Do-It-Yourself Gummy Bears Recipe - The Spruce Eats

• Making gummy bears at home requires just three simple ingredients, making it incredibly easy.
• You can customize the flavor and color with your choice of flavored gelatin.
• Homemade gummy bears naturally lack preservatives, making them a healthier choice for candy lovers.

If you are a fan of gummy bears, making your own is a fun way to enjoy these chewy, colorful candies any time. Homemade gummy bears are a treat that both kids and adults enjoy, and making them is surprisingly simple.

This basic gummy bear recipe requires only three common ingredients and uses the microwave. The flavor and color are determined by the flavored gelatin you choose, so there's no need to add extra coloring or flavorings. Because the gelatin includes sugar, the bears come out perfectly sweet. Adding a bit of citric acid gives them a slightly sour taste.

You will need a bear-shaped candy mold. They're inexpensive and available at baking shops or online. The recipe is enough for around 30 (1-inch) bears; the quantity will vary if you use smaller or larger molds. It's easy to multiply the recipe or make multiple batches in succession with different gelatins. If you're stocking up, be sure to store them properly because the gummy bears do not contain the preservatives found in store-bought candy (which makes them even better).

This recipe is designed for regular flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O brand). If you want to use sugar-free gelatin, some slight changes are required, and the recipe for sugar-free gummy candy is a better bet.

Why Are Homemade Gummy Bears Sticky?

These gummy bears lack preservatives and are naturally just a little sticky to the touch. Heat and humidity can cause them to become even stickier, and even melt. Depending on the climate, it's best to store these candies in the refrigerator, and always in an airtight container.

You can dry them a bit after removing the bears from the mold: Lay them out on a baking sheet or plate for 12 to 24 hours, turning them over regularly for even drying. A better option is to lightly coat them in cornstarch before drying. The cornstarch will absorb moisture without affecting the flavor; they look white at first but clear up to an opaque bear as they dry. Some people prefer to use powdered sugar. Granulated sugar and a mix with citric acid may eat away at the gummy. Try a few of these methods with a batch of gummies to see which you like best.

Tips for Making Gummy Bear Recipe

• Grease the molds - Even non-stick silicone molds should be lightly greased with cooking spray. The bears will pop out easier and blemish-free if you take the time for this simple step.
• Make on a tray - Silicone molds are flexible, so setting them on a baking sheet makes them easier to move around. Having the tray also helps keep your station clean as pouring the mixture into the mold can be messy and difficult, particularly for miniature bears. Alternatively, you can use food-grade droppers typically have a large capacity for candies like these and can be found at baking shops and online stores.
• Clean between batches - When making subsequent batches, be sure to clean and thoroughly dry the bowl, whisk, and other tools you use. The gelatin will begin to solidify when it comes in contact with moisture; while it will melt in the microwave, making it more difficult to work with.

What You'll Need To Make This Gummy Bear Recipe A Reliable Microwave A Measuring Cup A Mixing Bowl

Never Lose a Recipe Again!

Love a Spruce Eats recipe? With MyRecipes, your personal home for recipes, easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place.