Imagine plump strawberries, tangy pineapple, crisp grapes, and juicy watermelon, all shimmering beneath a glassy, sweet shell—Candy Fruit Skewers are the definition of fun, festive snacking! Every bite delivers a vibrant burst of fruit beneath a satisfying candy crunch, making these skewers the ultimate treat for parties, picnics, or whenever you want to brighten someone’s day. Loved by kids and adults alike, this recipe transforms everyday fruit into a special, showstopping snack you’ll crave long after the last piece disappears.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup watermelon balls or cubes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 8–10 wooden skewers
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper (for drying)
How to Make Candy Fruit Skewers
Step 1: Prep and Dry the Fruit
Start by giving all your fruit a thorough wash and pat them completely dry—really, don’t rush this step! Any leftover water will prevent the candy coating from sticking smoothly, so grab a kitchen towel and make sure every piece is spotless and dry for that perfect glassy finish.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Thread your strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and watermelon onto the skewers in any order you like, leaving a couple of inches at the bottom for easy handling. Have fun creating colorful patterns or let the kids get creative—think of these as edible works of art!
Step 3: Make the Candy Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring (seriously, hands off!) and let it bubble away. Cook until the mixture hits 300°F—the hard crack stage—on a candy thermometer, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully, as the syrup can go from perfect to burnt faster than you’d think!
Step 4: Coat the Fruit
Working one skewer at a time, carefully dip or spoon the hot candy syrup over the fruit. Let the excess syrup drip off—this is sticky business!—and immediately place each coated skewer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased rack to cool. The coating will turn satisfyingly crisp in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Let Set and Serve
Allow your finished Candy Fruit Skewers to set completely: no touching until the candy is glossy and hard! Once set, these gorgeous, jewel-like treats are ready to brighten your dessert table—just watch them disappear in minutes.
How to Serve Candy Fruit Skewers
Garnishes
For a real wow factor, sprinkle your Candy Fruit Skewers with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of edible glitter right after coating. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also add an extra-special touch that looks beautiful and tastes even better.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with light, creamy dips like vanilla yogurt or a citrusy whipped ricotta for a fresh-tangy contrast. On a snack platter, these are delightful beside bowls of mixed nuts, pretzels, or even mini cookies for a splash of playful variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Candy Fruit Skewers in a mason jar or on a fancy cake stand for a playful centerpiece at your next gathering. For kids’ parties, wrap each skewer in cellophane with a colorful ribbon, or insert them into a sturdy foam block to create your own edible bouquet!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Candy Fruit Skewers are best enjoyed the same day for ultimate crunch, but if you have leftovers, store them in a single layer in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature away from humidity—fridges can make the candy coating sticky!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these treats since the candy shell can become tacky and the fruit may lose its juicy bite. If you want to prep in advance, it’s better to cut and dry the fruit ahead of time, then assemble and candy on the day you’ll serve.
Reheating
Once set, Candy Fruit Skewers aren’t meant to be reheated. If the candy softens a bit, you can try letting them sit at room temperature to reharden. Otherwise, enjoy them as is—soft or crunchy, they’re always a sweet treat!
FAQs
Can I use other fruits for Candy Fruit Skewers?
Absolutely! Try kiwi, blueberries, or even orange segments—just avoid overly soft fruits like bananas, which don’t hold up well under the candy coating.
Is a candy thermometer necessary?
It helps a lot! The hard crack stage ensures your coating turns crisp, not chewy. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a bit of hot syrup into cold water: if it hardens instantly, you’re good to go.
How do I prevent the hot syrup from burning?
Stay attentive! Keep the heat moderate, use a reliable saucepan, and remove the syrup from heat right at 300°F. Have everything ready before you start, as the syrup waits for no one.
Can these skewers be made ahead for a party?
You can prep the fruit and skewers a few hours ahead, but make the candy coating just before serving for maximum crunch and shine. If needed, they’ll stay crisp for several hours if kept dry.
Is there a way to make Candy Fruit Skewers without corn syrup?
It’s tougher to get the same shiny, hard shell, but in a pinch, you can use just sugar and water; your coating may crystalize a bit faster, so work quickly and serve right away.
Final Thoughts
It’s nearly impossible not to smile when you see (and taste!) a tray of Candy Fruit Skewers. Whether you’re five or fifty, their playful crunch and juicy centers are simply irresistible. Gather your friends or family and make a batch soon—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can become everyone’s new favorite sweet treat.
Print
Candy Fruit Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers
- Category: Snack
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Candy Fruit Skewers are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruit with a crunchy, sugary coating. Perfect for parties or as a fun snack, these colorful skewers are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup watermelon balls or cubes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 8–10 wooden skewers
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper (for drying)
Instructions
- Prep the Fruit: Wash and dry all fruit thoroughly—excess moisture will prevent the candy coating from sticking.
- Skewer the Fruit: Thread a mix of strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and watermelon onto each skewer, leaving space at the bottom for handling.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, about 10–12 minutes.
- Coat the Fruit: Remove from heat immediately. Carefully dip or spoon the hot candy coating over the fruit skewers, letting the excess drip off.
- Set and Serve: Place the coated skewers on parchment paper or a greased cooling rack to set and harden for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use caution when working with hot sugar—it can burn quickly.
- To add color or flavor, you can mix a drop of food coloring or flavored extract into the syrup before boiling.
- Best served the same day for crunch and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
