Description
Delicious and healthy fruit snacks packed with hidden vegetables, these homemade treats combine strawberries, blueberries, spinach, and carrots with natural sweeteners and gelatin for a nutritious snack that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Vegetables
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons gelatin powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, add the strawberries, blueberries, spinach, and grated carrots. Blend until smooth to create a uniform base for the fruit snacks.
- Combine with Other Ingredients: Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan. Add the applesauce, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Heat the Mixture: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling, preparing it to dissolve the gelatin effectively.
- Add Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the warm mixture to avoid clumping. Allow it to dissolve for about 1 minute without stirring initially.
- Dissolve Gelatin Completely: Stir continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth, ensuring proper set texture.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to prepare for molding.
- Mold the Mixture: Pour the mixture into silicone molds or a baking pan lined with parchment paper to shape the fruit snacks.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the molds or pan for at least 2 hours, or until the snacks are firm to the touch, allowing them to fully set.
- Unmold or Cut: Once set, remove the fruit snacks from the molds or cut into squares if set in a baking pan.
- Store Properly: Store the fruit snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen fruits depending on availability, but thaw and drain excess water if using frozen.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option, although gelatin is not vegan.
- Ensure the mixture does not boil to prevent gelatin from losing its setting properties.
- Silicone molds work best for easy removal of the snacks.
- These snacks are great for kids and can be customized with different fruits and veggies.
