Vegan Fruit Jellies – Easy Homemade Pates Des Fruits

When I think about childhood and candies, nothing could ever beat fruit jellies, and these vegan fruit jellies are really what I needed in this rainy January. Imagine soft, sugared candies that just melt in your mouth.

And if you have ever been in a supermarket in Italy to buy a snack, you will find row upon row of candy, and as a kid, imagine how mesmerising that is. And how the choice of what to pick can be a full adventure of its own, and how these vegan fruit jellies brought back that exhilaration of getting in the car and unwrapping a new candy, savouring it all. Our favourites were Leone fruit jellies and Bonelle, or Sperlari gelees.

What are fruit jellies?

Fruit jellies are soft and chewy French confectionery treats (pates des fruits) made from a mixture of sugar, fruit pulp and a gelling agent (traditionally pectin). French fruit jellies were created to preserve and eat a cartain fruits outside of its harvesting period, but nowadays are used as a small delightful treat.

The amazing thing about fruit jellies is that they can be made with any fruit, have different shapes (whether you use a mold or leave them flat in a tray), and can be candied, glazed or rolled in sugar. Traditinally they were made with acidic fruits rich in pectin like apples, quince, blackcurrants, plums and apricots.

The origin of fruit jellies is kind of murky, but already Egyptian, Greeks and Romans crushed fruits and put them into molds, used them for their medicinal benefits or to preserve fruits. Nonetheless, they gained more popularity at the end of the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance, when the European elite boosted their production. (Paris Gourmet)

Modern fruit jellies evolved from these traditions and are now enjoyed around the world in many forms, from gummy-style candies to elegant, fruit-forward treats like these vegan jellies made with agar agar.

What do these jellies with fruits taste like?

These vegan fruit jellies are the perfect end-of-meal treat or a quick pick-me-up during the afternoon. They are light, soft and flavorful, chewy and sugared enough to bring back childhood memories. They are naturally gluten free too, thanks to agar agar (but also most gelatines are gluten-free if you want to use another type of gelling agent).

These would be the perfect way to let your kids or adults alike enjoy fruits of any kind, making it easier and more fun to have.

What ingredients do you need to make this vegan fruit jellies recipe?

To make this vegan fruit jelly recipe, you will only need three ingredients:

• fruit juice: it provides the flavor, natural sweetness and color to the jellies. You can use any fresh fruit juice you prefer; we used freshly squeezed orange juice, but it can also be anything from passion fruit juice to lemon, pear or peach, whatever you can think of;
• agar agar powder: this is the plant-based setting agent that turns the fruit juice into firm, sliceable jelly. Some recipes call for pectin instead;
• maple syrup: this adds a slight sweetness and rounds out the citrus flavor, you can also use honey or agave syrup.

How do you make vegan fruit jellies?

Start off your vegan fruit jellies by placing your silicone moulds in the freezer so they are already cold when the mixture is ready to be poured.

Then, in a small saucepan, stir the agar agar and sweetener in the fruit juice until it’s fully dissolved. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.

Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and looks glossy. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes.

When you are ready, take out the moulds from the freezer and carefully pour the liquid into them. Transfer it to the freezer and chill for at least five minutes. Just until the vegan fruit jellies are firm.

Pop them out and enjoy! You can also sugar them up if you want/ Store them in the fridge and enjoy within a few days, if they last!

Do you have more vegan recipes to suggest?

We have a whole vegan section over on the blog, so you can find something that works well with these vegan fruit jellies:

• vegan oyster mushroom burgers: these are easy air fryer mushroom burgers and they would be perfect using this bread, just shape them round and you will have burger buns;
• vegan egg mayo sandwich: if you love a good sandwich, this is going to rock your socks;
• caramelised apples: delicious and cinnamony enough to make the perfect dessert;
• vegan pumpkin feta pasta: nothing beats pasta in my opinion and this is too delicious to pass;
• vegan rice paper rolls: an easy lunch with plenty of veggies and dipping sauce, easy and too good;
• air fryer cabbage wedges: easy and quick to make, a tasty side dish;
• vegan swiss roll: delicious chocolate roll, soft and so easy to make;
• cous cous stuffed butternut squash: this is perfect as a main course and still wow your guests;
• vegan mushroom wellington: if you want to wow your guests, this is the recipe;
• vegan apple cider donuts: nothing beats fresh pillowy fried dough;
• sweet potato, hazelnut & figs salad: call this just a salad is an offence, this is too delicious;
• vegan mushroom korma: a delicious take on a classic korma, but make it vegan and superdelicious.

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