How to Make Sugar Coated Strawberries Without Corn Syrup?
To make sugar coated strawberries without corn syrup, you can use alternative syrups such as honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, golden syrup, or maple syrup.
One simple recipe involves cooking sugar and water in a saucepan until caramelized, then coating the strawberries with the syrup.
The process takes about 20 minutes and requires 20 strawberries, 2 cups of white sugar, ½ cup of water, and toothpicks.
Additional ingredients can be added for flavor or color.
The nutrition facts for candied strawberries without corn syrup are: 396 calories per 100g serving size, 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 2.6mg sodium, 2.3mg potassium, 99g total carbohydrates, 0.3g dietary fiber, 79.2g sugar, and 0g protein.
Follow the instructions of rinsing and drying the strawberries, cooking the sugar and water, inserting toothpicks, dipping the strawberries, and refrigerating them for 2 hours before serving.
The flavor of the candied sugar may be less intense without corn syrup, but you can use alternatives like powdered sugar, chocolate, or maple syrup.
The excess candy mixture can be stored by reheating it, and this recipe yields 12 candied strawberries.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The origin of sugar cane can be traced back to Papua New Guinea, where it was first cultivated around 6,000 years ago.
2. Japan is famous for producing unique and flavorful strawberries, but did you know that the most expensive strawberry ever sold in Japan was priced at a whopping $4,395? It was a variety called “White Jewel” and was sold as part of a charity auction!
3. In the United States, strawberry varieties such as Chandler and Tillamook are known for their juicy and sweet flavor. However, “Pineberries” are an interesting twist on traditional strawberries, as they actually taste like a combination of strawberries and pineapples!
4. Strawberries are not true berries, but rather an “accessory fruit.” Each strawberry is formed from multiple ovaries of a single flower, making it a composite fruit. True botanical berries, such as bananas and grapes, develop from one ovary.
5. The world record for the largest strawberry shortcake ever made was achieved in 2004 in the United States, weighing a staggering 21,213 pounds! It took over two tons of strawberries, 4,000 pounds of whipped cream, and 5,500 pounds of cake to create this colossal dessert.
Alternative Syrups For Making Candied Strawberries
When it comes to making candied strawberries without corn syrup, there are several alternative syrups that can be used to achieve that delicious sweet coating. These alternative syrups include honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, golden syrup, and maple syrup. These syrups provide the necessary sweetness and stickiness required to create the alluring sugar coating we love on our candied strawberries.
Each of these alternative syrups has its own unique flavor profile, allowing for a variety of taste combinations and experimentation. Honey brings a rich and floral sweetness, while agave nectar offers a milder, almost fruity sweetness. Brown rice syrup provides a subtle caramel-like flavor, while golden syrup offers a rich and buttery taste. Lastly, maple syrup brings a distinct and delightful maple flavor to the mix.
With these alternative syrups, you can customize your candied strawberries to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Opting for these alternatives allows you to avoid corn syrup, which some individuals may wish to avoid due to its potential impact on health. So, grab your favorite syrup substitute and let’s dive into the world of making sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup!
Simple Recipe For Making Sugar Coated Strawberries
Now that we have explored a range of alternative syrups, let’s explore a simple recipe for making sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup. The process is surprisingly straightforward and can be completed in just about 20 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 20 strawberries
- 2 cups of white sugar
- ½ cup of water
- 20 toothpicks
To begin, start by rinsing your strawberries and drying them gently with a paper towel. This step ensures that any dirt or debris is removed, leaving you with clean and fresh berries. Once dried, set them aside for later use.
In a saucepan, combine the white sugar and water over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely melted and the mixture reaches approximately 300 F. This will create a caramel-like syrup that will be the perfect coating for your strawberries.
Next, insert a toothpick into the top of each strawberry. This will make it easier to handle and dip in the syrup later on. Once all the strawberries are equipped with their toothpick handles, carefully dip each one into the syrup, ensuring that they are completely coated. Place the coated strawberries onto a baking sheet, allowing them to cool and harden.
To ensure the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the strawberries for a minimum of 2 hours before serving. This will allow the sugar coating to fully set and provide a delightful crunch when you take your first bite.
Your homemade sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup are now ready to be enjoyed!
Ingredients Required For Candied Strawberries Without Corn Syrup
To make candied strawberries without using corn syrup, you’ll need:
- 20 strawberries: Select ripe and firm strawberries for optimal flavor.
- 2 cups of white sugar: Provides the sweetness for the sugar coating.
- ½ cup of water: Used to dissolve the sugar and create a syrup-like consistency.
- 20 toothpicks: Inserted into the strawberries to make them easier to handle.
With these basic ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering batch of sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup. Feel free to add additional flavors or ingredients for a customized taste and presentation.
Nutrition Facts For Candied Strawberries Without Corn Syrup
If you’re curious about the nutritional content of candied strawberries made without corn syrup, here’s a breakdown of the key facts per 100g serving size:
- Calories: 396
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2.6mg
- Potassium: 2.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 99g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 79.2g
- Protein: 0g
These figures give you a clear understanding of the nutritional composition of candied strawberries without corn syrup. While they are undeniably sweet and delicious, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes due to their high sugar content. Enjoy them as a treat, and savor each bite knowing that you’re using alternative syrups and avoiding corn syrup.
Instructions For Making Candied Strawberries Without Corn Syrup
To make delightful sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup, follow these step-by-step instructions:
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Rinse the strawberries under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they are clean and ready for the sugar coating.
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In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of white sugar and ½ cup of water over medium heat. Continuously stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the syrup reaches approximately 300 F.
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Insert a toothpick into the top of each strawberry, providing a convenient handle for dipping and serving.
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Carefully dip each strawberry into the syrup, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow any excess syrup to drip off before placing the coated strawberry onto a baking sheet.
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Repeat the dipping process for all strawberries, coating them completely and arranging them on the baking sheet.
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Place the strawberries in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to allow them to cool and harden.
Once the cooling time is complete, your homemade sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup are ready to be savored and shared. The process is simple, and the result is an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed on its own or used to elevate desserts and other sweet creations.
- Rinse strawberries under cold water and pat them dry
- Combine white sugar and water in a saucepan
- Stir until sugar is dissolved and syrup reaches 300 F
- Insert toothpick into each strawberry for easy handling
- Dip strawberries in syrup, ensuring even coating
- Allow excess syrup to drip off before placing on baking sheet
- Repeat for all strawberries
- Cool and harden in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
“Once the cooling time is complete, your homemade sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup are ready to be savored and shared with others.”
Additional Flavor And Ingredient Options For Candied Strawberries
Although traditional sugar coating is undeniably delicious, you can take your candied strawberries to the next level by incorporating additional flavors and ingredients. Here are some mouthwatering options to consider:
- Orange Blossom Water: Add a subtle floral note to the syrup by incorporating orange blossom water.
- Lemon Zest: Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the strawberries for a zesty and refreshing twist.
- Mint: Finely chop fresh mint leaves and gently press them onto the coating for a delightful burst of herbal flavor.
- Food Coloring: Elevate the visual appeal of your candied strawberries by incorporating food coloring. Choose colors that match the theme or occasion.
- White Chocolate Chips: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled strawberries for a creamy and indulgent touch.
- Crushed Pistachios, Walnuts, and Almonds: Roll the coated strawberries in crushed nuts for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Chopped Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle chopped coconut flakes onto the wet coating for a tropical twist.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Create a vibrant and playful presentation by rolling the coated strawberries in colorful sprinkles.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Press mini chocolate chips into the wet coating for an irresistible chocolate-strawberry combination.
These additional flavor and ingredient options allow you to personalize your candied strawberries, making them even more delightful and visually appealing. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite variation.
In conclusion, making sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup is a simple and delightful process. By using alternative syrups such as honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, golden syrup, or maple syrup, you can achieve the desired sweetness and stickiness for your coating. The process itself involves cooking sugar and water to create a caramel-like syrup and dipping the strawberries until they are completely coated. Additional ingredients and flavors can be incorporated to enhance the aesthetics and taste.
Whether you choose to enjoy these candied strawberries on their own or use them to elevate desserts and other sweet creations, you can feel confident knowing that you have created a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor or decadence. So, gather your ingredients, grab your toothpicks, and prepare to indulge in the irresistible joy of homemade sugar-coated strawberries without corn syrup.
- Orange Blossom Water
- Lemon Zest
- Mint
- Food Coloring
- White Chocolate Chips
- Crushed Pistachios, Walnuts, and Almonds
- Chopped Coconut Flakes
- Colorful Sprinkles
- Mini Chocolate Chips
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my candied strawberries harden?
If your candied strawberries are not hardening, it is likely due to your candying mixture not reaching the right temperature. It is crucial to let the mixture cook until it starts bubbling, thickens, and achieves a rich golden color, similar to caramel. Once this stage is reached, promptly remove it from the heat to avoid burning.
How do you preserve strawberries in sugar syrup?
To preserve strawberries in sugar syrup, one method is to use a whole berries syrup pack. This involves placing the strawberries into containers and covering them with cold 50 percent syrup, making sure to leave some headspace. The containers are then sealed and frozen, allowing the strawberries to maintain their flavor and texture for future enjoyment.
Another method for preserving strawberries is through a sugar pack. In this technique, 1 quart (1 1/3 pounds) of strawberries is mixed thoroughly with ¾ cup of sugar. The sugar helps to sweeten and preserve the berries. To ensure the sugar is dissolved, the mixture can be stirred until most of it is dissolved or allowed to stand for 15 minutes, allowing the sugar to infuse the strawberries. This sugar pack method provides a delectably sweet preserved strawberry option.
How much sugar to sweeten strawberries?
To sweeten strawberries, start by using a minimum of two tablespoons of sugar per cup of berries and adjust accordingly depending on the natural tartness of the fruit. Some strawberries may have a more tangy taste, leading to the need for a slightly higher amount of sugar. It is essential to store the sweetened strawberries in a covered container in the refrigerator. Personally, I prefer using a glass bowl and tightly covering it with plastic wrap to keep the strawberries fresh and preserve their enhanced sweetness.
How do you keep candied fruit from melting?
To prevent candied fruit from melting, it is essential to store it in a controlled cold storage environment. Maintaining a temperature range of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of around 60% is crucial during warm weather. By storing the fruit in such conditions, it helps to preserve its unique texture and prevent it from melting prematurely. This optimal storage environment ensures that the candied fruit remains delicious and retains its delightful candied coating without melting away due to heat.