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Homemade Vegan Fruit Snacks (Naturally Sweetened!)

In a world filled with processed snacks that promise flavour but often deliver a laundry list of artificial ingredients, homemade vegan fruit snacks stand out as a wholesome alternative. Not only are these little gems delightfully chewy and bursting with fruity goodness, but they are also naturally sweetened, making them the perfect treat for both adults and children.

Why Choose Homemade Vegan Fruit Snacks?

Making your own fruit snacks allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they are free from preservatives, artificial colourings, and unrecognisable additives. By opting for natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or agave nectar, you can create a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your health.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients

1. Fruits: Choose your favourite fruits as the base. Fresh or frozen berries, bananas, apples, mangos, or peaches work perfectly.
2. Natural Sweetener: Dates are a fantastic option due to their sticky texture and caramel-like sweetness. Alternatively, you can use pure maple syrup or agave nectar.
3. A Thickener: For a chewy texture, you’ll require a thickening agent such as agar-agar or chia seeds.
4. Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon not only enhances the flavour but also acts as a natural preservative.

Optional Add-ins

• Herbs and Spices: Try adding a hint of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even ginger for added depth of flavour.
• Superfoods: A tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds can boost the nutrient profile.

Recipe: Easy Homemade Vegan Fruit Snacks

Ingredients

• 200g of your chosen fruit (e.g. strawberries, mango, or a mix)
• 100g of pitted medjool dates (soaked in water for 10 minutes if hard)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of agar-agar (or 2 tablespoons of chia seeds if preferred)
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preparation of Ingredients:

   • If using fresh fruits, wash and chop them into small pieces. If using frozen fruit, allow it to thaw and then mash the fruit.

2. Blend the Base:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped fruit and soaked dates. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. If you’re adding any spices or extracts, throw them in now.

3. Thicken the Mixture:

   • If using agar-agar, combine it with 100ml of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly until it dissolves completely. Add this to your fruit puree. If using chia seeds, simply mix them into the fruit puree at this stage.

4. Pour into Moulds:

   • Pour the mixture into silicone moulds or a lined baking tray, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using a baking tray, make sure to cut the mixture into small, bite-sized squares once set.

5. Chill and Set:

   • Place the moulds in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours or until fully set. If you’ve used agar-agar, you might also set them in the freezer for quicker results.
6. Enjoy:
   • Once the fruit snacks are firm and set, gently remove them from the moulds or cut them into squares. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips for Customisation

• Mix and Match Flavours: Combine different fruits for a variety of flavours— strawberry-banana and mango-berry combinations are particularly popular.
• Change the Texture: For a more textured snack, incorporate finely chopped nuts or seeds.
• Dipping Sauce: Pair your fruit snacks with a homemade nut butter or a vegan yoghurt dip for a delightful twist.

Conclusion

Homemade vegan fruit snacks are an incredibly flexible and nutritious option for satisfying cravings without any artificial additives. Their naturally sweet flavour, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation make them an ideal go-to snack for both kids and adults. Try whipping up a batch today, and you might just find that these little bites of joy become a staple in your household. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s both indulgent and guilt-free!

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