Homemade gummies are a delightful way to enjoy your favorite fruit juices in a fun, chewy treat. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick 10-minute cook time, you can create vibrant, flavorful gummies that burst with natural sweetness. The soft, bouncy texture is irresistible, and the chill time of 4 hours ensures they set perfectly for a satisfying bite every time.
These gummies are not only delicious but also customizable, letting you mix and match flavors to suit your mood. Whether you crave tangy citrus or sweet berry, each piece is a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in them makes them a guilt-free indulgence you’ll love sharing or savoring solo.
What You’ll Need for Homemade Gummy Bears
- 3 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml/1 fl oz) water (for blooming the gelatin)
- 1 cup (8 fl oz/240 ml) pure fruit juice, strained (choose your favorite flavor)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or agave for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for a tangy kick)
How to Make Homemade Gummy Bears
- Prepare the mold: Place a silicone gummy bear mold on a baking sheet for stability and set aside.
- Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the gelatin with the water. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat the mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the strained fruit juice, honey (or agave), and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin. Mix for a few minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Strain the mixture: Pass the mixture through a sieve into a jug with a pour spout to ensure it’s smooth and free of lumps or pulp.
- Fill the molds: Carefully pour the mixture into the gummy bear molds, filling each cavity to the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate the molds for 4 hours, or until the gummies are completely set and firm.
- Remove and store: Pop the gummy bears out of the molds. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If stacking, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
Fun Flavor Variations to Try
Switch up the fruit juice to create different gummy flavors! Try *orange juice* for a citrusy twist, *pomegranate juice* for a tangy treat, or *pineapple juice* for a tropical vibe.
You can also mix juices—like half strawberry and half lemon—for a unique combo. For a fun twist, add a splash of *vanilla extract* or a pinch of *citrus zest* to the mixture before pouring it into the molds.
Quick Tips for Perfect Gummies
To ensure your gummies set properly, *always bloom the gelatin* by letting it sit in water for a few minutes. Use a *fine-mesh sieve* when pouring the mixture into the jug to catch any lumps or pulp.
If you don’t have a gummy bear mold, *silicone ice cube trays* or *mini muffin molds* work just as well. For a quicker set, pop the molds in the *freezer* for 1-2 hours instead of refrigerating.
How to Store Your Gummy Creations
Keep your gummies fresh by storing them in an *airtight container* in the fridge. If you’re stacking them, place *parchment paper* between the layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious for up to *2 weeks*. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to *3 months*. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Equipment You’ll Need (and Substitutes)
For this recipe, a *silicone gummy bear mold* is ideal, but you can use *silicone candy molds* or even *mini ice cube trays*. A *small saucepan* and *heatproof jug with a pour spout* make the process smoother. If you don’t have a sieve, a *fine-mesh strainer* or even a *cheesecloth* will work to strain the mixture. Don’t forget a *baking sheet* to keep the molds steady while filling!
Homemade Gummy Recipe (Fruit Juice)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons water 30 ml/1 fl oz
- 1 cup pure fruit juice, strained 8 fl oz/240 ml
- 2 tablespoons honey (or agave)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Place a silicone gummy bear mold on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Bloom the gelatin: in a small bowl, combine the gelatin with the water. Stir and let sit while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- In a small saucepan, combine the juice, honey (or agave) and lemon juice, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the gelatin for a few minutes, until completely dissolved.
- Pass through a sieve and into a jug with a pour spout to ensure that the mixture is free of small lumps or pulp.
- Pour the mixture into the gummy bear molds and refrigerate for 4 hours, until completely set.
- Pop the gummy bears out of the molds. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (If stacking, use parchment paper between the layers.)
- Find out what experiments we made to solve the problems and improve this recipe by watching my video—New & Improved Gummy Bears Recipe from Gemma’s Test Kitchen!
