3-Ingredient Frozen Candied Grapes are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making them a delightful treat for warm days. With only a handful of ingredients—green grapes, lime juice, monk fruit sweetener, and citric acid—you can whip up this refreshing snack in no time. The grapes are marinated in lime juice to give them a zesty kick, then coated in a sweet and tangy mix of monk fruit sweetener and citric acid for that classic candy flavor. After a few hours in the freezer, these juicy bites transform into a frozen treat that's fun to eat and low in calories. It's a healthy, guilt-free indulgence that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!
3-Ingredient Frozen Candied Grapes are the ultimate easy-to-make sweet treat that combines juicy green grapes with a sweet and tangy coating. Perfect for a hot day, these frozen bites offer a burst of fresh flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With just three simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, refreshing snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Let’s look at the ingredients that make these delightful frozen candied grapes.
INGREDIENTS
- Green Grapes: You’ll need about 4 cups of fresh green grapes. These provide the juicy base for this snack, giving a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite.
- Limes: The juice of 2 limes is used to marinate the grapes, adding a zesty citrus flavor that enhances the sweetness.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: 1 cup of monk fruit sweetener helps create the candied coating for the grapes without adding too many calories. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional sugar.
- Citric Acid: 2-3 teaspoons of citric acid are mixed with the sweetener to give the grapes their signature tangy flavor, balancing out the sweetness and adding a candy-like finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Grapes
- Start by lining a large baking tray with parchment paper. Rinse the grapes thoroughly under cold water and allow them to dry. Make sure the grapes are free of any stems and leaves before proceeding.
- Step 2: Marinate the Grapes
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the juice of 2 freshly squeezed limes. Add the grapes to the bowl, stirring them to ensure every grape is well coated in lime juice. Once the grapes are evenly covered, place the bowl in the refrigerator and let the grapes marinate for about 10 minutes. This step adds a tangy citrus flavor to the grapes and enhances the overall taste.
- Step 3: Prepare the Coating
- While the grapes are marinating, mix 1 cup of monk fruit sweetener and 2-3 teaspoons of citric acid in a separate bowl. Stir the mixture until the citric acid is evenly distributed throughout the sweetener. This combination creates a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy coating for the grapes, reminiscent of your favorite sour candies.
- Step 4: Coat the Grapes
- Remove the grapes from the refrigerator. One by one, take each grape and roll it in the sweetener and citric acid mixture, ensuring that each grape is completely coated. The coating should stick easily to the lime-juice-covered grapes, creating a delicious layer of sweetness and tanginess. Place each coated grape on the prepared baking tray in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
- Step 5: Freeze the Grapes
- Once all the grapes are coated, transfer the baking tray to the freezer. Allow the grapes to freeze for 2-3 hours, or until they are completely set. The freezing process transforms the grapes into refreshing frozen treats with a candy-like exterior. Serve them straight from the freezer and enjoy their sweet-tart flavor!
Serving and Storage Tips
- For the best texture, serve the Frozen Candied Grapes directly from the freezer. They’ll be perfectly frozen with a crisp, candy-like coating.
- These frozen grapes are a great snack to serve at parties or as a refreshing treat on hot days. Serve them in small bowls, or use toothpicks for easy snacking.
- To store leftovers, keep the grapes in an airtight container in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week, making them a convenient snack to enjoy whenever you like.
- If you prefer a softer texture, let the grapes sit out at room temperature for a couple of minutes before serving. This will slightly thaw the coating while keeping the grapes cool and refreshing.
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have monk fruit sweetener, you can substitute with granulated sugar or any other sugar alternative. The key is to balance the sweetness with the tartness of the citric acid.
- Try experimenting with different fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a fun twist on this recipe. The same method of coating and freezing can be applied to other berries for a refreshing frozen snack.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of flavored powder like chili-lime seasoning or sprinkle some zest from the lime before freezing.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Alton Brown: For the best coating results, ensure that the grapes are completely dry after rinsing. The lime juice will help the sweetener stick, but a dry surface ensures even coating.
- Giada De Laurentiis: Serve these frozen grapes as a light dessert alongside a charcuterie board for a sweet, tangy contrast to savory bites.
- Ina Garten: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite flavors to the sweetener mixture, like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version of this frozen treat.