Kid-Friendly Fun: Fourth of July Fruit Snacks

Fourth of July weekend is fast approaching. Get party ready with these perfectly patriotic fruit snacks from Amy Palanjian. Flavored with real fruit and free of artificial dyes, this recipe is sure to be a winner!

Growing up, I ate a lot of Jello. It was a staple at neighborhood barbecues, special events, and birthday parties and my siblings and I ate it up! And while I don’t love serving artificial colors to my daughter now that I’m a mom, I do love continuing nostalgic food traditions—so we make a lot of naturally flavored fruit snacks in our house.

These layered gummies are perfect for the Fourth of July—or any day that deserves a special treat, really. They are made with whole watermelon, blueberries, and coconut milk and are just slightly sweetened with honey. I love to serve them for dessert because they are totally fun, brightly colored, and the kids get a big kick out of them.

Making this sort of layered gummy can seem intimidating, but the steps are actually quite simple. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time since each layer has to set before you add the next one and to taste your fruit after it’s blended to ensure that you like the flavor. (The riper the fruit, the better the gummies! Less ripe fruit may need more honey.) And while you can make these in a fun patriotic shape like stars—which I made in this mold from Wilton—this recipe works just as well in an 8x8 pan. Simply add each layer as directed, then cut into squares once they are set.

If you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing dessert to bring to a barbecue or a potluck this weekend, and you want the kids to get an extra serving of fruit in a fun form, this recipe is for you!

Red, White, and Blue Fruity Gummies

I use plain Knox gelatin to make these gummies. If you prefer to use an alternative like agar agar, you may need to experiment with the amounts to get the right consistency.

Ingredients

Red Layer

1 1/2 cups watermelon, pureed

2 packets plain gelatin

White Layer

1 1/2 cups canned light coconut milk

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 packets plain gelatin

Blue Layer

1 1/2 cup fresh (or frozen and thawed blueberries), pureed

2 packets plain gelatin

Instructions

1. Divide the pureed watermelon in half into two separate heat-proof bowls. Sprinkle the gelatin over one half and let sit for 1 minute. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. Heat the remaining portion for 30-45 seconds in the microwave until it comes to a boil. Whisk into the gelatin mixture for 30 seconds. Use 2 tablespoons per star if using a mold or pour into the bottom of an 8x8-inch pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Stir together the coconut milk, honey, and vanilla and divide in half into two separate heat-proof bowls. Sprinkle the gelatin over one half and let sit for 1 minute. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. Heat the remaining portion for 30-45 seconds in the microwave until it comes to a boil. Whisk into the gelatin mixture for 30 seconds. Use 2 tablespoons per star if using a mold or pour evenly onto the red layer in the 8x8-inch pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Divide the pureed blueberries in half into two separate heat-proof bowls. Sprinkle the gelatin over one half and let sit for 1 minute. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. Heat the remaining portion for 30-45 seconds in the microwave until it comes to a boil. Whisk into the gelatin mixture for 30 seconds. Use 2 tablespoons per star if using a mold or layer onto the coconut mixture in the 8x8-inch pan, spreading with a spatula if needed. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.

To Store: Keep in the molds or pan for up to 3 days until ready to serve, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Carefully remove from the stars, loosening the edges before you try to pop them out, or slice into squares and lift out of the pan carefully.

Honest Tip: Taste your fruit after its pureed and add honey if you want it a little sweeter.

~Amy Palanjian, Yummy Toddler Food

Amy Palanjian is a writer, editor, recipe developer, and crafter for magazines, books, and websites. She’s also mama to a very energetic toddler who inspires her to share wholesome, yet realistic recipes and feeding tips with other parents of little ones at her site Yummy Toddler Food. For more inspiration, check out her website and Instagram.

What festive treats will you be whipping up this Independence Day? Share you ideas with us below!