Description
Delicious and nutritious Healthy Hidden Veggie Fruit Snacks made by blending fresh fruits and vegetables with natural sweeteners and gelatin, then setting into fun, bite-sized shapes. These snacks are perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a tasty way to sneak in extra veggies while enjoying a naturally sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Vegetable Blend
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Setting Agent
- 3 tablespoons gelatin powder
Instructions
- Blend the produce: In a blender, combine the strawberries, blueberries, spinach, and grated carrots. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: Pour the blended fruit and vegetable mixture into a medium saucepan. Add the unsweetened applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Warm the mixture: Heat the saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is warm but avoid boiling it. This prepares the mixture for dissolving the gelatin properly.
- Add gelatin: Evenly sprinkle the gelatin powder over the warm mixture to prevent clumping. Let it sit for about one minute so the gelatin can begin dissolving.
- Dissolve gelatin: Stir continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth without any lumps.
- Cool the mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly but not set.
- Pour into molds: Transfer the mixture into silicone molds or a baking pan lined with parchment paper, shaping the snacks as desired.
- Refrigerate: Place the molds or pan into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until the fruit snacks are firm to the touch.
- Remove and serve: Once set, pop the snacks out of the molds or cut them into squares if set in a baking pan.
- Store properly: Keep the snacks stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within one week for best freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make the snacks suitable for vegans, but keep in mind this will alter the diet classification.
- Make sure to sprinkle gelatin evenly to avoid clumps forming in the mixture.
- If silicone molds are unavailable, a lined baking pan works well and makes cutting easier.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup according to taste.
- These snacks are naturally gluten-free and low in fat, ideal for a healthy snack option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
