Homemade Betty Crocker Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fruit Flavored Snacks Recipe: A Healthier, Chewier Classic

Category: Snacks

Introduction

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fruit Flavored Snacks by Betty Crocker were a staple in many 90s kids' lunchboxes. These chewy, fruit-flavored snacks, shaped like Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, were both fun and delicious. While the original snacks are still beloved, they contain a significant amount of added sugars and preservatives. This homemade version allows you to enjoy the same nostalgic treat with less sugar, more real fruit, and the flexibility to customize flavors to your liking. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!

Why Make It at Home?

Making your own fruit snacks at home offers several advantages:

• Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of added sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Customizable: Choose your favorite fruit juices or combinations for unique flavors.
• Healthier Ingredients: Use real fruit purees for added nutrition and better taste.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade snacks can be more economical than store-bought options.
• Fun for Kids: Involve the whole family in the process of making and shaping these snacks.

Personal Anecdote

I remember trading these snacks with friends during lunch, each of us hoping to get our favorite Turtle-shaped piece. When I decided to recreate them at home, I was surprised at how easy it was to make a version that tasted even better than the original. My kids love helping me pour the mixture into the molds and watching them set into the familiar shapes. It’s a fun way to connect with my own childhood while giving my kids a healthier snack option.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:15 minutes
• **Cook Time:5 minutes
• **Total Time:20 minutes
• Yield: About 20-25 snacks (depending on mold size)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (or 1/2 cup honey or natural sweetener)
• 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened gelatin

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) mixed fruit juice (such as pineapple, orange, and grapefruit)
• 1/4 cup (60g) fruit puree (such as raspberry or strawberry)
• Food coloring (optional, for vibrant colors)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tbsp (15g) lemon juice (for tanginess)
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh fruit (for added texture)

Instructions

• Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup (60ml) of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like.

• Mix the Juice and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the fruit juice, sugar (or sweetener), and fruit puree. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

• Add Gelatin: Add the bloomed gelatin to the saucepan and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from heat.

• Add Color and Flavor: Stir in food coloring (if using) and lemon juice (if using). Let the mixture cool slightly.

• Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds or a lined baking dish. If using a baking dish, let it set completely before cutting into shapes.

• Chill: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes until set. Pop out of molds or cut into desired shapes.

• Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Variations

• Sugar-Free Version: Replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
• Vegan Version: Use agar agar instead of gelatin.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick.
• Tropical Version: Use pineapple and mango juice with a splash of coconut water.

Special Equipment

• Silicone candy molds (Turtle-shaped if available)
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spo