Homemade Fruit and Vegetable Snacks with Gelatin Recipe
Introduction
Homemade fruit snacks are a fun and healthy treat you can easily make at home. Using fresh fruits, vegetables, and natural sweeteners, these snacks are a delicious way to enjoy a guilt-free snack that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit chopped
- ¼ cup vegetables chopped (and peeled if necessary)
- ¼ to ½ cup pure apple juice (no added sugar)
- 2 Tablespoons raw honey
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons gelatin (preferably collagen, grass-fed)
- 1 cup green grapes
- ¼ cup spinach
- 1 cup strawberries diced
- ¼ cup beets
- 1 cup peaches chopped
- ¼ cup carrots
- 1 cup blueberries
- ¼ cup zucchini
Instructions
- Step 1: Place silicone molds on a large baking sheet or line an 8×8-inch square dish with wax paper and lightly grease; set aside.
- Step 2: Place fruit, vegetables, and ¼ cup apple juice in the container of a high-powered blender and secure the lid.
- Step 3: Turn the blender on and slowly increase the speed to high. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding more apple juice 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary to reach a smooth consistency.
- Step 4: Add honey and vanilla extract and blend again until smooth.
- Step 5: Taste the mixture and add more honey if desired for sweetness.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and whisk in the gelatin.
- Step 7: Heat the mixture over medium heat until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is no longer grainy, about 3 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Step 8: Using a dropper, fill the silicone molds with the mixture, or pour it into the prepared baking dish. Keep the saucepan on a warm burner with the heat off to keep the mixture warm as you fill.
- Step 9: Transfer the filled molds or dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Step 10: Once set, remove the fruit snacks from the molds or cut if using a baking dish. Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Tips & Variations
- Use different combinations of fruits and vegetables based on what’s in season or your preferences.
- If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the gelatin to 2 tablespoons.
- For vegan-friendly snacks, substitute gelatin with agar-agar according to package instructions.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for an extra flavor twist.
Storage
Store homemade fruit snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To enjoy, you can eat them chilled or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit works best for this recipe as it blends more smoothly and helps set the snacks properly. If using frozen fruit, thaw it fully and drain any excess liquid before blending.
What type of gelatin is best for this recipe?
Grass-fed collagen gelatin is recommended for its quality and health benefits, but any unflavored gelatin will work. Be sure to measure accurately to achieve the right texture.
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Homemade Fruit and Vegetable Snacks with Gelatin Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This homemade fruit snacks recipe offers a healthy and delicious treat made from fresh fruits and vegetables, pure apple juice, honey, vanilla, and gelatin. These natural fruit snacks are easy to prepare using a blender and stovetop heating, making them a perfect wholesome option for kids and adults alike. Set in fun silicone molds, these snacks provide a nutritious alternative to store-bought versions with added sugar and preservatives.
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 cup fruit chopped (use a mix of preferred fresh fruit)
- ¼ cup vegetables chopped (peeled if necessary)
- 1 cup green grapes
- ¼ cup spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup beets
- 1 cup peaches, chopped
- ¼ cup carrots
- 1 cup blueberries
- ¼ cup zucchini
Other Ingredients
- ¼ to ½ cup pure apple juice, no added sugar
- 2 Tablespoons raw honey
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons gelatin, preferably collagen, grass-fed
Instructions
- Prepare Molds: Place silicone molds on a large baking sheet or line an 8×8 inch square dish with wax paper and lightly grease them. Set aside to use later for shaping your fruit snacks.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: Add fruit, vegetables, and ¼ cup of the pure apple juice to a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix. Secure the lid properly to ensure safe blending.
- Blend to Smooth Consistency: Turn the blender on and gradually increase speed to high. Blend until the mixture is very smooth. Add more apple juice, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to achieve a smooth texture without being too runny.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Pour in the raw honey and pure vanilla extract, then blend again briefly until completely incorporated and smooth.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Sample the mixture and add more honey if you desire a sweeter snack, blending again briefly after any additions.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Transfer the blended mixture into a small saucepan and whisk in the gelatin thoroughly, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Heat Mixture: Warm the mixture on medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves fully and the mixture is no longer grainy. Avoid boiling to preserve gelatin properties.
- Fill Molds: Using a dropper, carefully fill the silicone molds with the warm mixture. If using a baking dish, pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Keep the saucepan on a warm burner turned off to keep the mixture warm as you fill the molds to prevent premature setting.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the molds or baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until the fruit snacks firm up completely.
- Unmold and Serve: Remove the fruit snacks from the molds once set. If you used a baking dish, cut the set mixture into desired shapes and serve or store properly.
Notes
- Use silicone molds designed for food safe use for easy removal.
- If you prefer vegan gelatin alternatives, note that texture may vary due to lack of true gelatin properties.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by varying honey quantity or substituting with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Ensure not to boil the gelatin mixture as it reduces gelatin effectiveness.
- Store finished snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations for a variety of flavors and colors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade fruit snacks, healthy fruit snacks, gelatin fruit snacks, natural kids snack, fruit and vegetable snacks
