Description

These Healthy Hidden Veggie Fruit Snacks are a delicious and nutritious treat that cleverly incorporates fruits and vegetables into a fun, chewy snack. Packed with strawberries, blueberries, spinach, and carrots, sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, and set with gelatin, these snacks are perfect for kids and adults alike looking for a wholesome alternative to conventional candy.

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

Mix-Ins

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
3 tablespoons gelatin powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Blend the Fruits and Veggies: In a blender, add the strawberries, blueberries, spinach, and grated carrots. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant and flavorful base for your fruit snacks.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan. Add the unsweetened applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Heat Mixture: Warm the mixture over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling, preparing it for the gelatin incorporation.
Add Gelatin: Evenly sprinkle the gelatin powder over the warm mixture to avoid clumps. Let it sit for about one minute to allow the gelatin to start dissolving.
Dissolve Gelatin: Stir continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle during the molding stage.
Mold the Snacks: Pour the mixture into silicone molds or a baking pan lined with parchment paper, distributing it evenly.
Chill and Set: Refrigerate the molds for at least 2 hours until the snacks are firm and can be easily removed from the molds.
Remove and Cut: Once set, pop the snacks out of the silicone molds or cut them into squares if using a baking pan.
Store Properly: Keep the fruit snacks stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Notes

Make sure not to bring the mixture to a boil when heating as high heat can affect gelatin setting properties.
Silicone molds work best to easily remove the snacks without breaking them.
For a vegan version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder; however, setting time and texture may vary.
You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or maple syrup to taste.
Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor and natural sweetness.