is a fruity delight! is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 5. 25 calories per serving. Recipe by Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 27 min

Cost: $16.42 total, $3.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 10 pieces Strawberries (washed, dried thoroughly, and skewer with wooden sticks)
  • 12 pieces Starburst Candies (mixed flavors, melted in microwave)
  • 10 pieces Wooden Skewers (for holding fruit while dipping)
  • 1 sheet Parchment Paper (lined on a tray for the coated fruit to set)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit

    Wash the strawberries, pat them completely dry, and thread each onto a wooden skewer.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Measure the Starburst

    Place all 12 Starburst pieces into a microwave‑safe bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Melt the Starburst

    Microwave on high in 30‑second bursts, stirring between bursts, until the candy is completely melted, smooth, and slightly opaque.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Whisk the Melted Candy

    Using a whisk or fork, quickly stir the melted candy for about a minute to introduce a little air and make the coating smoother.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Dip the Fruit

    Holding each skewer by the stick, dip the strawberry into the melted candy, turning to coat it completely. Let excess drip back into the bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Set the Coating

    Place the coated strawberries on a parchment‑lined tray and transfer the tray to the freezer for about 10 minutes, until the candy hardens.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Serve

    Remove the frozen Tanghulu from the freezer and serve immediately or store as directed.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
25
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
6g
Fat
0g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Milk, Soy

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

This STARBURST TANGHULU is a fruity delight!

Recipe by Little Remy Food 🐭🍝

A playful twist on the classic Chinese street snack Tanghulu, using melted Starburst candies as the glossy coating. Fresh fruit skewers are dipped in a smooth, opaque candy shell, then chilled until set for a chewy‑sweet treat that's perfect for parties or a fun snack.

EasyChineseServes 5

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

Source Video
22m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.42
Total cost
$3.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Melt the Starburst until smooth and opaque (Step 3).
  • Dip the fruit quickly to ensure full coverage before the candy sets (Step 5).
  • Freeze the coated fruit to set the candy shell (Step 6).

Safety Warnings

  • The melted candy is extremely hot; handle with gloves or a utensil to avoid burns.
  • Never leave the microwave unattended while the candy is melting.
  • Use only microwave‑safe containers; metal will cause sparks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tanghulu in Chinese cuisine?

A

Tanghulu originated in northern China as a street‑food treat during the Qing dynasty, where sugar‑coated hawthorn berries were sold on wooden sticks. Over time it spread across China and now includes a variety of fruits, symbolizing festive celebrations and winter markets.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tanghulu in China?

A

In Beijing, hawthorn is classic, while in southern regions like Shanghai, strawberries, grapes, and even orange slices are popular. Some areas add a thin layer of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts after the sugar coating for extra texture.

cultural
Q

How is Tanghulu traditionally served in Chinese street markets?

A

Vendors display the glossy, candy‑coated fruit on bamboo sticks, often served at room temperature. The treat is eaten on the spot, allowing the candy shell to stay crisp before it softens in warm hands.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Tanghulu traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Tanghulu is especially popular during the Lunar New Year and winter festivals because its bright red sugar coating symbolizes good luck and prosperity. It is also a common snack at temple fairs and night markets.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Tanghulu as a snack?

A

Tanghulu pairs nicely with warm soy‑milk drinks, sweet red bean soup, or a bowl of hot tea. The sweet, crunchy texture balances savory street foods like jianbing or baozi.

cultural
Q

What makes this Starburst Tanghulu version special compared to the classic sugar‑syrup method?

A

Using Starburst candies eliminates the need for a separate sugar syrup, giving the coating a fruity, chewy flavor and a vibrant, opaque finish. It also shortens preparation time and adds a fun, nostalgic candy twist.

cultural
Q

How has Tanghulu evolved over time in modern Chinese street food culture?

A

Modern vendors experiment with flavored candies, chocolate drizzles, and even matcha‑infused coatings. Social media has popularized creative variations like the Starburst version, making Tanghulu a viral dessert beyond traditional markets.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Starburst Tanghulu at home?

A

Common errors include overheating the candy, which makes it grainy, and not drying the fruit, causing the coating to slide off. Also, letting the candy sit too long before dipping will cause it to thicken and become difficult to work with.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Starburst coating is properly set on the fruit?

A

The coating should appear glossy and opaque when you lift the fruit; after a quick chill in the freezer (about 10 minutes) it will feel firm to the touch yet still have a slight snap when bitten.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 focuses on playful, quick‑turnaround recipes that remix classic dishes with fun twists, often using everyday pantry items and kid‑friendly presentation.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How to Make Tanghulu
5

How to Make Tanghulu

Tang Hulu is a classic Chinese street‑food treat where fresh fruit is coated in a thin, glossy candy glass. This recipe shows how to make the candy coating at home using strawberries and grapes, wooden skewers, and a simple 2:1 sugar‑to‑water syrup heated to the hard‑crack stage. The result is shiny, sweet fruit on a stick that crackles when you bite it.

1 hr 4 minServes 4$9
Chinese
얇고 파삭한 탕후루로 대박난? 하루 1,500개 완판! 줄서서 먹는 생과일 탕후루 amazing fruit candy, Tanghulu - Korean street food
5

얇고 파삭한 탕후루로 대박난? 하루 1,500개 완판! 줄서서 먹는 생과일 탕후루 amazing fruit candy, Tanghulu - Korean street food

A sweet Korean street‑food classic: fresh fruit skewered and coated in a glossy hard‑crack sugar glaze. Crispy, shiny, and perfect for a quick snack or festive treat.

40 minServes 4$3
Korean
I Tried Viral TikTok Snacks
6

I Tried Viral TikTok Snacks

A viral Asian snack made by coating fresh grapes and strawberries with a simple 2:1 sugar syrup and shocking them in an ice bath for a crunchy, sweet‑tart treat. Only three pantry ingredients plus fruit and skewers are needed.

55 minServes 4$6
Vietnamese
Testing the Viral Tanghulu Jolly Rancher Hack from Tiktok!
6

Testing the Viral Tanghulu Jolly Rancher Hack from Tiktok!

A quick and fun TikTok‑inspired hack that turns watermelon‑flavored Jolly Rancher candies into a crunchy Tanghulu coating for fresh grapes. Melt the hard candy, dip the fruit, shock it in ice‑cold water and enjoy a sweet, crackly treat in minutes.

18 minServes 2$24
Chinese
EASIEST Starburst Tanghulu - crunchy sugar-glazed fruit skewers
4

EASIEST Starburst Tanghulu - crunchy sugar-glazed fruit skewers

A fun twist on the classic Chinese street snack tanghulu, using melted Starburst candies to create a glossy, crackly shell around fresh grapes and strawberries. Perfect for a quick sweet treat or party snack.

30 minServes 4$53
Chinese
I Cracked the Code to DIY Gummy Bears
13

I Cracked the Code to DIY Gummy Bears

A step‑by‑step guide to making super‑chewy, bouncy gummy bears at home using gelatin, sugar syrup and inverted sugars. Includes detailed timings, equipment, troubleshooting and cultural background of gummy candy.

1 hr 15 minServes 30$62
American
How to dip the perfect chocolate covered strawberries 🍓🍫
2

How to dip the perfect chocolate covered strawberries 🍓🍫

A simple yet elegant snack of fresh strawberries fully coated in smooth melted chocolate, presented on wooden skewers for easy serving. Follow Magali's tips for perfect dipping without any red on top.

40 minServes 4$7
American
3 tips for perfect chocolate covered strawberries
6

3 tips for perfect chocolate covered strawberries

A step‑by‑step guide to perfect chocolate‑covered strawberries from Half Batch Baking. Learn how to dry the berries, temper chocolate (or use a touch of coconut oil) for a glossy snap, dip evenly, and set them for a stunning, bite‑size dessert that stays fresh for days.

45 minServes 12$9
American