Homemade Gummy Bear Recipe

Did you realize that homemade gummy bears require just a handful of ingredients? Today, we’re sharing this simplegummy bear recipe with you. We’ll also demonstrate two different preparation methods! You can prepare them using fruit juice or JELLO (flavored gelatin). Both options make homemade gummy bears with ease. We hope you give each method a try!

RELATED: Homemade Fruit Popsicles

There are two different methods for preparing gummy bears at home. We tried both gummy bear recipe variations and are sharing them here!

Our children actually favored the JELLO variety, although they enjoyed the fruit version as well. If you have gelatin, JELLO, or fruit juice available, you can make these easily!

The only item you’ll need to purchase ahead of time is the gummy bear molds. Children will enjoy both eating these gummy bears and assisting with their preparation! Our 4 year old had a great time using the droppers to transfer the mixture into the molds.

2 Methods for Making Homemade Gummy Bears

We’re presenting two methods for creating homemade gummy bears. Tell us which one you make and which version you prefer!

• Gummy Bears prepared with JELLO
• Gummy Bears prepared with fruit juice

How to Prepare Gummy Bears with JELLO

For homemade gummy bears made with JELLO, you only require one package of JELLO and some gelatin. This recipe is convenient because there’s no need to figure out how to add sweetness. Our kids enjoyed this variety because JELLO is already sweet. We also like the vivid, colorful results from the JELLO versions. If you have spare boxes of JELLO at home, this is an excellent way to use one!

Ingredients for JELLO variation

Note: Vegan Gelatin is available – this brand can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute. You could also try Agar Agar Powder, though we have not tried it in these recipes.

Instructions for Making Gummy Bears with JELLO

• Place 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan over low heat
• Stir in 1 package of Jello (85 size/3 oz size)
• Include 1 tablespoon of gelatin
• Stir until everything has dissolved, then take it off the heat
• Use the dropper to transfer the mixture into your mold

Tip: When filling the mold, try not to draw bubbles into the dropper. If bubbles appear on top, it’s fine, although they will set in place. We had a few bubbly gummy bears, and the kids still said they tasted delicious.

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm.

• After they have hardened in the refrigerator, you should be able to remove them from the mold easily. If they are difficult to release, chill them longer so they can become completely firm.

Fruit Juice Gummy Bear Recipe

We experimented with numerous fruit juice variations. After testing several sweeteners, honey was our favorite. We chose not to use ordinary sugar because we wanted this version to be naturally sweetened. Note: To avoid added sugar from commercial juice, you can make your own juice from fresh fruit with a juicer.

If you’d rather replace the honey with standard sugar, begin with a small amount and taste the mixture before filling the molds.

Note: Keep in mind that babies younger than 1 year old should not be given honey.

Additional Sweetener Choices

• Stevia is another option, but use only the liquid drops. We tested the powdered variety, and the recipe did not work out. Agave syrup was also tested, but its taste was not personally appealing to us. Maple syrup is another natural sweetening alternative. However, honey was our favorite because it’s sweetbut the taste is not overly strong.

• For the juices, we suggest using any clear variety – we chose Simply Lemonades. Cranberry or apple juice can also be used.

Storage

Store them in the refrigerator, where they should keep for at least one week (although they will typically be eaten before then!).

Ingredients for the Fruit Version

Note: Vegan Gelatin is available – this brand can be used as a 1-to-1 substitute. You may also try Agar Agar Powder, though we have not tested it in our recipes

These are the instructions for the fruit version – you can also print the recipe here!

More Delicious Treats:

• For another child-friendly snack idea, try these fruit popsicles – children enjoy helping prepare them, and they are ideal for a warm summer day!