Irresistible Microwave Caramel Candied Strawberries: Your Easy Guide to Sweet, Crunchy Bliss
If you’ve ever delighted in the satisfying crunch of tanghulu or the luxurious sweetness of chocolate-covered strawberries, then get ready to fall in love with these caramel candied strawberries! Imagine fresh, plump, and juicy berries encased in a perfectly hard, glossy caramel shell – a truly sweet, dipped treat that offers an exciting textural contrast. This simple recipe brings a touch of magic to your kitchen with minimal effort, creating an elegant dessert or a delightful snack that’s sure to impress. Just don’t tell your dentist, because you won’t be able to resist this delightful indulgence!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Recipe
Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly these caramel candied strawberries come together! With just two simple ingredients and the convenience of a microwave, you can transform ordinary fresh, juicy berries into an extraordinary dessert. The result is a delightful combination: a vibrant, sweet strawberry hugged by a crunchy, golden-brown caramel coating that delivers a satisfying snap with every bite.
Much like our popular Microwave Tanghulu and Jolly Rancher Strawberries, these delectable berries feature a hard candy shell on the outside. This unique characteristic is what makes them so special and enjoyable. However, it’s worth noting that if you have sensitive teeth or prefer to avoid the sensation of sugar sticking, you might want to consider other ways to enjoy your fresh berries. For everyone else, this recipe promises an exciting and satisfying experience that’s a fantastic alternative to traditional candied fruits, offering a rich caramel flavor profile.
If the idea of a sweet, crunchy, fruit-filled treat excites you, then I’m here to show you just how incredibly easy they are to prepare! These gorgeous candied strawberries are incredibly versatile. I love serving them during the summer months when berries are at their peak freshness and abundance, making for a quick and naturally sweet dessert option. However, their elegant appearance and indulgent flavor also make them a perfect fit for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or even bridal showers and festive gatherings where a touch of homemade charm is desired.
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Ingredients List: What You’ll Need
Making these caramel candied strawberries is incredibly straightforward, requiring only two core ingredients. Quality ingredients will ensure the best flavor and texture for your sweet treats.
- One dozen strawberries: Opt for fresh, firm, and ripe strawberries. Ensure they are washed thoroughly under cool water and, most importantly, completely dried. Room temperature berries are ideal as cold berries can cause the warm caramel to seize up too quickly.
- 10 ounces hard caramel candies: Brands like Werther’s Original are perfect for this. The key is to use *hard* caramel candies, not soft, chewy ones. This type of caramel melts down into the perfectly clear, hard-setting shell we’re aiming for.
Ingredient Tips and Notes for Perfect Candied Berries
- Choosing your berries: While strawberries are our star, you can certainly experiment with other firm fruits like grapes or even apple slices (ensure apples are dried very well). However, I find that the size and natural juiciness of large strawberries offer the ideal ratio to the hard caramel shell, creating a balanced bite. Select berries that are not overly ripe or bruised, as this can introduce too much moisture and compromise the crispness of the candy coating.
- Selecting hard caramels: The success of this recipe hinges on using hard caramel candies. Any brand will work, but double-check that they are the hard, individually wrapped variety, not soft or chewy caramels. Soft caramels contain different ingredients that prevent them from forming that desirable hard, translucent candy shell when melted.
- Optional toppings: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, feel free to roll the freshly coated strawberries in various toppings while the caramel is still wet and sticky. Consider finely crushed nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts), shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor. Once hardened, you can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or white candy melts for added visual appeal and taste.
Essential Equipment Notes for Safe and Easy Candying
- High heat resistance microwave safe bowl: This is a non-negotiable item for safety. Boiling sugar reaches extremely high temperatures, far exceeding the boiling point of water. You need a bowl that can withstand this intense heat without cracking or shattering. I personally use an oven-safe ceramic bowl because I know it’s designed to handle high temperatures. Avoid using certain types of glassware, such as Pyrex (the lowercase version of the logo, which indicates soda-lime glass, not borosilicate) as it can be prone to thermal shock and shatter when exposed to rapidly changing extreme temperatures. Always use caution and ensure your bowl is rated for high heat microwave use.
- Non-stick surface for setting: After dipping, you’ll need a suitable surface for your strawberries to cool and harden without sticking. A silicone baking mat is excellent for this, as the caramel will easily peel off once set. Alternatively, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works just as well. Avoid waxed paper, as it can stick.
- Skewers or toothpicks: These are essential for holding your strawberries during the dipping process, especially if the natural stems are too short or have broken off.
- Heat-resistant spatula or spoon: For stirring the hot caramel safely and efficiently.
How to Make Caramel Candied Strawberries: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly candied strawberries with a satisfyingly crisp caramel shell.
- Prepare your strawberries meticulously: Begin by thoroughly washing your strawberries under cool running water. The most crucial step here is to dry them completely. Any residual moisture on the berries will prevent the caramel from adhering properly and can lead to a sticky, uneven coating. Use paper towels to gently pat each strawberry until it’s bone dry. If your strawberries have short or missing stems, carefully insert a toothpick or a small wooden skewer into the top of each berry. This will provide a convenient handle for dipping and ensure your fingers stay clear of the hot caramel. Once prepped, arrange your dried strawberries on a clean surface. Have your non-stick setting surface – either a silicone baking mat or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – ready and within arm’s reach.
- Prepare your caramel for melting: Unwrap all your hard caramel candies. This step can be a bit tedious, but it’s essential to prevent the wrappers from melting into your caramel. Place the unwrapped candies into your chosen high heat resistant microwave-safe bowl. Remember, a deep bowl is preferable to a shallow one. As the caramel melts and heats, it can expand and bubble, so you’ll need ample space to avoid an overflowing mess in your microwave.
- Melt the caramel in the microwave: Place the bowl of caramels into your microwave. Microwave on high for 1 minute. After the initial minute, carefully remove the bowl (using oven mitts, as it will be hot) and stir the melting caramels with a heat-resistant spatula or spoon. Return the bowl to the microwave and continue to heat in 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each interval. This intermittent heating and stirring is vital to ensure the caramel melts evenly and prevents scorching. Continue until the caramels are fully melted, smooth, and bubbling across the entire surface. The caramel should be a uniform, liquid consistency, free of lumps. *For reference, in my 1000W microwave, this process typically took about 2 ½ minutes total, but microwave wattages vary, so adjust your timing accordingly.*
- Dip the strawberries quickly and evenly: This step requires speed! The melted caramel will begin to cool and thicken relatively quickly. Holding a strawberry by its stem or skewer, dip it into the hot, liquid caramel. Gently turn the strawberry to ensure it’s fully coated. Lift the strawberry and allow any excess caramel to drip off back into the bowl. This is important to achieve a thin, even coating that’s easy to bite through. Once adequately coated, immediately place the dipped strawberry onto your prepared silicone baking mat or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Continue dipping all strawberries: Repeat the dipping process with the remaining strawberries, working efficiently. *If at any point your caramel begins to cool, harden, or become too thick and difficult to work with, simply pop it back into the microwave for an additional 20-30 seconds. Stir well to re-soften and restore its smooth, dippable consistency.*
- Allow to set and enjoy: Once all your strawberries are coated, let them sit undisturbed on the non-stick surface until the caramel shell has completely hardened. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. The caramel will become firm, brittle, and translucent. Once fully set, carefully peel them off the mat or parchment paper, and they are ready to be savored!
More Delightful Strawberry Recipes
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Air Fryer Strawberry Cream Pie: Hand Held Deliciousness!
Peach Strawberry Mango Smoothie: Perfect For Summer!
Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail: Fizzy Drink With Vodka!
Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramels for Caramel Candied Strawberries?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought caramels such as Werther’s Original for your candied strawberries. In fact, this recipe is specifically designed around the convenience and ease of using pre-made hard caramel candies.
The most important thing to remember is to choose a hard caramel candy, regardless of the brand you select. This specific type of candy is formulated to melt into a clear, liquid state and then harden into a crisp, glassy shell upon cooling. Soft, chewy caramels will not yield the same crunchy texture and are likely to remain soft and sticky, which isn’t the desired effect for this recipe.
Can I Make Caramel Candied Strawberries Ahead of Time?
You should try to avoid making caramel candied strawberries too far ahead of time for the best results. The nature of fresh fruit and a hard candy coating means they are best enjoyed shortly after they have set.
Strawberries naturally release moisture over time, which will cause the hard caramel shell to soften and eventually become sticky or even melt. This process can happen quite quickly, especially in humid conditions. While you can wash and thoroughly dry your strawberries in advance and bring them to room temperature, the actual dipping process should ideally be completed within an hour or two of your intended serving time for optimal crunch and presentation. If you must store them for a very short period, place them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but be aware that some softening may still occur.
Can I Add Toppings to Caramel Candied Strawberries?
Absolutely! Getting creative with toppings is a fantastic way to customize your caramel candied strawberries. You can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
The best time to add toppings is immediately after dipping the strawberry in caramel, while the coating is still warm and sticky. Simply roll the coated strawberry in your chosen topping before placing it on the baking sheet to set. Popular options include:
- Finely chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts)
- Shredded coconut (toasted or untoasted)
- Colorful sprinkles for a festive look
- A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to beautifully contrast and enhance the sweet caramel flavor.
Once the caramel has completely hardened, you can also add drizzles of melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white) or colorful candy melts for an additional touch of elegance, flavor, and texture. Just ensure the caramel is fully set before applying liquid drizzles.
Are Caramel Candied Strawberries Gluten-Free?
Caramel candied strawberries can be gluten-free, but it’s crucial to be mindful of your ingredient choices, especially the caramel candies, if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
While strawberries are naturally gluten-free, some brands of hard caramel candies, like Werther’s Original, contain glucose syrup that can be derived from wheat. Although these products may technically meet FDA requirements for “gluten-free” (meaning they contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten), they might still contain trace amounts. If you are particularly sensitive or have celiac disease, it is always recommended to use caution and opt for a certified gluten-free brand of hard caramel candies. Always check the ingredient label and any allergen statements to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.
What Occasions Are Best for Serving Caramel Candied Strawberries?
Caramel candied strawberries are wonderfully versatile and can be served as a delightful dessert, a sweet snack, or a decorative treat for a variety of special events and holidays.
Their elegant appearance and indulgent flavor make them particularly suitable for:
- Valentine’s Day: A romantic and thoughtful homemade gift.
- Mother’s Day: A sweet gesture to show appreciation.
- Summer Celebrations: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and garden parties when fresh berries are abundant.
- Dessert Tables: They add a beautiful, glossy pop of color and an interesting texture to any spread.
- Kids’ Parties: A fun and appealing treat that children will love.
- Bridal Showers or Baby Showers: Their delicate look makes them a charming addition.
Basically, any occasion where you want to offer a unique, easy-to-eat, and impressive dessert will be enhanced by these lovely candied fruits.
Recipe Pro Tips for Candied Strawberry Success
Achieving perfectly coated caramel strawberries is simple, especially with a few expert tips:
- Choose a deep bowl for melting: When melting your caramel, opt for a deeper bowl rather than a shallow one. This is crucial because as the caramel heats and melts in the microwave, it will bubble and expand considerably. A deep bowl provides enough headroom to prevent the hot, bubbling sugar from overflowing and creating a sticky mess in your microwave, making the process safer and cleaner.
- Effortless caramel cleanup: Don’t despair over hardened caramel residue stuck to your bowl! The easiest way to clean it is to fill the bowl with very hot water (from the tap or kettle) and let it soak in the sink. The hot water will gradually dissolve the caramel. I usually do this 2-3 times, replacing the hot water each time, until all the caramel has completely dissolved, making cleanup surprisingly simple.
- Speed up setting with refrigeration: If you’re in a hurry or if the ambient temperature and humidity in your kitchen are making it difficult for the caramel to set quickly, you can place the dipped strawberries in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. The cold temperature will help the caramel harden much faster. Just be mindful not to leave them in the fridge for too long, as the moisture from the berries can still eventually affect the candy coating.
- Prepare your workspace: Before you start melting the caramel, ensure all your strawberries are prepped (washed, dried, and skewered if needed) and your non-stick surface (silicone mat or parchment paper) is laid out. Working quickly is key, and a well-organized workspace will help you dip all your berries before the caramel cools and hardens.
- Handle with care: Once the caramel is set, try to handle the strawberries as little as possible, especially by the candy coating. The warmth from your hands can start to soften the caramel, and fingerprints might be left behind.
Storage Tips: Best Enjoyed Fresh
- Caramel candied strawberries are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, ideally within an hour or two of making them. The fresh strawberries, despite being dried, contain a natural moisture that will gradually seep into the hard caramel shell over time. This moisture interaction causes the candy coating to soften, become sticky, and eventually lose its delightful crunch and glossy appearance. While you can attempt to store them short-term, place them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator to minimize exposure to humidity. However, I highly recommend consuming them as soon as possible to prevent a melted, sticky mess and to savor them at their absolute best.
More Microwave Strawberry Treats to Try
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Yogurt Clusters: Sweet & Healthy!
Microwave Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Easy Recipe)
- Chocolate Strawberry Fudge: A rich and creamy treat combining two classic flavors.
- Strawberry Chocolate Mug Cake: A quick, single-serving dessert perfect for satisfying a sweet craving.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Strawberry Bars: A delightful no-bake option with a delicious layered texture.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles: Bite-sized balls of creamy, fruity goodness.
Final Thoughts: Sweet, Simple, and Seriously Delicious!
These easy 2-ingredient caramel candied strawberries are a true testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dessert. They deliver a wonderfully sweet, satisfyingly crunchy shell that beautifully encases fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a burst of flavor and texture with every bite. Serving as a fantastic, less-intimidating alternative to traditional tanghulu, their shiny, translucent coating makes them utterly irresistible and visually stunning.
Whether you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day surprise, a thoughtful Mother’s Day treat, or simply looking for a delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal berries throughout the summer, these candied fruits are an ideal choice. They are naturally vegetarian and surprisingly low in fat, though, like any sweet indulgence, they are high in sugars, so mindful moderation is recommended. Embrace the joy of making this simple, elegant dessert and share a moment of sweet bliss with loved ones!
Katie’s tip
If you prefer other fruits for candying, make sure to check out my Jolly Rancher Grapes for another vibrant and crunchy candied fruit option!
Easy Caramel Candied Strawberries in the Microwave
Equipment
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Microwave
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Silicone baking mat (or parchment lined baking sheet)
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High heat microwave safe bowl
Ingredients
- 12 medium strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried (room temperature)
- 10 ounces hard caramel candies (such as Werther’s)
Instructions
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Repeat with all strawberries. Note: if your caramel starts to harden and seize up, microwave it for 20-30 seconds to re-soften it
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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, and may not be guaranteed. Please consider this a guideline only.
Nutrition
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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