Craving a fun, easy dessert? Let’s make fruit gelatin at home! It’s a simple, delightful treat that’s light and flavorful. You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients—just everyday kitchen basics. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a guilt-free win. In this guide, we’ll cover the tools, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, costs, and nutritional info.
Serving Size and Yield
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
You don’t need special tools to make this dessert. Here’s what you’ll use:
- Saucepan (for heating the gelatin mixture)
- Mixing bowl (to combine the fruits and gelatin)
- Measuring cups and spoons (to measure ingredients)
- Whisk or spoon (for stirring)
- Molds or bowls (to set the gelatin)
Ingredients
To make this fruit gelatin, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s the list:
- 2 cups mixed fruits (like strawberries, blueberries, and grapes)
- 1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
Quick Tip: You can use any fruits you like! Try peaches, raspberries, or even pineapple for a different flavor.
Preparation Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your fruit gelatin. It’s best to use fresh fruits, but frozen ones work too—just make sure to thaw them first.
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
- Wash the fruits under running water to remove any dirt.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Cut the strawberries into small pieces. Leave the blueberries and grapes whole.
Step 2: Make the Gelatin Mixture
- In a saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 1/4 cup of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Add the remaining 3/4 cup of water and the sugar to the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or spoon until the gelatin and sugar are completely dissolved. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Fruits and Gelatin
- In a mixing bowl, add the prepared fruits.
- Pour the gelatin mixture over the fruits and stir gently to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Pour into Molds or Bowls
- Carefully pour the fruit and gelatin mixture into molds or bowls. You can use small individual molds or one large bowl.
- Make sure the fruits are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Refrigerate to Set
- Place the molds or bowls in the refrigerator.
- Let them chill for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Serve
- Once set, remove the gelatin from the molds (if using) or scoop it from the bowl.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Times and Temperatures
- Gelatin Setting Time: 4 hours in the refrigerator
There’s no actual cooking involved—just chilling in the fridge to let the gelatin firm up.
Food Safety Guidelines
It’s important to handle food safely, even for a simple dessert like this. Follow these tips:
- Wash hands and tools: Clean your hands, knife, and cutting board before and after handling the fruits.
- Use clean equipment: Make sure the molds or bowls are washed and dried before using.
- Store in the refrigerator: Gelatin can spoil if left out too long. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
- Eat within a few days: Homemade gelatin is best eaten within 2-3 days.
Food Costs
This dessert is affordable and uses ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s a rough estimate of the costs:
- Mixed fruits: $3–5 (depending on the season and type of fruit)
- Gelatin powder: $1 (for one packet)
- Sugar: $0.50 (for 1/4 cup)
- Total Cost: About $4.50–6.50 for 4 servings
- Cost per Serving: $1.13–1.63
Tip: Save money by using fruits that are in season or on sale.
Nutrient Analysis per Serving (1 Cup)
Fruit gelatin is a light, low-calorie dessert that’s also packed with vitamins from the fruits. Here’s what you get in each serving:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: 20% of your daily needs (from the fruits)
Extra Nutrients:
- Calcium: 2% of daily needs
- Iron: 2% of daily needs
Note: The exact nutrients can change depending on the fruits you use. For example, strawberries add more vitamin C, while blueberries add antioxidants.
Final Thoughts
You can mix and match different fruits to create your own flavors, and it’s perfect for parties or a quick treat. Plus, it’s cheap to make and doesn’t take much time. Try this recipe, and you’ll have a refreshing, fruity dessert that everyone will love.