Homemade Fruit Snacks

Featured in Nutritious and Delicious Healthy Recipes.

Homemade Fruit Snacks transform ordinary fruits and vegetables into colorful, fun treats that kids love without all the artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions. This versatile recipe allows you to create different colored snacks using various fruit and vegetable combinations, sneaking in extra nutrition that picky eaters won't even notice. The addition of grass-fed gelatin provides a protein boost, making these snacks more nutritionally complete and satisfying than conventional fruit snacks. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and flexibility—you can customize the flavors based on what's in season or your family's preferences. The natural sweetness from the fruit is enhanced with just a touch of honey, while the gelatin creates that perfect gummy texture kids crave. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or on-the-go treats, these homemade fruit snacks store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them an excellent meal prep option for busy families wanting to provide healthier alternatives to processed snacks.
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Updated on Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:49:24 GMT
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Homemade Fruit Snacks transform wholesome ingredients into vibrant, bite-sized treats that delight the senses while nourishing the body. These colorful gummies combine the natural sweetness of fresh fruits with the subtle earthiness of vegetables, all bound together with protein-rich gelatin for a snack that's as nutritious as it is fun. Unlike their store-bought counterparts, these homemade versions contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives – just real food ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family.

During a recent playdate, I served these to a group of children alongside store-bought fruit snacks. The kids not only preferred the homemade version, but one mother was amazed when her vegetable-avoiding child happily devoured the spinach-infused green variety.

Essential Elements

  • Fresh fruits: Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color
  • Hidden vegetables: Add nutrients without affecting taste
  • Quality gelatin: Creates perfect chewy texture while adding protein
  • Pure apple juice: Enhances fruit flavor and helps with blending
  • Raw honey: Offers subtle sweetness with beneficial enzymes
  • Proper heating: Ensures complete gelatin activation
  • Silicone molds: Create fun shapes for visual appeal
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Creating Perfect Fruit Snacks

Fruit and Vegetable Selection
Combine complementary colors for vibrant results. The vegetables should enhance, not overpower the fruit flavor.
Blending Technique
Process until completely smooth. This crucial step ensures perfect texture and even coloring.
Gelatin Incorporation
Heat mixture gently to dissolve gelatin. Avoid boiling which can damage gelatin's properties.
Molding Strategy
Work quickly before mixture sets. Fill molds completely for best shape definition.

My nutritionist friend always says, "The best healthy treats for children are the ones they don't realize are healthy." These fruit snacks honor that wisdom perfectly with their candy-like appeal.

Perfect Pairings

Pack these nutritious gummies in lunch boxes alongside a protein-rich sandwich or yogurt for a balanced meal. They make perfect after-school snacks paired with a glass of milk or refreshing afternoon treats on hot summer days.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations for unique flavors and colors. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for warming notes, or incorporate a drop of natural extracts like orange or lemon for citrus brightness. For special occasions, use themed silicone molds to create seasonal or character-shaped treats.

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Storage Success

Store these gummies in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze for up to two months in freezer-safe containers – they thaw quickly and maintain their texture beautifully.

After perfecting this recipe through countless batches, I've found that success lies in the details - the quality of the fruits, the thorough blending of the ingredients, and the gentle heating that preserves nutrients while activating the gelatin's binding properties. Whether you're looking to reduce artificial ingredients in your family's diet or simply want to create a fun, nutritious snack, these Homemade Fruit Snacks deliver vibrant flavor and wholesome goodness in every colorful bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why add vegetables to fruit snacks?
Adding vegetables increases the nutritional value without significantly affecting the taste. The natural sweetness of the fruit masks any vegetable flavor, making this a great way to sneak extra nutrients into picky eaters' diets. The vegetables also add valuable vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
→ Can I use regular gelatin from the grocery store?
Yes, you can use regular unflavored gelatin from the grocery store. The recipe calls for grass-fed collagen gelatin because it has additional health benefits, but any unflavored gelatin will work to set the fruit snacks properly.
→ What if I don't have silicone molds?
No problem! You can pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8x8 inch pan lined with wax paper, then cut it into squares or use cookie cutters to make shapes after it has set. This method is just as effective, though perhaps not as decorative.
→ How can I make these vegan?
To make vegan fruit snacks, replace the gelatin with agar-agar powder. Use about 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder in place of the 3 tablespoons of gelatin. You'll also want to replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
→ Why did my fruit snacks not set properly?
There are a few possible reasons: 1) The gelatin wasn't fully dissolved before cooling, 2) The mixture boiled, which can damage gelatin's setting properties, 3) You used kiwi or pineapple, which contain enzymes that break down gelatin, or 4) The ratio of liquid to gelatin was too high. Make sure to follow the heating instructions carefully and avoid problematic fruits.

Homemade Fruit Snacks

These homemade fruit snacks combine real fruits and vegetables with gelatin for a nutritious, protein-rich treat that's healthier than store-bought varieties.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
125 Minutes
Total Time
140 Minutes

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

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 Option

07 1 cup green grapes
08 ¼ cup spinach

→ Red Option

09 1 cup strawberries, diced
10 ¼ cup beets

→ Orange Option

11 1 cup peaches, chopped
12 ¼ cup carrots

→ Blue/Purple Option

13 1 cup blueberries
14 ¼ cup zucchini

Instructions

Step 01

Place silicone molds on a large baking sheet or line an 8x8' square dish with wax paper and lightly grease, set aside.

Step 02

Place fruit, vegetable and ¼ cup apple juice in the container of a high powered blender (Vitamix) and secure the lid. Turn the machine on and slowly increase the speed to high. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth. (Add more juice 1 Tablespoon at a time if necessary, until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency).

Step 03

Add honey and vanilla and blend until smooth. Taste mixture and add more honey, if desired.

Step 04

Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and whisk in gelatin. Heat on medium heat until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is no longer grainy (about 3 minutes). Make sure it does not boil.

Step 05

Using a dropper, fill the silicone molds. Or pour your mixture into your prepared baking pan. (I suggest keeping the saucepan on the warm burner (with the heat source turned off) as you fill the molds. That way the mixture remains slightly warm and cools more slowly).

Step 06

Transfer to the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours.

Step 07

Once set, remove from molds and enjoy. If using a baking dish, remove from the dish, cut and serve or store.

Notes

  1. To ensure the gelatin is dissolved, put a small amount on your thumb. Then rub your thumb and pointer finger together. If it's smooth, the gelatin is dissolved. If it's grainy, keep cooking.
  2. You cannot use Kiwi and Pineapple as they contain the enzyme bromelain, which breaks down proteins in gelatin and prevents setting.
  3. Store homemade fruit snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Vitamix blender or other high-powered blender
  • Fruit snack silicone molds
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula
  • Small saucepan
  • Dropper (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gelatin (animal product)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 57.7
  • Total Fat: 0.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10.5 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g