You’ll never buy gummy bears again after trying this healthy gummy bear recipe! Homemade Gummy Bears are not only fun to make but also allow you to control the ingredients. These delightful treats are perfect for various occasions, from family gatherings to movie nights. Plus, they are simple enough for kids to help with, making them an enjoyable family activity. Featuring zero refined sugars and just three ingredients, these gummy bears are a healthier alternative that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just three easy-to-find ingredients, making homemade gummy bears is a breeze.
- Healthier Option: These gummies contain no refined sugar, allowing you to indulge without guilt.
- Customizable Flavors: Use any juice flavor you love, making every batch unique and delicious.
- Quick Preparation: You’ll have tasty treats ready in under 40 minutes, including chilling time.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Involve your children in making these gummy bears for a fun and educational kitchen experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth process while making your Homemade Gummy Bears.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Dropper or spoon
- Gummy bear mold
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: A medium saucepan is necessary for heating the juice without burning it.
- Whisk: This tool ensures that the Vegan Gelatin combines evenly with the juice and syrup mixture.
- Dropper or spoon: Using a dropper makes filling the molds easy and mess-free.
- Gummy bear mold: The mold shapes the mixture into fun gummy bear forms that everyone loves.
Ingredients
To make your own delicious Homemade Gummy Bears, you will need:
For the Gummies
- 1 cup juice (any flavor, no sugar added)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 tbsp plain Vegan Gelatin
How to Make Homemade Gummy Bears
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the juice and maple syrup to a gentle simmer.
- Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the Vegan Gelatin over the mixture.
- Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Fill the Molds
- Using a dropper or spoon, fill each cavity of your mold with the mixture until it’s full.
- Carefully place the filled mold in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Enjoy Your Gummies
- Once set, pop out your homemade gummy bears from the mold.
- Enjoy immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for later use!
How to Serve Homemade Gummy Bears
Homemade gummy bears are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a healthy snack, here are some fun serving suggestions.
Fun Party Treats
- Gummy Bear Bowls: Fill small bowls with gummy bears for a colorful candy station at parties.
- Dessert Toppings: Use gummy bears as toppings on ice cream or yogurt for added flavor and texture.
Movie Night Snacks
- Mix with Popcorn: Combine gummy bears with popcorn for a sweet and salty movie snack.
- DIY Candy Bag: Create personalized candy bags filled with your homemade gummy bears for friends and family during movie nights.
Creative Lunchbox Ideas
- Healthy Lunch Addition: Add a few homemade gummy bears to lunchboxes as a fun treat alongside fruits and nuts.
- After-School Snack: Pack gummy bears as an after-school energy boost for kids.
How to Perfect Homemade Gummy Bears
Achieving the perfect homemade gummy bears requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your gummies come out just right.
- Use Fresh Juice: Always opt for fresh fruit juice for the best flavor. Avoid juices with added sugars.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter gummies, adjust the maple syrup according to your taste.
- Choose the Right Mold: Select silicone molds for easy removal of the gummies once set.
- Let Them Set Properly: Make sure to refrigerate the molds long enough so that the gummies firm up completely before popping them out.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Gummy Bears
While homemade gummy bears are a tasty treat on their own, pairing them with other dishes can enhance your snack experience. Here are some great side dish ideas.
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers add color and nutrition alongside your gummies.
- Mini Sandwiches: Small sandwiches made with whole-grain bread provide a satisfying balance to sweet treats.
- Veggie Sticks and Hummus: Crunchy veggies paired with hummus make for a healthy contrast against the sweetness of gummy bears.
- Cheese Cubes: A platter of assorted cheese cubes offers savory bites that complement the sweetness of your candies.
- Trail Mix: Combine nuts, seeds, and dried fruits with your homemade gummy bears for an energizing snack mix.
- Granola Bars: These can add fiber and crunch, making them a wholesome pairing with your homemade treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Gummy Bears can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to ensure your gummy bears turn out perfectly.
- Using Sweetened Juice: Always choose juice with no added sugar. Sweetened juice can alter the flavor and texture of your gummies.
- Not Whisking Properly: If you don’t whisk the Vegan Gelatin thoroughly, lumps may form. Make sure to mix well until fully dissolved.
- Skipping the Refrigeration Step: Allowing the gummies to set in the refrigerator is crucial for proper firmness. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
- Overfilling Molds: Filling molds too much can cause spills and uneven gummies. Fill just to the top for a clean finish.
- Ignoring Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different juice flavors! Sticking to one type might limit your creativity. Try mixing flavors for unique combinations.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your homemade gummy bears in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Gummy Bears
- For longer storage, freeze your gummies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Gummy Bears
- Oven: Preheat oven to a low temperature, place gummy bears on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes. This may make them softer but won’t restore their original texture.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, heat on low power in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until soft; be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place gummy bears in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until they soften. This method is less recommended as it may change their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Homemade Gummy Bears that might help you make the best treats possible.
Can I use other types of gelatin?
Yes, but if you want a vegan option, stick with Vegan Gelatin as it’s essential for keeping them plant-based.
How do I make my gummy bears firmer?
Add more Vegan Gelatin to your mixture. Adjust by adding an extra tablespoon until you reach your desired firmness.
What juices work best for homemade gummy bears?
Any 100% fruit juice without added sugars works well! Popular choices include apple, grape, or even tropical blends.
How long do homemade gummy bears last?
In the refrigerator, they last about a week; while freezing can extend their shelf life up to three months.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Gummy Bears are not only fun to make but also healthy and customizable! You can easily adjust flavors and sweetness according to your preference. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats anytime!
Homemade Gummy Bears
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 gummy bears 1x
Description
Get ready to transform your snack game with these delightful Homemade Gummy Bears! This easy recipe offers a healthy twist on a classic treat, allowing you to enjoy sweet flavors without the guilt. Made with just three simple ingredients—no refined sugars—these chewy fruit snacks are perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing treats for a party, movie night, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these gummies are sure to impress. Plus, you can customize them with any juice flavor you love! Enjoy the fun of making your own candy while knowing exactly what goes into each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup juice (any flavor, no sugar added)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons plain Vegan Gelatin
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the juice and maple syrup. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle in the Vegan Gelatin. Whisk until fully dissolved and combined.
- Using a dropper or spoon, fill gummy bear molds with the mixture.
- Refrigerate for about 20 minutes until set.
- Pop out the gummies and enjoy or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No cooking method specified
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 gummy bears
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Leave a Comment