This year, I’ve made Valentine heart gummies just for you! They’re heart-shaped, delicious, and they also happen to be good for you.
There were two three “holidays” that I REALLY loved in grade school. In no particular order, my favorites were {are?}:
1. Bike Rodeo Day. Tell me you had bike rodeo day! It’s the one day us single digit-aged folk got to show off our bike skills in front of the WHOLE school. The day I went sans training wheels on the skinny long stretch was probably one of the best days of my life.
2. Battle of Flowers Day. Now this one I know is probably specific to Texas, if not San Antonio alone. Battle of Flowers Day is part of the Fiesta celebration! There’s a big parade downtown full of floats decorated with {you guessed it} TONS of flowers. To prep for the big day, we made our own float for the school mini parade. Thinking that I was somewhat of a tissue paper flower wiz, I was always very eager to show mine off.
3. VALENTINES DAY! This one probably wins. I LOVED Valentines Day! Still do, in fact. Sure in college I got caught up in the “ugh, Valentines Day” grumble with the rest of the 20 year old girls but I’m proud to say that I’ve fully recovered. Back when life was extremely simple and extremely significant {I’ve noticed those two often go hand-in-hand}, Valentines Day involved each student turning a shoebox into their own personal decorated mail box ready to collect all the sweet little notes from classmates and teachers. We’d spend the night before the big day writing notes to all our classmates with special stickers for our best friends or secret crushes.
I still like to give out Valentines. I think they’re sweet, unexpected, sometimes misinterpreted, but mostly heart warming.
Just a little baggie of 5 hearts is enough to say, “I love you so much that I want you to enjoy a little tasty, fun to eat treat that also happens to be good for you.” Amen.
These Valentine heart gummies are really simple {and fun!} to make. For the layered look that I went for, you’ll need to prep a few days in advance. You could also just mix all the layers together for one solid color. Whatever makes you happy makes me happy!
Let’s get to preppin’ …
The star of our Valentine heart gummies is the oh-so seasonal and oh-so tasty grapefruit juice! I worked for the nicest man during my last few years of college who would bring me barrels of Texas grapefruit.
Pour 1 and ¾ cup {6 oz} of grapefruit juice in a small saucepan. If you’re not a fan of the stove and love your microwave, you could also just use a microwave-safe dish!
While your grapefruit juice is heating on the stove or in the microwave, measure out your grass-fed gelatin. THIS is the kind I use – make sure you buy the orange type.
To make Valentine heart gummies, I recommend 1 Tbl of gelatin for every cup of liquid. If you’re going for the layered look, add 3 Tbl of gelatin to the 1 and ¾ cup of grapefruit juice. Add it to the simmering or hot juice and whisk until dissolved.
Honey time! While the honey is optional {especially if you’re on a sugar detox}, it gives these candies a nice sweet touch.
Add an equal amount honey – 2 Tbl for the 1 and ¾ cup juice or just 1 Tbl for each cup of liquid.
Whisk until well combined.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pour your juice, honey, and gelatin mixture in!
Pop ‘em! Then stick that sheet in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight – you want it set.
Gus is tired of all this valentine/gelatin talk and would like to take his new prize outside for an emergency yard planting.
Feel the gelatin to be sure that it’s set.
Coconut milk is the star of our next layer!
Prepare it exactly the same as you did the grapefruit juice: 1 can of milk with 3 Tbl gelatin and 2 Tbl of honey.
Once it’s heated and whisked together, pour it over the first layer and set in the fridge.
Wait 2 hours or overnight until set.
Prepare the final layer exactly as you did the first! Pour it over the coconut milk layer and refrigerate for an additional 2 hours or overnight.
All finished! I can’t wait for the unveiling!
Grab yourself a cute little heart cookie cutter {this is a good option: Fox Run Heart Cookie Cutter Set, 5-Piece
}. Mine is about 1” across.
Start cutting into the sheet pan to release your Valentines hearts!
How cute is that?
I recommend grabbing the cake pop plastic bags for collecting these goodies. About 5 each tied with a ribbon is the perfect size!
So tasty. I hope you love them!
Valentine Heart Gummies
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups or 28 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 9 tablespoons gelatin
- 6 tablespoons honey {optional}
Instructions
- Layer 1: heat the grapefruit juice and whisk in 3 Tbl gelatin and 2 Tbl honey. Pour into a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Let set in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or over night.
- Layer 2: heat 1 can of coconut milk with 3 Tbl gelatin and 2 Tbl of honey. Pour over layer 1 and let set in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or over night.
- Layer 3: repeat step 1 and let set over night.
- Using a 1" heart cookie cutter, cut the gummies out. Place 5 to each bag and tie with a ribbon. Keep refrigerated.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Hi Cassy!
Can you make your gummies (specifically talking about the recipe from your Fed and Fit book) with frozen fruit? Is there a reason you prefer using fresh fruit?
You can use frozen fruit! Just make sure it defrosts 🙂
I agree with Steph D- I want tobe your friend so I can be on the receiving end of this yummy idea! Thanks for the post!
Ha! <3
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Getting ready to make these and I was wondering if you’ve ever tried using silicone molds instead of cutting them out individually? Thanks!! Yuuummm!!
I haven’t, but I imagine that they may work great! I’d love to know how the come out.
How long can you keep these in the refrigerator? I can’t wait to make them!
I keep mine about 5-7 days, if they last that long. Enjoy!
So, first of all, you may want to double check your recipe list- it states that 3 and 1/2 cups of juice is 16 oz. That is incorrect. One cup is 8 fluid ounces, so 3 1/2 cups would be 28 ounces.
I made these today, and they tasted really nice, but did not have enough gelatin to be stable enough to put in candy bags, or pack for on the go snacks. I had to melt it down again, and add one more tablespoons of gelatin to each layer. Then they were pack-able.
Right you are, Laurie! Thank you so much for the helpful comment! I’ve updated the post. Glad you liked the gummies!
These are so lovely! I will definitely be making them next year (maybe with strawberry puree!).
You are ADORABLE– I wish I was in your life so you would give me one of these bags! LOL.