Growing up, my grandma’s candied strawberries were the highlight of every summer. I can still vividly remember the way the house would fill with the intoxicating aroma of sugar and ripe berries as she worked her magic in the kitchen. There was something so special about those glistening, jewel-toned candied strawberries – the way the sugar crystalized around each juicy bite, the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whenever I’d pop one in my mouth, it was like taking a trip back to my childhood, filled with laughter, sunshine, and the comforting embrace of family.
Decades later, I’ve finally mastered Grandma’s secret recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you. These Candied Strawberries are an absolute showstopper – they’ll transform your taste buds and have you dreaming of summer all year round.
Why This Candied Strawberries Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Strawberries
What makes this Candied Strawberries recipe so special? It all comes down to the perfect caramelization of the sugar. Many recipes call for simply tossing the strawberries in sugar and letting them sit, but that results in a gritty, unevenly coated texture. Instead, we’re going to create a quick sugar syrup that will evenly coat each berry, transforming them into little jewels of sweetness.
The key is in the water-to-sugar ratio and the cooking time. Too much water, and you end up with a watered-down syrup. Too little, and the sugar can burn. But get it just right, and you’ll end up with a thick, glossy coating that clings to the berries in the most delightful way. And by cooking the strawberries in the syrup for just the right amount of time, we ensure they retain their juicy texture rather than turning into hard candy nuggets.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Candied Strawberries, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
The fresh strawberries are, of course, the star of the show. Look for plump, juicy berries at the height of their season for the best flavor and texture. The granulated sugar is what creates that amazing caramelized coating, and the water helps it melt into a syrup that evenly coats the berries.
Step-by-Step Candied Strawberries Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Strawberries
This Candied Strawberries recipe is a breeze to make, with just 5 minutes of prep time and 7 minutes of cook time for a total of 12 minutes. All you’ll need is a skillet or saucepan and a spatula or spoon for stirring.
1- Start by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Make sure to remove the green tops, then pat the berries dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
2- In a medium skillet or saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
3- Carefully add the prepared strawberries to the sugar syrup, making sure they’re in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently swirling the pan occasionally, until the berries are coated in a thick, glossy syrup.
4- Keep a close eye on the berries during the cooking process. You’ll know they’re ready when the syrup has thickened and the berries have a beautiful, jewel-like sheen.
5- Remove the pan from the heat and use a slotted spoon to transfer the candied strawberries to a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing any excess syrup to drip off.
6- Let the candied strawberries cool completely before serving. They’ll crisp up as they cool, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, use fresh, ripe strawberries that are firm but not overly soft.
- Be sure to wash and hull the strawberries thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Keep a close eye on the sugar syrup as it cooks to prevent it from burning. Stir constantly and adjust the heat as needed.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when adding the strawberries – work in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Let the candied strawberries cool completely before serving for the best texture. They’ll continue to crisp up as they reach room temperature.
- Store any leftover candied strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Strawberries
Perfect Pairings for Candied Strawberries
These Candied Strawberries are the perfect sweet treat, making 12 servings that are sure to delight. They’re delicious on their own as a snack or dessert, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of other flavors.
Try serving them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a decadent sundae. They’re a fantastic topping for cheesecake, pound cake, or waffles. The candied berries also make a wonderful addition to a cheese plate, complementing the saltiness of the cheese. And for a refreshing summer drink, try muddling a few candied strawberries into a sparkling lemonade or Moscow mule.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Candied Strawberries are easy to make ahead and store for later. Once the berries have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. The sugar coating will keep them fresh and prevent them from getting soggy.
If you’d like to make them further in advance, you can also freeze the candied strawberries. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To serve, let the frozen candied strawberries thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. This will help reactivate the sugar coating for a shiny, crisp texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Strawberries
Creative Candied Strawberries Variations
While the classic recipe is tough to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on these Candied Strawberries:
- Try using different types of berries, like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar syrup for extra flavor.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the cooled candied berries with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Make a savory-sweet version by tossing the candied strawberries with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
Making Candied Strawberries Diet-Friendly
Looking to make this recipe a little more diet-friendly? No problem! You can easily adapt it to suit a variety of dietary needs:
- For a gluten-free version, simply ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- To make it vegan, swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly take, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar.
Regardless of any dietary restrictions, these Candied Strawberries are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While you can use frozen strawberries, the texture won’t be quite as nice. The fresh berries will hold their shape better and develop a more vibrant, crystallized coating. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.
Q: How long do the Candied Strawberries take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of 12 minutes – 5 minutes of prep time and 7 minutes of cook time. The quick cooking process helps the strawberries retain their juicy texture while developing that irresistible candied coating.
Q: Can I store the Candied Strawberries for later?
A: Absolutely! The candied strawberries will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Candied Strawberries recipe yields 12 servings. It’s a great size for sharing as a dessert or snack, or you can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.
Q: What if the sugar syrup starts to crystallize?
A: If the sugar syrup starts to crystalize as it cools, simply add a tablespoon or two of water back to the pan and heat it gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves again. This should help get the syrup back to a smooth, pourable consistency.
Candied Strawberries
- Total Time: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the sweet, syrupy goodness of homemade candied strawberries – a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for snacking, topping desserts, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
– 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Add the strawberries to the simmering sugar syrup. Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are softened and coated in a thick, glossy glaze.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied strawberries to a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
4. Allow the candied strawberries to cool completely, about 30 minutes, before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, choose fresh, ripe strawberries. The longer the strawberries simmer, the thicker the candy coating will become. Adjust the cooking time to your desired consistency. Store any leftover candied strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 7
- Category: No-Bake, Frozen & Sweets
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Candied Strawberries are truly a taste of summer magic, and I can’t wait for you to experience them. With their irresistible combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Gather up those fresh, juicy strawberries and let’s get candying! I promise you’ll be dreaming about these little jewels long after the last one has been devoured. Be sure to let me know how they turn out – I love hearing from readers and seeing your creations. Enjoy!
