This homemade fruit snack is one of my favorite treats, it has just the right amount of fruity sweetness and chewy goodness! I love turning fresh fruits into colorful, tasty gummies that burst with natural flavors. Making them at home is surprisingly fun, and there's something really satisfying about creating your own snacks. Every bite brings a smile, knowing they're delicious and made from real fruit. Recipe includes a how-to video!
Homemade Fruit Snack Recipe
Remember those little fruit snacks we used to get as kids? They came in tiny plastic baggies shaped like cute fruits, and I always felt like they were a healthier treat than candy.
These days, I prefer making homemade fruit snack, they’ve got that same fun vibe but they’re made with real fruit.
They could pass for real fruit, right? But, the truth is, they’re often loaded with artificial colors and corn syrup to make them look and taste fruity.
Underneath all that, they’re just another over-processed snack. Of course, it's fine to enjoy them now and then, just not as the real deal.
While traveling through France, I discovered chewy fruit candies called pâte de fruit.
The orange and lemon ones were my favorite, sweet, tangy, and perfectly chewy. I couldn’t stop eating them!
When I got home, I wanted to recreate that flavor. But I kept it simple, just fresh fruit juice, no gelatin or additives.
The result? Homemade fruit snack that taste just like those French treats.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love Homemade Fruit Snack
- Made with Fresh Fruits: I use fresh oranges to make this fruit snack.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: You can easily find all the essential ingredients at your local grocery store.
- Simple and Easy to Prepare: This is a straightforward and uncomplicated recipe.
- Vibrant Citrus Flavor: Made with freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest, it creates a refreshing flavor.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: This snack has soft and chewy texture that provides a delightful experience in every bite.
- Make in Advance: Make the fruit snack in advance, store it at room temperature, and serve when ready to eat.
- Perfect for Gifting: Share joy by sharing this delightful creation with loved ones.
- Perfect for Occasions: They are crowd favorite at social gatherings, potlucks, or holiday parties.
🧾Homemade Fruit Snack Ingredients
Here is a list of everything you need:
- Orange Juice: Provide the base flavor with the natural and vibrant citrusy flavor of orange juice. You can also use lemon or lime or grapefruit instead of orange juice.
- Sugar: Sweetens the snack, creating a balanced taste.
- Cornstarch: Contributes to the soft and chewy texture, serving as a thickening agent.
- Orange Zest: The finely grated outer peel, adds a layer of citrusy aroma and enhances the overall orange flavor.
- Salt: Enhance and balance the overall flavors.
- Butter: Contributes a rich and creamy flavor and soft texture. You can use margarine or a plant-base butter alternative for butter.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Homemade Fruit Snack
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Grate the orange peel and set the zest aside. Juice the oranges and strain the juice into a jug to remove the pulp.
2. Pour the juice into a large saucepan.
3. Add the sugar, orange zest, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Heat over medium until it boils, then reduce the heat. Stir constantly, adding the salt and butter until fully melted and smooth.
5. Cook on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring until thick and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
6. Pour into a parchment-lined tray, smooth the top, and let it cool. Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
7. Once firm, remove from the tray and peel off the parchment.
8. Coat the homemade fruit snack with sugar to prevent sticking, then cut into rectangles and slice into small squares.
📖Variations
- Spice Infusion: Add ground cinnamon and cloves for a warm spice flavor.
- Gingered Infusion: Add a kick to fruit snack with the invigorating touch of fresh ginger.
- Orange and Cardamom Infusion: This variation adds a touch of cardamon to the classic orange flavor, creating a delightful and aromatic experience.
🍽 How to Serve Homemade Fruit Snack
- Room Temperature: Serve fruit snacks at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. This allows it to achieve its intended soft and chewy consistency.
- Presentation: Dust the Pate the Fruits with additional sugar before serving.
- Accompaniments: Serve with Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Fudge, and Fudge.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Precision in Measurements: Follow the recipe measurements accurately, especially for sugar, water, and cornstarch. Precision is crucial for the right texture.
Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting, use a sharp knife, apply oil and clean the knife between each cut. This helps create clean edges.
❓Commonly Asked Questions
How to make gummies without gelatin?
In my recipe I have used cornstarch instead of gelatin, you can make these fruit snacks or gummies without using gelatin.
How long do fruit snacks last?
If you store fruit snacks in an airtight container at room temperature then you will be able to store them for short-term consumption for up to 1 week. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
🍊Desserts with Orange
Love this fruit snack? You’ll also enjoy these desserts made with orange:
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes!
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Fruit Snack
Ingredients
- 240 ml Orange Juice
- 200 g Sugar
- 120 g Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Orange Zest
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- 10 g Butter
Instructions
- Zest an orange with a grater and collect the zest and place it in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Slice the oranges in half, juice them, then strain the fresh juice into a jug to remove any pulp.
- Pour the orange juice into a large pan. Add the sugar, orange zest and cornstarch. Stir and mix well until everything is combined.
- Place the pan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add salt and butter, and stir until dissolves.
- Continue to cook over low heat for around 20-30 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Smooth the top with a spatula. Allow it to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight until set.
- Once set, remove the fruit snack from the baking tray, place it on a cutting board, and remove the parchment paper.
- Cut it into rectangles and then into small squares.
- Coat the orange squares with granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
- Place the fruit snacks on a plate or bowl.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
Excellent recipe
Sidney says
Never made this. Did it for kids school project and I think we will add it to home favorites 😍
Estefania says
Hi Sidney, I am glad to hear that, I am sure the kids will love it!
Estefania says
Thanks