Easy, Homemade Vegan Strawberry Jelly Recipe

Recipe suitable from 12 months old
 

Table of Contents

    Several bunny shaped strawberry jellies on tray

    Introducing the Berry Delicious Benefits of Strawberries for BLW Baby Diets!
    Are you a proud parent beginning the journey of Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)? Look no further than the vibrant and tantalizing world of strawberries to satisfy your little one's taste buds and nourish their growing bodies!
    Strawberries, with their vibrant red hue and sweet-tart flavour, are not only a delightful treat but also pack a punch when it comes to nutritional benefits for your BLW baby. Here are some reasons why incorporating strawberries into your baby's diet is a fantastic idea:
    1. Rich in Vitamins: Strawberries are a powerhouse of essential vitamins that contribute to your little one's overall growth and development. Bursting with vitamin C, these luscious berries help boost your baby's immune system, allowing them to combat common ailments with ease.
    2. Fiber-Filled Fun: BLW promotes the development of your baby's fine motor skills and self-feeding abilities. Strawberries, with their fiber content, help support healthy digestion, preventing any tummy troubles that can crop up during this exciting stage of exploration.
    3. Antioxidant Boost: Strawberries are brimming with antioxidants that protect your baby's cells from oxidative stress. These antioxidants contribute to healthy brain development, protect against inflammation, and aid in preventing chronic diseases later in life.
    4. Essential Minerals: Strawberries contain an array of essential minerals, including potassium, manganese, and folate. These minerals support your baby's bone health, nervous system, and contribute to the production of healthy red blood cells.
    5. Sensory Stimulation: BLW encourages babies to explore various textures and sensory experiences. With their naturally soft and juicy texture, strawberries provide a delightful sensory encounter for your little one. The beautiful colour and delicious smell of strawberries engage their senses, making the mealtime experience even more enjoyable.
    Remember, when introducing strawberries to your baby's diet, ensure that they are ripe, washed thoroughly, and cut into baby-friendly pieces to avoid any choking hazards. Always consult your health visitor before introducing new foods to your baby.
    So, why wait? Incorporate the berry delicious benefits of strawberries into your BLW baby's diet today. Watch as their face lights up with joy and relish the joyous journey of exploring new flavours while nourishing their tiny tummies. Happy BLW adventures with strawberries!

    Can My Baby Eat Homemade Strawberry Jelly?
    As a loving and caring parent, you only want the best for your little one. As your baby explores the world of solid foods, you may find yourself wondering if homemade strawberry jelly is a suitable option. Well, fret not! We're here to shed some light on this sweet and delicious treat for your baby.

    Introducing new flavours and textures to your baby's diet is an exciting milestone, and strawberry jelly can indeed be a delightful addition. Packed with natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavour, strawberries are a nutrient-rich fruit that offers numerous health benefits for your little bundle of joy.

    When considering introducing homemade strawberry jelly to your baby, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that your baby has already started on solid foods and has no known allergies to strawberries. Always consult with your health visitor to ensure your baby is developmentally ready for this new taste adventure.
    To create homemade strawberry jelly for your baby, it's best to use pureed or mashed strawberries, ensuring there are no seeds or chunks that could pose a choking hazard. You can sweeten it naturally with a hint of honey (from 12 month old) or use baby-safe alternatives like mashed bananas or apple puree (applesauce) for added texture and nutrition. Homemade options allow you to control the quality of ingredients, minimising the addition of preservatives or excessive sugars.

    It's worth noting that introducing any new food to your baby's diet should be done gradually and while offering a variety of foods to encourage a balanced nutritional intake. Strawberry jelly, while delicious, should not replace other essential foods like vegetables, proteins, or whole grains.

    Remember, moderation is key! While strawberries themselves are considered safe from six months onward, it's wise to limit your baby's intake of strawberry jelly due to its sugar content. This will ensure your little one receives a variety of nutrients from a range of food sources.
    With careful consideration of your baby's developmental stage, allergies, and a mindful approach to nutrition, homemade strawberry jelly can certainly be a delightful and nutritious treat for your little sweetheart. So, grab those fresh strawberries, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy this sweet journey of introducing new flavours to your baby's expanding palate.

    Homemade Strawberry Jelly

    With its vibrant colour and sweet taste, is an absolute delight for toddlers. Its smooth and velvety texture provides a playful experience for their developing palates. Packed with the goodness of fresh strawberries, this easy strawberry jelly recipe is a perfect way to introduce a fruity indulgence to little ones. Strawberry jelly captures the attention of even the pickiest eaters. Its enticing aroma fills the room, making mealtime an enjoyable adventure for toddlers. With its natural sweetness and delightful flavour, strawberry jelly is not only a delicious treat, but also a way to encourage healthy eating habits right from the start.

    Do you have a vegan toddler?

    Vegan toddlers can certainly enjoy the sweet and delightful treat of a classic strawberry jelly too! Gone are the days when gelatine-based jellies were the only option available. Nowadays, there are numerous vegan-friendly alternatives that bring the same wobbly fun to the table. Made with plant-based ingredients like agar-agar, pectin, or tapioca starch, vegan jellies offer a wide array of flavours and colours. From fruity concoctions bursting with the taste of raspberries or strawberries, the options seem limitless. So, you need not fret about your vegan kids missing out on a delicious jelly because the plant-based world has graciously welcomed them to the wobbly and delicious party!

    Why I chose to make a vegan jelly?

    I chose to make vegan strawberry jelly for several reasons. Firstly, I have love a plant-based lifestyle and I am determined to explore new alternatives for my toddler and I that align with my dietary choices. By opting for simple ingredients, such as agar agar instead of gelatine, strawberry fruit juice. I am reducing my ecological footprint and supporting sustainable food practices. Lastly, summer strawberries are a wholesome and vibrant fruit that offers numerous health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamin C, it is a great option to buy them in strawberry season. By making vegan strawberry jelly, we can indulge in a guilt-free, delightful treat that is both nourishing and compassionate.

    If you are seeking an easy recipe and a delightful treat, look no further than my vegan strawberry jelly recipe. Strawberries are the good fruit, in my opinion! This recipe not only satiates your sweet tooth but also aligns with your ethical beliefs. By using plant-based ingredients and fresh strawberries, this jelly is cruelty-free and bursting with natural flavours. The combination of ripe strawberries and the luscious jelly texture create a delectable treat that will leave you wanting more. Furthermore, this recipe is simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The taste test is 5 star! So, whether you are a proud vegan or just looking to explore new flavours, indulge in the joy of my vegan strawberry jelly and experience a taste that is delicious.

    Ingredient information

    Strawberries - Strawberries within jelly or with jelly is a childhood classic so I had to make this a strawberry jelly! See below for other alternatives that work! This is such a simple recipe! (The strawberries are the best things about this recipe though)

    Vege-Gel - This is great for making a vegan jelly that is fit for all! It will not make a clear jelly, as the strawberry juice will make the jellies opaque. The strawberries are the essential ingredient to the jellies.

    Close up of bunny shaped strawberry jelly

    Serving suggestion

    This would be great served with some frozen yogurt, ice cream, or frozen strawberry yogurt. You could serve with some added strawberries and blueberries too and before a peanut butter sandwich! Of course this is perfect served on its own too!

    Several bunny shaped strawberry jellies on tray

    Storage instructions

    The fresh fruit homemade jelly can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, I would definitely keep these in a airtight container too! To keep them super fresh, I would sit them in between parchment paper to make it easy to remove from the container, this way you can stack them too!

    You will not be able to freeze the jellies.

    Equipment used to help with this recipe

    Pyrex jug - A measuring jug is a must-have kitchen utensil and I like the glass Pyrex jugs hygiene and ease of cleaning. The measuring markers are easily readable too.

    Saucepans - So many pan sets out there but I particularly like to use pans with a non-stick surface for ease of cleaning and ones that are suitable for different types of hob surface.

    Recipe | Homemade Strawberry Jelly

    Several bunny shaped strawberry jellies on tray

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    Ingredients

    Makes 6 bunnies (quantities may vary depending on the moulds you use)

    • 250g strawberries

    • 1 sachet Vege-Gel

    • 1 pint cold water

    Instructions

    • Follow these easy steps:

    • Start by blending the whole fruit in a Nutri Bullet or food processor.

    • Add the strawberries to a measuring jug.

    • In a separate bowl mix the sachet with 100ml cold water and add to the strawberries.

    • Add more water to the jug to make up to a pint of liquid in the jug, and stir.

    • Transfer the mixture to a large pot and bring to the boil to a medium-high heat. The cooking time will be a few minutes. Remove from the heat.

    • Pour into the moulds and leave to set in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.

    Hope you and your family enjoy!

    Recipe notes

    Other fruit you could use instead of strawberries.

    Blueberries

    Raspberries

    Blackberries


    Several bunny shaped strawberry jellies on tray

    ©The Petit Spoon

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    Lindsay

    This article was written by Lindsay, the creator and owner of The Petit Spoon, who is on a mission to provide quick and easy to follow, affordable baby-led weaning recipes. With a background in child nutrition and hospitality, Lindsay understands the importance of nourishing little ones with wholesome foods that support their growth and development.

    https://www.thepetitspoon.com/
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