Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing: Made with fresh watermelon juice, these jellies are the epitome of summer in every bite.
- Light and Healthy: With just a small amount of natural sweetener and minimal ingredients, these jellies are a guilt-free treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple, requiring just a few steps to create a fun, flavorful snack.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness to your liking, and get creative with garnishes like mint leaves or extra watermelon slices.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon juice (from one small seedless watermelon)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup honey or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- Optional: Extra watermelon slices or mint leaves for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Watermelon Juice
Cut the watermelon into chunks and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture to extract the juice, discarding any pulp or seeds.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the watermelon juice, lemon juice, and sweetener (honey or sugar). Stir until everything is well blended.
3. Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the mixture and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. This step allows the gelatin to absorb the liquid and activate.
4. Dissolve the Gelatin
Gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the gelatin dissolves completely. Make sure not to let the mixture boil.
5. Pour and Set
Pour the gelatin mixture into molds or a shallow pan, spreading it evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours, or until the jellies are fully set.
6. Serve and Garnish
Once the jellies have set, remove them from the molds or cut them into squares if using a shallow pan. Garnish with extra watermelon slices or mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20 jellies (depending on the mold size)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Chill time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total time: 20 minutes (plus chill time)
Variations
- Sweetener Swap: Feel free to use any sweetener you prefer, such as agave syrup, maple syrup, or stevia, depending on your dietary preferences.
- Minty Watermelon Jellies: Add finely chopped fresh mint to the mixture before setting for a refreshing twist.
- Berry Boost: Blend in a handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a colorful, fruity variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the watermelon jellies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: These jellies are best enjoyed chilled and do not require reheating. If they lose shape or texture, simply re-chill them before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fruit juice?
Yes! You can swap watermelon juice for other fruit juices like strawberry, mango, or even orange juice for a fun variation.
2. Can I make these jellies without gelatin?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the correct conversion.
3. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! Taste the mixture before pouring it into the molds and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey or sugar.
4. Can I freeze these jellies?
Yes, you can freeze them, though the texture may change slightly. To prevent freezer burn, store the jellies in an airtight container or freeze them in a single layer on a tray and then transfer to a bag.
5. How can I make these jellies more festive?
Try adding edible flowers, colorful fruit chunks, or even small candy pieces to make them more visually appealing for special occasions or parties.
6. Can I use a blender instead of a juicer to make the watermelon juice?
Yes! Just blend the watermelon until smooth and then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp.
7. Can I make these jellies in advance?
Yes! These jellies can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
8. How can I make these jellies firmer?
If you prefer firmer jellies, you can increase the amount of gelatin by 1-2 tablespoons. Just be careful not to add too much, or the texture may become too rubbery.
9. Can I make these jellies without lemon juice?
If you don’t like lemon, you can omit the lemon juice and add a splash of lime juice or other citrus fruits for a tangy twist.
10. What’s the best way to remove the jellies from the molds?
To make removing the jellies easier, lightly grease the molds before pouring the mixture in or use silicone molds, which allow for easy removal.
Conclusion
Watermelon Jellies are a refreshing, fun, and healthy summer treat that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Made with natural ingredients and simple steps, these jellies are perfect for cooling off during hot summer days or adding a sweet touch to any gathering. Get creative with your garnishes and enjoy this vibrant dessert!
Watermelon Jellies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: Approximately 20 jellies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Watermelon Jellies made with fresh watermelon juice and a zesty lemon kick, offering a fun, refreshing, and healthy summer treat in a gummy texture.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh watermelon juice (from one small seedless watermelon)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
1/4 cup honey or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
Optional: Extra watermelon slices or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon Juice: Cut the watermelon into chunks and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture to extract the juice, discarding any pulp or seeds.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the watermelon juice, lemon juice, and sweetener (honey or sugar). Stir until everything is well blended.
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the mixture and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the gelatin dissolves completely. Make sure not to let the mixture boil.
- Pour and Set: Pour the gelatin mixture into molds or a shallow pan, spreading it evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours, or until the jellies are fully set.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the jellies have set, remove them from the molds or cut them into squares if using a shallow pan. Garnish with extra watermelon slices or mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
For a fizzy twist, stir in sparkling water after blending.
Blend in a handful of berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity variation.
If you prefer firmer jellies, increase the gelatin by 1-2 tablespoons.
Use silicone molds for easy removal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jelly
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
