Sunset Gummy Vitamin Fruit Cups
Colorful, vitamin-packed fruit cups that mimic the playful shape of L'il Critters gummies, perfect for picky eaters or as a refreshing summer dessert. This American-inspired kid-friendly recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs fresh mango, fresh pineapple, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, diced fresh mango
- 1 cup, diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 2 packets (1/4 oz each) gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 6, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 packets gelatin powder over 1/4 cup cold water and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1/4 cup apple juice. Heat over medium-low until fruit begins to soften, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm fruit mixture until completely dissolved, then fold in 6 finely chopped mint leaves. Pour into 6 small ramekins or silicone molds, filling 3/4 full.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set, until the edges feel firm but center is slightly jiggly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunset Gummy Vitamin Fruit Cups take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Sunset Gummy Vitamin Fruit Cups?
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 fresh mango from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunset Gummy Vitamin Fruit Cups?
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 Sunset Gummy Vitamin Fruit Cups for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Sunset Gummy Vitamin Fruit Cups gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
