Homemade Fruit Snacks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Basic Recipe
01 -
1 cup fruit, chopped
02 -
¼ cup vegetables, chopped (and peeled if necessary)
03 -
¼ to ½ cup pure apple juice (no added sugar)
04 -
2 tablespoons raw honey
05 -
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 -
3 tablespoons gelatin (preferably collagen, grass-fed)
→ Green Variation
07 -
1 cup green grapes
08 -
¼ cup spinach
→ Red Variation
09 -
1 cup strawberries, diced
10 -
¼ cup beets
→ Orange Variation
11 -
1 cup peaches, chopped
12 -
¼ cup carrots
→ Blue/Purple Variation
13 -
1 cup blueberries
14 -
¼ cup zucchini
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by preparing a place for your fruit snacks to set. You have two options: either place silicone molds on a large baking sheet (this works great for fun shapes), or line an 8×8-inch square dish with wax paper and lightly grease it with a neutral oil. The wax paper makes removal easy once they're set. Set your prepared molds or dish aside while you make the fruit snack mixture.
02 -
In a high-powered blender, combine your chosen 1 cup of fruit and ¼ cup of vegetables along with ¼ cup of apple juice. Secure the lid tightly and start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth with no visible chunks. If the mixture is too thick to blend properly, add more apple juice one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 -
Once your fruit and vegetable mixture is smooth, add the raw honey and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend again briefly until these are fully incorporated. Take a small taste of your mixture to check the sweetness level. If you prefer a sweeter fruit snack, especially when using tart fruits or vegetables with stronger flavors, add a bit more honey to taste.
04 -
Transfer your blended fruit mixture to a small saucepan. Whisk in the gelatin powder until it's evenly distributed throughout the liquid. Then place the saucepan over medium heat and continue whisking gently as it warms. Heat the mixture for about 3 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the texture is no longer grainy. To test if it's ready, place a small drop on your thumb and rub it between your fingers - it should feel completely smooth. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can damage the gelatin's setting properties.
05 -
Working quickly while the mixture is still warm, fill your prepared molds. If using silicone molds with small cavities, a dropper or small spoon works well for precise filling. If using a baking dish, simply pour the entire mixture in and spread it evenly. For easier pouring, keep the saucepan on the warm (but turned off) burner as you work - this prevents the mixture from setting too quickly before you're finished.
06 -
Carefully transfer your filled molds or baking dish to the refrigerator and allow them to set undisturbed for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm. Once set, gently pop the fruit snacks out of the silicone molds, or if using a baking dish, lift out the entire sheet by the edges of the wax paper and cut into desired shapes using a sharp knife or cookie cutters. Store your homemade fruit snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
# Notes:
01 -
These homemade fruit snacks are a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
02 -
Avoid using kiwi or pineapple in this recipe as they contain enzymes that break down gelatin and will prevent your fruit snacks from setting properly.
03 -
Store these fruit snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 2 months.