Description
Sweet Crystal Grapes offer a delightful twist on classic fruit snacks, blending sugary crunch with juicy freshness. Candied grape clusters provide a quick, elegant treat that delights both kids and adults with their sparkling, caramelized exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 20–25 grapes, washed and completely dried
- 2 cups (400 grams) white sugar
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) light corn syrup
Flavoring and Coloring:
- 2 teaspoons flavored oil (e.g., vanilla or citrus)
- White gel food coloring
- Neon pink gel food coloring
- Sky blue gel food coloring
Decoration:
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Carefully pierce each grape with wooden skewers, ensuring they are securely attached and set aside on a clean work surface.
- Prepare a candy coating by combining granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, positioning a candy thermometer to monitor temperature precisely.
- Heat the sugar mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the temperature reaches exactly 300°F (149°C), which represents the hard-crack stage of sugar transformation.
- Immediately remove the saucepan from heat source and quickly incorporate white gel food coloring and flavor extract, creating a smooth, glossy base.
- Add 3-4 drops of additional gel food coloring, gently swirling to create a delicate marbled effect without overmixing.
- Holding the skewered grape by its stick, carefully dip each one into the vibrant candy coating, allowing excess to drip back into the saucepan for an even, thin layer.
- Optional: Roll freshly coated grapes in decorative sprinkles or colored sugar for added texture and visual appeal.
- Transfer coated grapes to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Allow candy grapes to set and cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 10-12 minutes until the coating hardens completely.
Notes
- Master the art of precision by using a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches exactly 300°F for perfect hardened coating.
- Prep work matters: skewer grapes beforehand to streamline the dipping process and create a smooth, efficient workflow.
- Create stunning visual appeal by gently swirling food coloring for a marbled effect that transforms simple grapes into eye-catching treats.
- Allow excess coating to drip off naturally, preventing puddles and ensuring an even, glossy finish on each grape.
- Optional sprinkle coating adds playful texture and extra visual excitement to these glistening sweet bites.
- Cooling time is crucial: let grapes set at room temperature or quickly chill in the refrigerator to set the candy shell perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Protein: <1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg