Critter-licious Fruit Gummies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Vibrant, no-added-sugar gummy snacks made with real fruit puree and natural sweetness, perfect for kids' after-school treats. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 20 minutes pairs orange juice, mashed banana, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving is portion-balanced and feeds 20, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 20 American cuisine
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup mashed banana, and 1 tbsp honey. Heat over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until warm and fully combined without boiling.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tsp gelatin powder and 1/2 tsp lemon juice until completely dissolved (about 1 minute, with no visible granules).
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove pulp, then pour into a greased 8x8 inch dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours until firm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Critter-licious Fruit Gummies take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Critter-licious Fruit Gummies?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Critter-licious Fruit Gummies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Critter-licious Fruit Gummies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 20 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 20). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Critter-licious Fruit Gummies?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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