Homemade Fruit Snacks

If you’re looking for a fun, tasty, and homemade alternative to store-bought fruit snacks, this recipe is perfect for you! These Homemade Fruit Snacks are made with simple ingredients and are packed with natural orange flavor. They’re great for kids and adults alike and can be enjoyed as a snack anytime.

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious fruit snacks!

Ingredients for Homemade Fruit Snacks

240 ml Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed or store-bought, this is the base of your fruit snacks, providing a rich orange flavor.
200 g Sugar: Sweetens the fruit snacks and helps create the desired chewy texture.
120 g Cornstarch: Thickens the mixture, giving the fruit snacks their signature firmness.
1 tbsp Orange Zest: Adds a burst of fresh, zesty flavor.
⅛ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
10 g Butter: Adds a bit of richness and helps in creating a smooth texture.

Instructions: How to Make Homemade Fruit Snacks

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Zest the Orange:
- Begin by zesting an orange to get 1 tbsp of orange zest. This will give your fruit snacks an intense orange flavor. Set the zest aside.
Mix the Cornstarch and Orange Juice:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 120 g of cornstarch with 240 ml of orange juice until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This mixture will serve as the thickening agent for your fruit snacks.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Heat the Orange Juice Mixture:
- Pour the cornstarch and orange juice mixture into a medium saucepan. Add the 200 g of sugar and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Add the Orange Zest:
- Once the mixture begins to heat up, add the 1 tbsp of orange zest. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Butter:
- Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 10 g of butter. The butter will help create a smooth, glossy texture for your fruit snacks.

Step 3: Set and Cut the Fruit Snacks

Pour into a Mold:
- Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or silicone mold. You can use a baking dish lined with parchment paper if you don’t have a mold. Spread the mixture evenly.
Cool and Set:
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Cut into Shapes:
- Once set, remove the fruit snack sheet from the mold or dish. Use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized squares or fun shapes. If you used a silicone mold, you can simply pop the fruit snacks out.

Step 4: Store and Enjoy

Store Properly:
- Store the fruit snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator.
Serve:
- Enjoy these homemade fruit snacks as a tasty treat anytime! They’re perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or just a sweet pick-me-up during the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Homemade Fruit Snacks are a healthier and more flavorful alternative to the store-bought versions. They’re easy to make, and you can adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking. Plus, they don’t contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives, making them a great choice for families.

Final Thoughts

Making your own fruit snacks at home is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. You get to control the ingredients and create a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious. This recipe is simple, quick, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.