When we first experimented with homemade fruit gummies, the results were not exactly what we had envisioned.
Instead of getting that familiar chewy texture, our first batch turned out more like jello.
We weren’t too thrilled about it, and we figured there had to be a way to make them more like the gummy bears we all love.
So, we dug deeper into the science of gummies.
After some research and a bit of trial and error, we discovered the key to achieving that perfect gummy texture: patience.
By leaving the gummies out at room temperature overnight, they shrink and dry out.
This process not only enhances their texture but also concentrates the flavor, giving you that delicious chewy bite you’re looking for.
Versatility and Flavor
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use virtually any fruit you like.
For our episode, we chose strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, and grapes to match the molds we had on hand.
Each flavor turned out absolutely delicious and full of real fruit taste.
Another big win with these homemade fruit snacks is that they contain significantly less sugar than most store-bought varieties.
Plus, the real fruit flavor really shines through, making them a fun and healthy snack for both kids and adults.
The Recipe: Homemade Fruit Snacks
Here’s the recipe we used to make one batch for each flavor.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your own homemade fruit snacks in no time.
Ingredients:
- 170-180g fresh fruit (~1 cup blended)
- 2 envelopes (14g) gelatin
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp honey or agave
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit Purée:
- Add your chosen fruit to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Activate the Gelatin:
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the lemon juice in a bowl. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Heat:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the fruit purée and honey. Stir the mixture and heat it just enough to melt the gelatin, aiming for about 120˚F. Be careful not to boil it, as boiling can denature the gelatin and affect the texture.
- Note: Some fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi contain enzymes that can prevent the gelatin from setting. If using these fruits, heat the purée to at least 176˚F for about 8 minutes to deactivate the enzymes.
- Mix and Cool:
- Add the gelatin mixture to the warm fruit purée and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Fill the Molds:
- Lightly spray your silicone molds with avocado oil or cooking spray. Using a spoon or a dropper, carefully fill the molds with the fruit mixture.
- Refrigerate:
- Place the filled molds in the refrigerator for about 90 minutes to allow the gummies to set.
- Dry and Concentrate the Flavor:
- Once set, remove the gummies from the molds and place them on a wire rack. Let them sit at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight. During this time, the gummies will dry out and shrink, which concentrates the flavor and gives them that perfect chewy texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade Gummies!
And that’s it! With just a little bit of patience and some simple ingredients, you can create delicious homemade fruit snacks that are better than store-bought.
They’re healthier, packed with real fruit flavor, and a fun treat for everyone to enjoy.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how your gummies turn out!
Happy snacking!