Disclosed is an engrossing syrup for a pan coating process and a process that enables one to coat a food piece with a soft sugar coating that retains its softness over time. The process also allows the coating to occur at low coating temperatures. In addition, the process produces a thinner and softer coating to provide a novel taste and texture to the coated food piece. The engrossing syrup can be used to coat a wide variety of types of food pieces using a pan coating process.