Collagen Fruit Jellies (Printable version)
Bite-sized fruit jellies infused with collagen peptides — a healthy, gluten-free treat ready in under 20 minutes of active prep.
# What you need:
→ Fruit Juice Base
01 - 1 cup pure fruit juice (orange, berry, or apple)
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Collagen and Gelling
03 - 2 tablespoons collagen peptides powder
04 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, adjusted to taste
05 - 2½ tablespoons (25 g) unflavored powdered gelatin
→ Optional Enhancements
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Sliced fresh berries or citrus zest for garnish
# How To:
01 - Pour the fruit juice and lemon juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface and let it bloom for 3 to 5 minutes.
02 - Place the saucepan over low heat and stir gently until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
03 - Remove from heat. Add the collagen powder, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract if using. Stir until fully incorporated and smooth.
04 - Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness level as desired before proceeding.
05 - Pour the mixture into silicone jelly molds or a parchment-lined, lightly oiled square baking dish.
06 - Arrange sliced fresh berries or citrus zest into each mold if desired for added color and flavor.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the jellies are fully set and firm to the touch.
08 - Carefully remove the jellies from the molds. If using a baking dish, cut into even squares. Serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These jellies pack a collagen boost that makes your skin happy while tasting like candy you actually feel good about eating.
- The whole thing comes together in under fifteen minutes of active work, and the fridge does all the heavy lifting.
02 -
- If the gelatin does not bloom properly before heating, you will get grainy clumps that never fully dissolve, so always sprinkle it over cold liquid first and be patient.
- Boiling the mixture destroys gelatin's setting ability, which I learned the hard way after ending up with a fruity liquid that never firmed up.
03 -
- Spray your silicone molds with the tiniest mist of neutral oil before pouring and every single jelly will release cleanly without sticking or tearing.
- Mixing citrus juice with berry juice creates a flavor that is far more complex and interesting than either one alone, so try half orange and half mixed berry next time.