Beautiful, sweet, and easy to make, candied strawberries are a treat everyone loves! Learn How to Make Candied Strawberries using just two ingredients: corn syrup and sugar, plus water!
Like candied apples, only better! Following this method will leave a beautiful, shiny candy coating on juicy strawberries. This is one of the easiest dessert recipes you can make. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a special treat kids love!
Our candied strawberries recipe is straightforward and easy. It uses just two ingredients and a few simple steps. You’ll learn how to make candied strawberries easily in no time!
Candied Strawberries Recipe is a Sweet Treat
Everybody loves candied strawberries! When I make these for my family, everyone is happy. They know when I get out the corn syrup and sugar and there are fresh strawberries in the fridge, they’re in for a treat!
Candied strawberries are one of the easiest desserts you can make at home. They’re super simple – cook up the candy mixture, dip the berries, let them cool off and harden, and enjoy!
Making candied strawberries is a great way to use up any strawberries that are closer to losing their freshness, too. Don’t know what to do with those leftover strawberries? Candy them as a treat!
Candied Strawberries Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
To make candied strawberries, you need two essential ingredients (aside from the strawberries, of course!): sugar and corn syrup.
Corn syrup is an important addition for candying. While some make their candied strawberries using just a thick sugar and water mixture, using corn syrup allows for a stronger candied shell. You won’t get the same results if you leave it out.
Have some skewers or toothpicks on hand! This is extremely important so you do not burn yourself. Trust me, you don’t want your hand anywhere near the candying mixture while it’s hot! Plus, skewering your strawberries makes them much easier to dip.
Firmly skewer the berries straight through the center of the calyx (their green leaves). This should do the trick, but make sure they’re secure. Bamboo sticks would work well, too – this is similar to how to make tanghulu, a Chinese treat of fruit with a hard candied shell.
How to Make Candied Strawberries
- Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat.
- As soon as the sugar dissolves, turn the heat up and allow the mixture to simmer (lightly bubbling). While the mixture is heating, skewer 1 lb. of strawberries (or as many as you want to candy).
- Heat the candy until it begins to bubble, thicken, and turn a golden, caramel-like color. A candy thermometer will read around 300°F when the mixture is to temperature. Otherwise, you can eyeball it.
- Quickly dip each strawberry (on skewers) in the candy coating and gently tap off any excess. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and allow to harden.
Making candied strawberries is so easy and the result is always such a big hit. The candied shell adds an extra layer of sweetness to already delicious, juicy fresh strawberries. Plus, they are just so pretty!
Tips for making candied strawberries:
- Be patient and let your candied mixture come to temperature: When it’s at the right heat for dipping, it will be bubbly and thick, and a deep, golden, caramel-like color.
- Use a candy thermometer to make it easier: A candy thermometer will read around 300°F when the mixture is to temperature. Using one is an easy way to check that your candy mixture is the temperature it should be.
- Use skewers or toothpicks to dip the berries: Safely dip your candied strawberries by skewering the berries first!
Why aren’t my candied strawberries hardening?
If your candied coating isn’t hardening, the candying mixture did not reach a high enough temperature.
Allow your candying mixture to cook until it bubbles, thickens, and turns a rich golden color, sort of like caramel. Then, quickly turn off the heat so it doesn’t burn.
It’s easy to keep an eye on the temperature if you use a candy thermometer. Otherwise, just keep an eye out for that golden color and thickness.
How do I wash the pan after making candied strawberries?
Soak your pan in hot water right after you’re done with the mixture so the candy doesn’t harden.
Unless your candy burned (and trust me, you will know if it did!), it should easily wash out without a problem.
How long are candied strawberries good for?
This strawberry candy recipe should be enjoyed the same day you make it and not a day after.
Candied strawberries do not keep well, and after the first day, they will become too juicy to enjoy.
If you want to make this strawberry candy recipe for a special occasion, you’ll want to make them no more than a few hours before the event so they’re still fresh enough.
Store candied strawberries in an airtight container if you plan on taking them anywhere as a treat.
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Did you try my candied strawberries recipe? I would love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a rating below. A quick rating from you helps other people find and enjoy the recipe!
Other Easy Strawberry Desserts
- How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Best Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
- Strawberry Ice Cream Shortcake
- Homemade Strawberry Dole Whip Disney Recipe
- Strawberry Sauce Recipe (Strawberry Topping)
Be sure to check out one of my favorite guides for more ideas – The Best Fresh Strawberry Desserts!
And if you love strawberry desserts as much as we do, be sure to give our Mexican strawberries and cream a try: Fresas con Crema. It is out of this world delicious!
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Candy thermometer (optional)
- Skewers or toothpicks
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat.
- As soon as the sugar dissolves, turn the heat up and allow the mixture to simmer (lightly bubbling). While the mixture is heating, skewer 1 lb. of strawberries (or as many as you want to candy).
- Heat the candy until it begins to bubble, thicken, and turn a golden, caramel-like color. A candy thermometer will read around 300°F when the mixture is to temperature. Otherwise, you can eyeball it.
- Quickly dip each strawberry (on skewers) in the candy coating and gently tap off any excess. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and allow to harden. Let it cool, then enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Candy not hardening? Your mixture isn’t hot enough! Let the candying mixture reach the right heat before dipping your berries.
- Quickly turn off the heat when your candying mixture is ready so it doesn’t burn in your pan.
- Use a candy thermometer to easily read the temperature of your candying mixture.
- Clean the pan by soaking in water after you’re done using the mixture.
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