Candied Grapes (with Video)

published August 29, 2024

5 from 1 vote

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These candied grapes are a fun, sweet treat that kids will love. Made with grapes, sugar, and water, they are perfect for afternoon snacking, parties, or special occasions.

Candied red and green grapes in a coupe glass.

Just like Tanghulu candied fruit, candied grapes are a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. Kids will absolutely love these little fruity bombs—each bite bursting with juicy grape goodness and a crunchy candy coating. You can serve the candied grapes as a fun afternoon snack or dessert or at a summer party, a festive Christmas gathering, or any special occasion.

What’s more, this candy grapes recipe is so easy to make. You only need grapes, sugar, water, and some patience. You can also involve the whole family in rolling the grapes in sugar. It’s a fun activity, and everyone will lick their fingers.

And if the summer bounty left you with a lot of fresh grapes, why not try other grape-inspired recipes like refreshing grape juice or savory stuffed grape leaves?

What are Candied Grapes

Candied grapes are juicy, plump grapes that are dipped in sugar syrup and then coated with granulated sugar. This makes the grapes taste sweeter with a bit of a crunch from the sugar crystals.

Candied red and green grapes in a small grey bowl.

Watch how to make it

Ingredients

Fresh grapes: It’s best to choose a seedless variety. Use plump and juicy grapes. Mix red grapes, green grapes, and black grapes, or use just one color.
Sugar: Use white granulated sugar. Half of it is for the sugar syrup and half to coat the grapes.
Water.

See the printable recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Candied grapes variations

Instead of using sugar (or in addition to it), here are some other fund ideas for coating the grapes.

Jello Powder: Choose your favorite to add color and flavor.
Crushed Jolly Ranchers: For sweet, crunchy coating.
Ground Nuts (Almonds or Pecans): For a nutty, crunchy twist.
Coconut Flakes: For a tropical flavor and chewy texture.
Melted or Grated Chocolate: Dip each grape in smooth, melted milk chocolate for a rich, glossy finish, or lightly roll syrup-coated grapes in finely grated chocolate for a delicate, flaky coating. For extra texture, add crushed nuts before the chocolate hardens.

How to make candied grapes

Step 1: Prepare The Grapes: Remove the stems from the grapes, then rinse them well under running water or in a large bowl. Then, make sure to dry them well with a kitchen towel or paper towel. Each grape should be thoroughly dried.

Step 2: Make Sugar Candy syrup: Use a medium-sized pot and add the water and half the sugar. Allow the sugar to melt over medium-high heat. Stir as a few times. For this recipe, we don’t need to reach candy temperature. It’s enough for the sugar to melt into the water fully. Then, you can remove the mixture from the heat.

Step 3: Cool Syrup & Coat Grapes: Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Just 5-10 minutes is enough; it doesn’t have to reach room temperature, but you want to avoid cooking the grapes in the hot syrup.

Then, carefully place the grapes into the saucepan with the syrup. Swirl them around to coat them entirely, or use a spoon to cover them with the sugar mixture.

Step 4: Dry Grapes on Rack: Place a wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment paper. Then, use a skimmer or just a spoon and transfer the grapes onto the rack in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching each other. Let them dry for 30-60 minutes.

You can check how dry they are by touching them with your finger – they should be sticky, but the syrup should not feel wet. If they are wet, when you coat them with sugar, the sugar crystals will melt.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar & Dry Again: Once the syrup-coated grapes feel sticky, coat them with the rest of the sugar. For best coverage, roll each grape individually into the sugar. If you roll all the grapes at the same time, they will clump together, and the sugar won’t cover them evenly.

Now is the best time to involve the kids and family—everyone will have fun rolling the grapes.

Alternatively, you can use a small sifter to sprinkle sugar over the grapes. Then, flip them and sprinkle the other side. Watch the video to see how I made them.

Once coated with sugar, set the candied grapes aside for another 30-60 minutes. Then you can store them for later or enjoy them.

Key tips & tricks

Let the syrup cool: Allow the syrup to cool down a bit so it doesn’t cook the grapes.
Space out the grapes: Place the grapes on a wire rack in a single layer so they don’t touch and stick together.
Let the grapes dry: After dipping the grapes in the syrup, set them aside to dry a bit before rolling them in sugar. They will be sticky enough to hold the sugar but not too wet to dissolve it.
Work with one grape at a time: For the best coverage, roll each grape in sugar individually. Alternatively, use a small sifter to sprinkle sugar over the grapes, then flip them and do the same on the other side.

How to store candied grapes

Store the candied grapes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The sugar crystals won’t get gooey, and you can enjoy the grapes cold or let them come to room temperature.

More candied recipes

If you try this candied grapes recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!

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