Homemade Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts Recipe

This recipe is inspired by the beloved Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts. For those of us who’ve experienced the joy of unearthing a bag of these sour-sweet, chewy treats amidst the treasure trove of goodies at Trader Joe’s, the idea of recreating them at home might seem like a culinary daydream.

How to make Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts

Trader Joe’s Strawberry Candy Belts are a popular sweet-and-sour treat introduced this year. These vegan-friendly gummy candies are made with natural flavors and colors derived from fruit and vegetable juices, without any artificial additives.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Base:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (or frozen strawberries for convenience, thawed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (for the tangy “sour” kick)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (to dissolve cornstarch)
• Pinch of salt (enhances flavor)

For the Dough (optional for shaping):

• ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating and texture)
• ½ tsp citric acid (optional, for an extra sour punch like the originals)
• Vegetarian-friendly gelatin (agar powder) or pectin for firmness (about 1 tbsp dissolved in water)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Puree

1. Wash your strawberries and remove the stems. If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are fully thawed.
2. Blend the strawberries into a smooth puree using a food processor or blender.
3. Transfer the puree into a saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar, lemon juice, and the pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Thicken the Puree

1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan with the puree, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. This step gives the belts their chewy texture.

Step 3: Set the Mixture

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easy removal later.
2. Spread the thickened strawberry mixture evenly across the sheet in a thin layer. You’re aiming for about a ¼-inch thickness to replicate the Candy Belt. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
3. Let the mixture cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator and let it set for 1–2 hours, or until firm.

Step 4: Cut Into Belts

1. Once the mixture is firm, gently peel it off the parchment paper or baking mat if it feels sticky, dust lightly with powdered sugar.
2. Slice the strawberries into thin, long strips using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter—these are your homemade Strawberry Belts!

Step 5: Sour Sugar Coating (Optional)

1. Combine powdered sugar and citric acid in a bowl to create the tangy dusting mix (adjust citric acid levels based on how sour you prefer them).
2. Roll each belt in the sugar mixture, ensuring every surface is coated.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh fruit for flavor: While frozen strawberries work, fresh ones will yield a brighter, more authentic taste.
• Thickness matters: Be careful when spreading the mixture—too thin and it will tear; too thick and it won’t resemble the chewy belts.
• Experiment with flavors: For a fun twist, try adding a drop of strawberry extract or mixing in a little raspberry puree.
• Storage: Layer the belts between wax paper in an airtight container. Keep them cool to prevent sticking.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts are a tangy and sweet treat that can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of other snacks and dishes.

Sweet Pairings

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream is a perfect creamy companion to the chewy and tart Strawberry Belts. The sweetness of the ice cream balances the sour zing of the candy.
• Chocolate Fondue: Dip Strawberry Belts into molten chocolate fondue for a decadent treat. The combination of chocolate and strawberry flavors is timeless and will be loved by people of all ages.
• Assorted Fruit Plate: To accompany the Strawberry Belts, create a fresh fruit platter with apples, bananas, and oranges. The fruit’s natural sweetness complements the candy’s tanginess.

Beverage Companions

• Sparkling Water: A flavored sparkling water with citrus notes can cleanse the palate between chewy bites of the Strawberry Belts, refreshing the taste buds.
• Tea: Serve a pot of herbal or green tea. The subtleness of tea can balance the bold flavors of the candy without overpowering them.
• Milkshakes or Smoothies: Strawberry Belts can be a fun garnish to a strawberry milkshake or a mixed berry smoothie. You could even blend a few belts into the shake for added flavor.

Snack Mixes

• Popcorn: Combine the sweet and sour Strawberry Belts with salty, buttery popcorn. This contrast will be irresistible and offers a delightful sweet and salty mix.
• Trail Mix: Create a custom trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, pretzels, and pieces of Strawberry Belts. Adjust the components as preferred for a personalized snack.
• Candy Platter: Build a colorful candy platter with a variety of gummies, chocolate candies, and licorice. Adding the Strawberry Belts gives a playful and vibrant look, ideal for party settings.

Dessert Integration

• Topping for Cakes or Cupcakes: Chop up the Strawberry Belts and use them as a fun and tangy topping on cakes, cupcakes, or frosted cookies for both visual appeal and flavor.
• Cheesecake Garnish: Adorn slices of classic New York-style cheesecake with Strawberry Belts for a gorgeous presentation and a burst of tartness to contrast with the rich dessert.
• Yogurt or Pudding Parfaits: Incorporate Strawberry Belts into layers of yogurt or pudding parfaits. The chewy texture adds an enjoyable contrast to the creamy layers.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts at home or making a similar version from scratch can be fun and rewarding. The key to making this tangy, chewy candy lies in carefully selecting ingredients that mimic the texture and flavor of the original.

1. Fruit Flavor Base

The distinct fruity flavor of Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts primarily comes from real fruit puree, concentrate, or flavoring.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Strawberries: You can blend fresh strawberries into a smooth puree. Cook it down slightly to intensify the flavor.
• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: Use a good-quality jam for an easier option, especially one with minimal additives.
• Strawberry Extract: If you cannot use fresh fruit, strawberry extract or flavoring oils are concentrated alternatives.
• Other Fruits: If strawberries are unavailable, consider raspberries, cherries, or mixed berries as alternatives. They also pair well with tangy candy recipes.

2. Sweeteners

Commercial Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts rely on sugar (granulated or cane sugar) to achieve their sweetness.

Substitutes:

• Honey or Agave Syrup: For a natural sweetener, you can use honey or agave, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: Offers a more natural substitute with a slight caramel undertone.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These can be used for lower-calorie options, but due to their concentrated sweetness, adjust quantities carefully.
• Date Syrup: For a natural and rich flavor, dates can be used, which will influence the color and texture.

3. Tartness (Sour Component)

A tangy bite is essential in Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts. Citric acid is commonly used in commercial versions.

Substitutes:

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is a natural and easily available source of tartness. You can also use lime juice.
• Tartaric Acid or Malic Acid: These are additional food-grade acids available at specialty stores for a sharper tang, similar to the tartness in store-bought candy.
• Vinegar (Apple Cider or White): A very small amount (a few drops) of vinegar can replicate the tang, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
• Tamarind Paste: For a natural, fruity sourness, tamarind paste can be incorporated sparingly.

4. Thickening Agents

The elasticity and chewiness of strawberry belts come from thickeners like gelatin or pectin.

Substitutes:

• Pectin (Preferred for a Vegan Option): Pectin is a plant-based thickener often used in jams and jellies. It works well for fruit-based candy.
• Agar-Agar (Vegan Gelatin Alternative): Derived from seaweed, agar-agar can provide firmness similar to gelatin but may lack some elasticity.
• Corn Syrup or Glucose Syrup: These syrups are used to prevent crystallization and create a glossy texture. They also assist in achieving candy chewiness.
• Arrowroot Powder or Tapioca Starch: These can be used to fine-tune the chewy consistency.
• Gelatin: If you’re not concerned about making a vegan version, gelatin is ideal for achieving that signature “stretchy” texture.

5. Coloring

Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts likely use natural coloring from fruit or plant-based dyes.

Substitutes:

• Beet Juice or Powder: An all-natural way to achieve a vibrant reddish-pink color without artificial dyes.
• Strawberry Puree: If you’re already using real strawberries, the natural color may suffice without additional dyes.
• Pomegranate or Hibiscus Powder: These can add natural red tones with minimal impact on flavor.
• Food Coloring: Commercially available red food colouring is a good choice for precise control over the color, but natural options are healthier.

6. Coating (Sugar and Citric Acid)

Strawberry belts are coated with a fine dusting of sugar and citric acid for texture and tangy flavor.

Substitutes:

• Powdered Sugar + Lemon Zest: Mix powdered sugar with finely grated lemon zest for a different tangy and sweet coating.
• Natural Alternative: Use coconut sugar or finely ground cane sugar for the coating and adjust the sour factor with natural lemon or lime zest.
• Salted Sugar Mix: For a unique twist, add a touch of fine sea salt to balance the sweetness and sourness in the coating.

7. Binding Agent/Structure

Ensuring the candy holds its shape (and doesn’t melt or collapse easily) requires binding agents or stabilizers.

Substitutes:

• Cornstarch: Lightly dusting with cornstarch prevents the belts from sticking together.
• Rice Flour or Tapioca Flour: Can be similarly used in place of cornstarch.
• Glycerin: A small amount of food-grade glycerin helps keep the candy pliable and prevents it from hardening too much.

Final Thoughts

And just like that, you’ve transformed simple ingredients into a delicious homemade version of Trader Joe’s Strawberry Belts! Not only are they fun to make, but they’re also free from artificial colors and flavors, so you can enjoy every bite guilt-free.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes

• Homemade Trader Joe’s Margarita Mix Recipe