Apricot Fruit Jellies with Gelatin

Homemade sweets always bring a special kind of comfort and confidence in the quality of every ingredient. This apricot fruit jelly with gelatin is easy to make in just half an hour, not counting the setting time, making it a perfect choice for busy cooks. This treat contains no artificial colors or preservatives, as its base is juicy fruit that soaked up the summer sun. Apricots have long been valued not only for their honey-like flavor but also for their high potassium and vitamin content. Adding gelatin makes this dessert beneficial for your joints thanks to collagen. The velvety texture and vibrant orange color of this fruit jelly will instantly lift your spirits and turn a regular tea break into a true celebration.

Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Quantity: 4 Servings
Per serving
Calories: 83 kcal
Proteins: 2.6 g
Fats: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 18.5 g

Ingredients

  • 300 g (10.5 oz) fresh apricots
  • 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
  • 150 ml cold boiled water
  • 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ground turmeric, optional

How to Make Apricot Marmalade with Gelatin

Pour the powdered gelatin into a bowl and add 100 ml of cold boiled water. Stir and leave the gelatin to bloom for 15-20 minutes. Read the instructions carefully, as it might take less time depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Powdered gelatin blooming in a bowl of cold water

Cover the gelatin with cold water and let it bloom. This is the base that will help our dessert hold its shape.

Pour granulated sugar into a saucepan, add 50 ml of water, and heat. The amount of sugar is up to you; if the apricots are sweet, use less. If your family has a sweet tooth, increase it within reason.

Heating sugar and water in a saucepan to make syrup

Heat the sugar with a small amount of water. Adjust the sweetness depending on the variety of your apricots.

Wash the apricots thoroughly, slice them, and remove the pits. Toss the sliced apricots into the saucepan with the boiling sugar syrup. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Cook for 4-5 minutes.

Fresh apricot halves cooking in boiling sugar syrup

Add the apricot halves to the syrup. A few minutes of cooking will make them soft and tender.

Puree the cooked apricots using an immersion blender, or press them through a sieve. Pour in the bloomed gelatin. Add vanilla extract or vanilla powder to taste. If the apricots are pale, stir in ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric for a brighter color. Stir and heat the mixture until almost boiling, but do not let it boil. If using a culinary thermometer, heat to 80-85°C (175-185°F). Let the apricot puree cool down.

Blending cooked apricots into a smooth puree with gelatin

After blending, you get a smooth puree. At this point, add the prepared gelatin and fragrant vanilla.

Take a flat mold or a baking sheet with short sides. Line it with silicone baking paper. If using regular baking paper, you can lightly mist it with water. The edges of the paper should hang over the sides of the mold so you can easily lift the jelly sheet out. Pour the cooled apricot puree into the mold to form a layer slightly thicker than 1 centimeter (about 0.5 inch).

Pouring apricot puree into a parchment-lined baking dish

Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined mold. A layer about 1 cm (0.5 inch) thick is perfect for slicing.

Place the apricot jelly in the refrigerator and leave it for a few hours until completely set.

Fully set sheet of apricot jelly on parchment paper

After a few hours in the refrigerator, the jelly sets completely and is ready for the final step.

Using a sharp knife, cut the set jelly into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a thin-rimmed shot glass or a cookie cutter to make round candies.

Cutting the set apricot jelly into squares with a knife

Cut the set mixture with a sharp knife. You can use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.

Peel the apricot jelly from the paper, arrange it on a plate, and return it to the refrigerator. This dessert must be stored in the fridge, as gelatin-based jelly will melt at room temperature.

Sliced apricot jelly squares arranged on a white plate

Arrange the finished jelly on a plate. Remember that gelatin desserts are best stored in a cool place.

Gelatin contains collagen, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy joints and ligaments. It helps restore cartilage tissue and preserves the elasticity of connective fibers, making this apricot fruit jelly with gelatin not just a dessert, but a functional snack. If you maintain a balanced diet, such homemade sweets are a great alternative to store-bought confectionery with questionable ingredients.

To make the flavor even more exquisite, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a little lemon zest to the puree—this will enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit. It's best to store the finished dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separating the layers with parchment paper so the pieces don't stick together. Serve the fruit jelly with green tea or use it as a creative decoration for homemade cakes and cupcakes.