Homemade Gummy Bear Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Create your own delicious gummy bears at home with this easy recipe that is perfect for kids and adults alike!

Freya Cooper

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:35:26.526Z

Making your own gummy bears at home is not only fun but also gives you control over the ingredients. You can customize flavors and colors, and it's a great activity to do with kids!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Customizable flavors to suit your taste
  • Fun and engaging activity for kids
  • No artificial colors or preservatives
  • Perfect for party favors or snacks

The Joy of Homemade Treats

Making gummy bears at home is not just about the final product; it's about the joy and creativity involved in the process. From selecting your favorite fruit juices to experimenting with different flavors and colors, this recipe is a fantastic way to engage with your food. Children and adults alike can participate, making it a perfect family activity. Plus, the satisfaction of enjoying a treat you created yourself adds a special touch to your snacking experience.

Homemade gummy bears also allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you're providing quality snacks for your loved ones. You can opt for organic juices, natural sweeteners, and even add superfoods to boost nutritional value. This flexibility means you can adapt the recipe to suit dietary restrictions or preferences, making it a truly inclusive treat.

Flavor Exploration

The beauty of this gummy bear recipe lies in its versatility when it comes to flavors. Whether you prefer classic fruit flavors like strawberry and orange or want to try something unique like lavender or hibiscus, the options are endless. You can even mix different juices to create exciting flavor combinations! This not only makes the gummy bears more enjoyable but also allows you to introduce new tastes to your palate.

Moreover, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking, making these gummy bears perfect for everyone. If you're looking for a tart twist, consider adding citric acid. A small amount can transform the flavor profile, making the gummies more exciting and refreshing. This experimentation is part of the fun, so don't hesitate to get creative!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These homemade gummy bears are not just a simple snack; they can be tailored for various occasions. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a fun movie night at home, gummy bears can be a delightful addition. They make fantastic party favors, and you can even package them in cute bags or jars for a personal touch.

Additionally, these treats can be a great way to encourage healthier snacking habits. By making your own gummy bears, you eliminate the need for artificial ingredients and excess sugar found in store-bought versions. This makes them a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy without compromising your health goals.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your gummy bears:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of fruit juice (your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder
  • 2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup
  • Optional: food coloring
  • Optional: citric acid for tartness

Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start making gummy bears!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your homemade gummy bears:

Prepare the Mixture

In a small saucepan, combine the fruit juice, gelatin powder, and honey. Stir over low heat until the mixture is smooth and the gelatin has dissolved completely.

Add Color and Flavor

If you want to enhance the color or add more flavor, you can mix in a few drops of food coloring or citric acid at this stage. Stir well.

Mold the Gummy Bears

Carefully pour the mixture into gummy bear molds. If you don't have molds, you can use any silicone mold you have on hand.

Refrigerate

Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the gummy bears have fully set.

Unmold and Enjoy

Once set, gently remove the gummy bears from the molds and enjoy your homemade treats!

Store any leftover gummy bears in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage Tips for Your Gummy Bears

Once you've made your delicious gummy bears, it's important to store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor. Keep the gummy bears in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or becoming too sticky. They can last up to two weeks when stored correctly at room temperature, but for extended freshness, consider refrigerating them. Just remember that refrigeration may slightly change their texture, making them chewier.

If you want to keep your gummy bears for an even longer period, you can freeze them. Place the gummy bears in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy your homemade treats anytime you crave a sweet snack!

Healthier Alternatives

One of the greatest advantages of making gummy bears at home is the ability to choose healthier ingredients. Instead of refined sugars, you can use honey or agave syrup for natural sweetness. These alternatives not only add flavor but also come with additional health benefits, such as antioxidants and lower glycemic indices.

Additionally, consider using 100% fruit juice to boost the nutritional profile of your gummy bears. This way, you're not just enjoying a tasty treat, but you're also getting the vitamins and minerals from the fruit juice. For an extra health kick, try adding a scoop of a superfood powder, like spirulina or acai, to your mixture.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic gummy bear recipe, why not explore some fun variations? You can create themed gummy bears for holidays—think pumpkin spice for Halloween or berry mixes for summer gatherings. You can also experiment with different shapes by using assorted silicone molds, allowing you to create gummy shapes that match the occasion.

For a more adult-oriented treat, consider infusing your gummy bears with a splash of alcohol, like vodka or rum, to create boozy gummy bears. Just be sure to adjust the gelatin ratio slightly to accommodate the liquid. These can be a fun addition to parties or gatherings with friends, making your homemade gummy bears a versatile treat for any event!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of juice?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different fruit juices like orange, apple, or berry!

→ How long do homemade gummy bears last?

They can last up to two weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a vegan option.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

You can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.

Homemade Gummy Bear Recipe

Create your own delicious gummy bears at home with this easy recipe that is perfect for kids and adults alike!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Freya Cooper

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 30 gummy bears

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup of fruit juice (your choice)
  2. 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder
  3. 2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup
  4. Optional: food coloring
  5. Optional: citric acid for tartness

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a small saucepan, combine the fruit juice, gelatin powder, and honey. Stir over low heat until the mixture is smooth and the gelatin has dissolved completely.

Step 02

If you want to enhance the color or add more flavor, you can mix in a few drops of food coloring or citric acid at this stage. Stir well.

Step 03

Carefully pour the mixture into gummy bear molds. If you don't have molds, you can use any silicone mold you have on hand.

Step 04

Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the gummy bears have fully set.

Step 05

Once set, gently remove the gummy bears from the molds and enjoy your homemade treats!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 50 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g