I made these candy grapes because I wanted something sweet and cold that wasn’t ice cream and didn’t involve turning on the oven. They kept popping up on my TikTok feed, I tried them once, then immediately made another batch because they disappeared faster than expected.
They’re basically frozen grapes with a thin, crunchy sugar coating.
Crisp on the outside, icy and juicy in the middle, and perfect as a summer snack, St. Patrick’s Day “Leprechaun Candy” or when you want something semi healthy that’s sweet enough to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love Them
- They’re sweet but still feel light, like a snack you can keep going back to
- Perfect green snack for kids parties, St Patrick’s Day, Halloween or any green themed party!
- No oven, no mixer, no patience required beyond waiting for the freezer
- That crunchy sugar shell with the icy grape center is honestly addictive
Ingredients
- Green grapes
Seedless works best. Rinse them well and dry them really thoroughly or the sugar won’t stick properly, learned that the hard way. - Fresh lemon juice
Just enough to lightly coat the grapes. It adds a little tang and helps the sugar cling. - White granulated sugar
Classic and sparkly. You can eyeball this a bit, no need to be exact.
How To Make Candy Grapes
Step 1: Clean & Dry Your Grapes
Start by putting your clean, completely dry grapes into a large bowl.
Step 2: Coat Them In Lemon Juice
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and gently toss until they’re lightly coated.
You’re not soaking them, just giving them enough moisture so the sugar has something to grab onto.
Step 3: Pour Some Sugar On It
Pour the sugar onto a shallow plate or tray.
Working a few grapes at a time, roll them around in the sugar until they’re nicely coated.
I usually use my fingers and don’t worry about perfection.
Step 4: Freeze Your Grapes
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the sugared grapes out in a single layer.
Try not to let them touch too much or they’ll freeze together, which is annoying later.
Pop the tray into the freezer and let them chill until fully frozen.
About an hour usually does it, (sometimes a little longer if your freezer is packed like mine.)
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them into a freezer safe container or bag.
Then snack on them straight from the freezer whenever the mood hits. Which, for me, is often.
Tips, FAQs, and Little Variations
Can I use red grapes instead of green?
Yes, totally. They’re sweeter and slightly softer when frozen, still very good, just a different vibe.
Do they need to freeze the full hour?
They need to be solid enough to get that candy like crunch. If they’re still slushy, the magic isn’t quite there yet.
Can I skip the lemon juice?
You can, but the sugar won’t stick as well and you lose that tiny bit of brightness. It’s worth keeping.
How long do candy grapes last in the freezer?
About a month in an airtight container, though honestly they never make it that long in my house.
Any fun twists?
Try rolling them in superfine sugar for extra crunch, or add a pinch of citric acid to the sugar if you love sour candy.
Recipe Card
Easy Candy Grapes
Description
Sweet, crunchy frozen candy grapes that taste like a fun snack straight from the freezer. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or when you want something cold and sweet without baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Add the completely dry grapes to a large bowl and drizzle with the lemon juice. Gently toss until they’re lightly coated, not swimming.
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Pour the sugar onto a shallow plate or tray and spread it out evenly.
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Roll the grapes in the sugar a few at a time, using your fingers or a spoon, until they’re nicely coated all over.
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Place the coated grapes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try not to let them touch too much.
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Pop the tray into the freezer and freeze until firm and icy, about 1 hour.
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Transfer the frozen candy grapes to an airtight container or freezer bag and snack straight from the freezer.
Note
Notes:
- Make ahead friendly. These can be frozen up to 1 month and grabbed whenever you want a quick snack.
- Red grapes work too and are a little sweeter, but green grapes give the best tart crunch.
- For extra tang, mix a tiny pinch of citric acid into the sugar before coating.
