Homemade Gummy Bears are a universal classic treat. Indeed they are a favorite of the young and those who are young at heart. In any case, the most famous gummy bears are from Germany. Believe it or not, this confection has been around for 100 years. In any event, they can be sweet or sour. Any flavor or flavor combination, you can think of. These tiny chewy candies are perfect for any event or season. Unique flavors such as Strawberry Rosemary, Wintergreen, or Lemon Basil. Obviously, flavors, flavor combinations, and colors are up to the imagination.
Reminiscing About Childhood:
Consequently, if I knew how easy they were to make I would have made them years ago. It should be noted, that one of my fondest memories is trick or treating in Ririe, Idaho in the 1970s. In the 1970s in Ririe, almost everyone knew everyone. Let it suffice to say it was a very small town. Most of the homes I trick or treated at had moms or grandmothers who had all made homemade treats. Popcorn balls, Divinity, Fudge, Homemade Suckers, Candy Apples, Caramel Apples, etc. were given. Most of the homes also invited the trick-or-treater in especially if it was cold outside. Once inside kids were given hot cider or hot chocolate. There used to be a sign somewhere that said “Welcome to Idaho Set Your Clock Back 100 Years.” That is about right.
Needless to say, candy-making will bring out the child in anyone. Last but not least, if you have ever made candy with your mom or grandma memories of days gone by will be flooding your mind.
Why Make Homemade Gummy Bears?
Homemade treats make the perfect gift for anything. For birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, they make great stocking stuffers. In fact, years ago candy making was an event. People would get invitations in the mail inviting them to come to a Taffy Pull or some other kind of candy event.
Homemade candy is fresher and tastier. Essential oils and fresh fruit juices are used in this recipe. Not to mention, there is something about candy that brings us back to our childhoods. You control the ingredients in the candy you create.
Something about old-fashioned candy-making and gifting is so uplifting. Not to mention making you popular with those who are gifted.
Blooming The Gelatin:
Gelatin needs to bloom. What does that mean? Gelatin comes from collagen which means it is a protein. Gelatin absorbs any cold liquid and hydrates the granules. Thus assuring the gelatin will dissolve evenly in a warm liquid. Allow the gelatin to bloom 3-5 minutes before placing it into a hot liquid to dissolve. Once, the gelatin has bloomed proceed to the next step.
Adding Flavors to the Gummy Bears:
Add in Fresh Orange juice and 3-4 drops of (Doterra) Orange essential oil. Or create Mint, Wintergreen, Peppermint, or Cinnamon by adding in the various essential oils. Orange Rosemary is quite nice 3 to 4 drops of orange essential oil to 1 drop of Rosemary essential oil. The flavors and mixtures are really up to the home cook.
Indeed, these candies are quick and easy to make. I used Doterra essential oils. Most importantly use essential oils that are food-grade and can be consumed. Read my blog post on Yacon Syrup Information to learn more about this ingredient.
Tools Needed:
In conclusion, a gummy bear candy mold is a necessity. Also recommended are plastic droppers to fill the molds with.
Consequently, I don’t care for food coloring but if you desire to create colors of hues of reds or blues I highly recommend Powdered Blueberry and Organic Strawberry Powder. If adding blueberry or strawberry powders add them when you add in the bloomed gelatin.
In summary, I now have the song I am a Gummy Bear stuck in my head. Incidentally, if you have never listened to this song in different languages I highly recommend it. It’s a hoot to listen to it in Japanese or even Russian. The Gummy Bear song is from 2007. If you have a favorite language version let me know that in the comments section.
Homemade Gummy Bears:
Ingredients:
- 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup of fruit juice of choice divided into half
- 2 tbsp powdered monkfruit sweetener
- 3 tbsp Yacon Syrup, or Sorghum Syrup, or Maple Syrup
- *1/4 tsp citric acid (for sour gummy bears)
- * 4-6 drops of essential oil
Directions for Homemade Gummy Bears:
First, lightly oil the gummy bear molds. Second, place molds upside down on top of a paper towel or two and set them aside. Thirdly, open the envelopes of unflavored gelatin and pour them into a small bowl. F0urthly, pour 1/2 a cup of fruit juice into the gelatin to bloom it. Next, set aside 
Next, place the remaining juice into a small pot. Finally, add in the powdered monkfruit sweetener and one of the syrups. Next, place the pot on the stove on medium heat.
Once, the liquid comes to a boil add in the bloomed gelatin.
Reduce the heat and stir until the gelatin has dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the essential oil of your choice. Finally using a dropper remove some of the gelatin mixtures and slowly fill each empty bear up.
This recipe makes 68 little gummy bears. Carefully place gummy bear molds into the fridge for 5-10 minutes. Store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.
Chef Notes For Sour Gummy Bears
First, lightly oil the gummy molds. Second, place molds upside down to remove any excess oil over a paper towel or two. Next, bloom the gelatin. Pour the gelatin into a bowl and slowly add in half of the juice. Allow the gelatin to bloom for 3-5 minutes. Finally, place the remaining fruit juice with powdered monkfruit, choice of syrup, and citric acid into a small pot over medium heat. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once the liquid has combined add the gelatin. Continue stirring until all the gelatin has been dissolved for a minute or two.
Lastly, remove from heat. Add any essential oils if desired. Using a dropper slowly fill in each of the empty bears with gelatin. Continue until all the candy mixture has been used. This recipe makes 68 gummy bears. Store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks. 
Homemade Gummy Bears
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes Unflavored Gelatin
- 1 cup Fruit Juice of choice divided into half
- 2 tbsp powdered monkfruit sweetener See blog for recipe for powdered monkfruit sweetener if it can't be found in store.
- 3 tbsp Yacon Syrup or Sorghum Syrup or Maple Syrup
- 1/4 tsp Citric Acid for sour gummy bears
- 4 - 6 drops Essential Oils
- 1/8 tsp of Powdered Blueberry or Strawberry Powder For Coloring
Instructions
- First, lightly oil the gummy bear molds.
- Second, place molds upside down on top of a paper towel or two and set them aside.
- Thirdly, open the envelopes of unflavored gelatin pour them into a small bowl.2 envelopes Unflavored Gelatin
- Fourthly, pour 1/2 a cup of fruit juice into the gelatin to bloom it.1 cup Fruit Juice of choice divided into half
- Fifthly, set aside the small bowl of gelatin to bloom.
- Next, place the remaining juice into a small pot.1 cup Fruit Juice of choice divided into half
- Finally, add in the powdered monkfruit sweetener and one of the syrups.2 tbsp powdered monkfruit sweetener, 3 tbsp Yacon Syrup or Sorghum Syrup or Maple Syrup
- Next, place the pot on the stove on medium heat.
- Once, the liquid comes to a boil and combines to create a syrup add in the bloomed gelatin.
- Reduce the heat and stir until the gelatin has dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and add essential oil of choice.4 - 6 drops Essential Oils
- Finally using a dropper remove some of the gelatin mixtures and slowly fill each empty bear up.
- This recipe makes 68 little gummy bears.
- Carefully place gummy bear molds into the fridge for 6-8 hours.
- Store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.
Sour Gummies
- First, lightly oil the gummy molds.
- Second, place molds upside down to remove any excess oil over a paper towel or two.
- Next, bloom the gelatin.
- Pour the gelatin into a bowl and slowly add in half of the juice.2 envelopes Unflavored Gelatin
- Allow the gelatin to bloom for 3-5 minutes.
- Finally, place the remaining fruit juice with powdered monkfruit, choice of syrup, citric acid into a small pot over medium heat.1 cup Fruit Juice of choice divided into half, 2 tbsp powdered monkfruit sweetener, 3 tbsp Yacon Syrup or Sorghum Syrup or Maple Syrup, 1/4 tsp Citric Acid
- Bring the liquid to a boil.
- Once the liquid has combined add in the gelatin.
- Continue stirring until all the gelatin has been dissolved for a minute or two.
- Lastly, remove from heat.
- Add any essential oils if desired.
- Using a dropper slowly fill in each of the empty bears with gelatin.4 - 6 drops Essential Oils
- Continue until all the candy mixture has been used.
- his recipe makes 68 gummy bears.
- Store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.
If Desiring Colors
- Add in Powdered Blueberry or Powdered Strawberry when adding in the syrup of choice.1/8 tsp of Powdered Blueberry or Strawberry Powder
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings 6.0 | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories 71 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 0 g | 0 % |
| Saturated Fat 0 g | 1 % |
| Monounsaturated Fat 0 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g | |
| Trans Fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium 1 mg | 0 % |
| Potassium 0 mg | 0 % |
| Total Carbohydrate 5 g | 2 % |
| Dietary Fiber 0 g | 1 % |
| Sugars 6 g | |
| Protein 10 g | 19 % |
| Vitamin A | 0 % |
| Vitamin C | 19 % |
| Calcium | 0 % |
| Iron | 0 % |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Nutrition
Gummy bears are one of my favorite candy ? snack. Can’t wait to try it. Will definitely be adding some rum to mine. Thanks for sharing Larenascorner
Sounds good Kevin. Let me know what you think of them. They are indeed quick and easy.
Yummm! Can’t wait to try these. Thanks!
Dotti, they make great stocking stuffers too. Have a wonderful day and thanks for stoping by!
This looks simple enough, thanks for the recipe!
It is really easy. The hardest part is waiting for them to set. May you have a blessed day.