Pin it
With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can make your own chewy fruit bites bursting with lively tastes. They look great thanks to real produce and there’s not a fake color in sight. Plus, these have protein thanks to good quality gelatin, so they’re a snack you’ll actually feel good sharing at home.
I started making these when my kid’s so-called healthy fruit snacks showed corn syrup as the main ingredient. The first batch disappeared so fast—nobody guessed there were veggies inside, too! Now the kids actually ask to help, so snack-making is more like playtime for us.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Grass-fed gelatin: This powerhouse thickener gives that classic bouncy chew and adds a nice protein boost for your belly.
- Raw honey: Keeps things sweet but wholesome, and local honey may just help out when allergies hit.
- Fresh fruit: Pick what’s ripe and sweet, or use thawed frozen fruit if you want.
- Vegetables: For even more good stuff—and color without fussy eaters noticing, go for mild stuff like zucchini or spinach.
- Apple juice: Blends everything together and gives gentle sweetness. Stick to 100% juice for the best results.
Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Stack up your molds first
- Set molds on something sturdy (like a tray or cutting board lined with parchment) before starting. You’ll save yourself a mess moving them later.
- Hold off on the honey
- Taste your blended fruit mix, then add honey only if it’s not sweet enough for you.
- Get that puree nice and smooth
- Blend up small amounts of fruit and juice, adding just enough liquid so there aren’t any lumps.
- Keep the temp just right
- Don’t let the mixture bubble. Aim for just warm enough—about 170°F—so the gelatin sets properly.
- Pour carefully
- Pour your mix into the molds with a tiny spoon or dropper. It’s neater and easier.
- No-rush chill time
- Give your filled molds at least two hours in the fridge to firm up nicely.
- Melt the gelatin smoothly
- While whisking, sprinkle gelatin slowly over the warm fruit, so you won’t get clumps.
- Keep ’em fresh
- Put finished snacks between layers of parchment in an airtight box so they don’t stick.
Pin it
Vivid Natural Color Power
Fruits and veggies make these bites look as awesome as they taste, and you get extra nutrients, too.
Gelatin's Secret Upgrades
Gelatin does more than make things chewy—it’s packed with amino acids that are handy for your joints and your gut.
Unexpected Flavor Combos
Try mixing things up, like raspberry with lemon, watermelon and mint, or even mango with a bit of turmeric. Seasonal fruit makes it fun.
Fun for Kids in the Kitchen
Making these together is a cool way to talk about where ingredients come from and show kids healthy choices can taste good.
Easy Lunch Packing Tricks
Keep these chilled right up until you pack lunches. Toss in a mini ice pack so they stay firm on the go.
Switch It Up With the Seasons
Use what’s freshest each season—swap in whatever fruit and veg is in store for the best-tasting treats.
Easy Swaps for Special Diets
These snacks naturally leave out gluten and dairy. Try maple syrup instead of honey if it suits your needs.
Pin it
These chewy fruit snacks prove that what’s good for you can be fun too. Whenever I bring them to school gatherings, everyone—kids and grownups—wants to know how I made them. It started as just a better snack but turned into a creative, hands-on tradition. Whether you’re tucking them into a lunchbox or using them to snack smarter, they’re a simple step toward being thoughtful about what we eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of chocolate chips in these Coconut Chocolate Chip Balls?
- Of course! You don’t have to stick with semi-sweet chips. Go for dark chocolate if you want something richer, or swap in milk chocolate for extra sweetness. Butterscotch, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips are all great for switching things up.
- → How long do these No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Chip Balls stay fresh?
- Pop them in an airtight container in your fridge—they’ll be good for about a week. You can also freeze the balls for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before you snack.
- → Can I make these treats gluten-free?
- You bet! Just grab gluten-free graham crackers or swap for your favorite gluten-free cookie crumbs. Double-check labels on the other stuff, like chocolate chips, to make sure it’s all gluten-free.
- → What can I roll these balls in besides graham cracker crumbs?
- You’ve got options! Use powdered sugar, extra coconut, cocoa powder, smashed nuts, or even rainbow sprinkles for a fun twist.
- → Why does the mixture need to be refrigerated before rolling?
- Chilling gives the mix a chance to firm up so you can roll the balls easily. Skip this and you’ll just end up with a sticky mess on your hands.