As a homeschooling mom committed to keeping dyes and chemicals out of my children’s hands, I know how challenging it can be when they see advertisements for candy filled with artificial ingredients. With only a few store-bought options meeting my standards for natural ingredients and dye-free formulations, I’ve turned to making homemade alternatives that resemble their favorite treats. This way, they never feel like they’re missing out! These homemade candies are bursting with real fruit flavor, contain no added sugar, and are naturally sweetened with local honey—a delicious and wholesome treat the whole family can enjoy!
Remember: Always use organic or homegrown fruits and veggies to avoid herbicides and pesticides. Studies show strawberries are one of the filthiest fruits when it comes to chemicals.
Fruit Combination Suggestions:
- carrot & mango (cook the carrots until softened before beginning)
- strawberry & blueberry
- strawberry & raspberry
- strawberry & pineapple
- strawberry & beet (cook the beets until softened before beginning)
- raspberry & blueberry
Ingredients:
2 cups of your favorite fruits (and or veggies)
.50 oz unflavored gelatin
2 Tbsp. Local Honey
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice (fresh is preferred)
Molds or a 9×13 baking pan
Instructions:
- Slice and dice your fruit into 1/2-inch pieces
- Add to a blender with honey and lemon juice. Blend until the fruit and veggies are fully pureed.
- Strain through a metal fine mesh strainer to remove seeds. Press and stir to ensure you collect all of the puree.
- Stir gelatin in slowly while stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
- Add the mixture to a medium saucepan. Over medium heat bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- As soon as the mixture starts to boil remove from the heat.
- Use a dropper or a food-grade squeeze bottle to fill molds or pour them into a gently greased baking dish.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 90 minutes. The longer you refrigerate the more solid they will be.
- Remove from molds. If you used a pan, cut it into tiny squares and remove them.
- Lay on drying racks for 3 hours to allow them to set.
Store in an airtight container.