If you love tanghulu and chocolate covered strawberries, then you definitely want to check out these caramel candied strawberries too! Fresh, juicy berries are coated in a hard caramel shell for a sweet, dipped treat. Just don’t tell your dentist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just 2 ingredients and a microwave is all you need to make these fun caramel candied strawberries! Fresh, juicy berries are coated with hard caramel for a crunchy sweet treat!
Now, just like Microwave Tanghulu and Jolly Rancher Strawberries, these berries get a hard candy coating outside. While delicious, if you have sensitive teeth or hate the sensation of sugar sticking to them, I’d pass and enjoy your berries in a different way.
If this does sound up your alley, then I’ll show you just how easy they are to make! I like to serve them in the summer for a quick sweet option that uses freshly picked berries, but they’re also great for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s day!
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Ingredients List
- One dozen strawberries, washed, dried, and room temperature
- 10 ounces hard caramel candies (such as Werther’s)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- You can use other berries if you’d like! I just find the ratio of large berries to the hard shell to be best
- Any brand of hard caramels works fine – just make sure they are the hard and not soft, as they won’t work the same
- Feel free to roll the coated strawberries in some crushed nuts or other toppings while they’re still wet, if you’d like (this is entirely optional though)
Equipment Notes
- You’ll need a high heat resistance microwave safe bowl (it needs to withstand boiling sugar, which is very hot). I use an oven-safe ceramic bowl (since I know it can take the heat) but you can use anything similar. Do not use Pyrex (the lowercase version of the logo) as that can shatter
- You also want something to set the strawberries on after dipping. This can be a silicone baking mat (that’s what I use) or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
How to Make Caramel Candied Strawberries
- Wash and dry your strawberries well. If the stems are short or missing, insert a toothpick or skewer so you have something to hold while dipping. Set your silicone baking mat nearby, or line a baking sheet with parchment
- Unwrap your caramel candies and place them into a high heat resistant microwave safe bowl (I use a ceramic bowl that’s safe for oven use, since I know it can take the heat of boiling sugar)
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir, and continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and bubbling across the entire surface. Mine took about 2 ½ minutes total in a 1000W microwave
- Work quickly and hold the strawberry by the stem, dip it into the hot caramel and turn to coat, allow excess to drop off (so that the coating isn’t too thick to bite through), and then place it on the baking sheet
- Repeat with all strawberries. Note: if your caramel starts to harden and seize up, microwave it for 20-30 seconds to re-soften it
- Let set until hardened, about 15-20 minutes, then enjoy!
More Strawberry Recipes
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Store Bought Caramels for Caramel Candied Strawberries?
Yes, you can absolutely use store bought caramels such as Werther’s for your candies.
Make sure to choose a hard caramel candy regardless of what brand you choose, as this is what creates the hard shell.
Can I Make Caramel Candied Strawberries Ahead of Time?
You should try to avoid making caramel candied strawberries ahead of time. Feel free to wash and dry your strawberries and bring them to room temperature in advance, though.
The actual dipping process should be done within an hour of your intended serving for best results and texture.
Can I Add Toppings to Caramel Candied Strawberries?
Absolutely! Get creative and add roll your caramel coated strawberry in toppings like chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
You can also add drizzles of melted chocolate or candy melts after they have hardened for color, flavor, and texture.
Are Caramel Candied Strawberries Gluten Free?
Caramel candied strawberries can be gluten free, but you’ll want to pick an appropriate hard caramel candy if you are sensitive.
Werthers actually contains glucose syrup that can be derived from wheat. While they do technically meet FDA requirements for gluten free, they may contain a very small amount. If you’re particularly sensitive, use caution and choose a certified gluten free brand.
What Occasions Are Best for Serving Caramel Candied Strawberries?
Serve caramel candied strawberries as a dessert, snack, or decorative treat for special events or holidays.
They are suitable for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and summer celebrations as well.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Choose a deep bowl instead of a shallow one to make dipping easier. The caramel also tends to rise as it cooks in your microwave, so you’ll need some room for expansion so as to not make a mess
- If you have leftover caramel stuck in your bowl, soak it in very hot water in the sink. I usually do this 2-3 times, replacing the hot water each time, and eventually it all dissolves out
- To set your candy up faster (or if it’s struggling to set due to heat or humidity) you can put the berries in the refrigerator
Storage Tips
- Caramel candied strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, as the moisture in the strawberries will cause the candy shell to soften and deteriorate over time. However, you can try to store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but I recommend consuming as soon as possible to avoid a melted mess
More Microwave Strawberry Treats
- Chocolate Strawberry Fudge
- Strawberry Chocolate Mug Cake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Strawberry Bars
- Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles
Final Thoughts
These easy 2 ingredient caramel candied strawberries deliver a sweet, crunchy shell on juicy strawberries! They’re a simple alternative to tanghulu, with a shiny coating that makes them irresistible.
Enjoy candied strawberries for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and all summer long while juicy berries are most plentiful. These candied fruits are naturally vegetarian and low in fat (though high in sugars, so enjoy in moderation).
Katie’s tip
If you prefer other fruits, make sure to check out my Jolly Rancher Grapes for another crunchy candied fruit option!
Easy Caramel Candied Strawberries in the Microwave
Equipment
- Silicone baking mat (or parchment lined baking sheet)
Ingredients
- 12 medium strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried (room temperature)
- 10 ounces hard caramel candies (such as Werther's)
Instructions
- Wash and dry your strawberries well. If the stems are short or missing, insert a toothpick or skewer so you have something to hold while dipping. Set your silicone baking mat nearby, or line a baking sheet with parchment12 medium strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
- Unwrap your caramel candies and place them into a high heat resistant microwave safe bowl (I use a ceramic bowl that’s safe for oven use, since I know it can take the heat of boiling sugar)10 ounces hard caramel candies
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir, and continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and bubbling across the entire surface. Mine took about 2 ½ minutes total in a 1000W microwave
- Work quickly and hold the strawberry by the stem, dip it into the hot caramel and turn to coat, allow excess to drop off (so that the coating isn’t too thick to bite through), and then place it on the baking sheet
- Repeat with all strawberries. Note: if your caramel starts to harden and seize up, microwave it for 20-30 seconds to re-soften it
- Let set until hardened, about 15-20 minutes, then enjoy!
Notes
- Choose a deep bowl instead of a shallow one to make dipping easier. The caramel also tends to rise as it cooks in your microwave, so you’ll need some room for expansion so as to not make a mess
- If you have leftover caramel stuck in your bowl, soak it in very hot water in the sink. I usually do this 2-3 times, replacing the hot water each time, and eventually it all dissolves out
- To set your candy up faster (or if it’s struggling to set due to heat or humidity) you can put the berries in the refrigerator
- Candied strawberries are best enjoyed fresh
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, size of berries, any toppings or decorations added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
The shell is thin but super crunchy (letting it drip off is definitely important). These were a hit for brunch and really easy to make!
Glad to hear it! Easy and delicious always makes for a good recipe combination!