Looking for a healthy and fun alternative to store-bought fruit snacks? Homemade fruit snacks are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that the whole family will love. Made with real fruit and natural sweeteners, these chewy bites are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without all the added sugars and preservatives. Whether you want a snack for the kids or a guilt-free indulgence for yourself, this simple recipe allows you to customize flavors and ingredients for a fresh, wholesome snack that’s both tasty and nutritious!
Homemade Fruit Snacks Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fruit puree (strawberries, blueberries, or any fruit of your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the fruit puree:
- Blend fresh or frozen fruit in a blender until smooth. Strain the mixture through a sieve if you want to remove seeds or pulp.
Heat the mixture:
- In a small saucepan, combine the fruit puree, water, and honey (if using). Warm the mixture over medium heat until it’s heated through but not boiling.
Add the gelatin:
- Slowly sprinkle the unflavored gelatin into the warm fruit mixture while whisking continuously to prevent clumping. Continue to stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Flavor with lemon juice (optional):
- Add the lemon juice for a bit of tartness, stirring it into the mixture.
Pour into molds:
- Carefully pour the fruit mixture into silicone molds (or a lined baking dish if you don’t have molds). Smooth the top if using a dish.
Chill and set:
- Place the molds or dish in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or until the fruit snacks have fully set.
Remove and cut:
- If using molds, pop the fruit snacks out once firm. If using a dish, cut the fruit snacks into squares or your desired shapes.
Store:
- Store the fruit snacks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Enjoy your healthy, homemade fruit snacks!
We hope you enjoy making these homemade fruit snacks as much as we do! They’re a healthy, delicious treat that you can easily customize to suit your taste. Whether you prefer them sweet, tangy, or a mix of both, the possibilities are endless. Give this recipe a try, and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you try any new flavor combinations? We’d love to hear your tips and variations. Happy snacking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of fruit for homemade fruit snacks?
Yes! You can use almost any fruit you like—strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mangoes, apples, or even a combination. Just blend them into a puree before using them in the recipe.
Can I make fruit snacks without gelatin?
Yes, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based alternative. Use about the same amount as the gelatin (1:1 ratio), but be sure to follow the specific instructions for agar-agar as it requires a different cooking process.
How long do homemade fruit snacks last?
Homemade fruit snacks will last about 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be frozen for longer storage (up to 2 months).
