Are you craving a fun, colorful, and delightfully sweet treat that’s completely plant-based? Look no further!
This vegan jelly sweets recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a nostalgic candy experience without any animal-derived ingredients. Whether you’re catering to vegan friends, seeking a healthier alternative to conventional gelatin candies, or simply want to try something new and playful in your kitchen, these jelly sweets will not disappoint.
Made with natural fruit juices and agar-agar, these jellies are perfectly chewy, bursting with flavor, and customizable with your favorite colors and shapes. They’re a great snack for kids and adults alike, plus they’re free from artificial additives and refined sugars if you choose your sweeteners wisely.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of vibrant, homemade vegan jelly sweets that are as delightful to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this vegan jelly sweets recipe. For starters, it’s completely gelatin-free, using agar-agar, a seaweed-based gelling agent that sets beautifully and is packed with fiber.
This makes it perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions.
Secondly, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use any fruit juice or puree you like, tailoring the flavor and color to suit your mood or occasion.
Want raspberry reds or mango yellows? Go for it!
The sweets are naturally gluten-free, soy-free, and can be made refined sugar-free by substituting sweeteners.
Finally, this recipe is fun and easy to prepare. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are required.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get creative with molds and presentation, making these jelly sweets ideal for parties, gifts, or just a cheerful snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups natural fruit juice (e.g., apple, grape, orange, or mixed berry)
- 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder
- 3-4 tablespoons organic maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural vanilla extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Silicone molds or shallow baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator for setting
Instructions
- Prepare the juice mixture: Pour the fruit juice into a medium saucepan. Stir in the agar-agar powder thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil while stirring frequently. Boil for 2-3 minutes to activate the agar-agar, making sure it fully dissolves.
- Add sweetener and flavorings: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the maple syrup (or agave), lemon juice, and vanilla extract if using. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Pour into molds: Quickly pour the hot mixture into silicone molds or a shallow dish. If using a dish, you can cut the jelly into fun shapes after setting.
- Set the jelly: Allow the jelly sweets to cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Remove and enjoy: Carefully pop the jelly sweets out of the molds or cut into squares if set in a dish. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
“For vibrant colors without artificial dyes, use pureed fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes. Simply strain the puree to remove seeds before mixing with agar-agar.”
Experiment with flavors: Add herbs like mint or basil to your juice before heating for a refreshing twist. You can also mix in a teaspoon of rosewater or orange blossom water for a floral aroma.
Texture tip: If you prefer a softer jelly, reduce the agar-agar powder to 1.5 tablespoons. For a firmer texture, increase to 2.5 tablespoons.
Sweetener alternatives: Swap maple syrup for coconut sugar or date syrup for different flavor profiles. If you want sugar-free, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener but adjust quantities carefully.
Molds and shapes: Use fun silicone molds shaped like stars, hearts, or animals to make these sweets extra special. For a rustic look, pour into a baking dish and cut into cubes or use cookie cutters once set.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan jelly sweets are perfect as a light, refreshing snack or party favor. Serve them chilled on a platter alongside fresh fruit for a colorful dessert display.
They’re also great as playful additions in kids’ lunchboxes or as a sweet treat for movie nights.
Try pairing them with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing lemonade for a delightful afternoon break. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little coconut sugar or edible glitter on top just before serving.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other vibrant vegan treats like our Vegan Valentine Recipes for a Sweet and Healthy Celebration or wholesome baked goods such as the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
Making vegan jelly sweets at home is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy a delicious, plant-based treat that everyone can love. With just a handful of natural ingredients, you can create colorful, flavorful, and fun candies that are free from gelatin and artificial additives.
This recipe is perfect for those who want to indulge their sweet tooth while sticking to a vegan lifestyle or simply seeking a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought sweets.
Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can experiment endlessly with flavors, colors, and shapes to suit any occasion or preference. Whether you’re making these for a party, a gift, or just a personal snack, they’re sure to bring smiles.
Don’t forget to check out other exciting vegan recipes on our site like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to keep your plant-based cooking fresh and exciting!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Jelly Sweets
Description: Delicious and colorful vegan jelly sweets made with natural fruit juice and agar agar. Perfect for a healthy, plant-based treat.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 20 pieces
Ingredients
- 2 cups fruit juice (e.g., orange, apple, or mixed berries)
- 2 tablespoons agar agar powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon natural food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for greasing molds)
Instructions
- Lightly grease silicone molds with coconut oil.
- In a saucepan, combine fruit juice and agar agar powder.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until agar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Add natural food coloring if desired and mix well.
- Pour mixture into molds and let cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
- Carefully remove jelly sweets from molds and serve.
Nutrition: Calories: 35 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.5g | Carbs: 8g
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