These homemade gummies are a delightful, customizable snack perfect for kids and adults alike! Made with fruit juice, gelatin, and a hint of sweetness, these gummies are easy to make and fun to personalize with your favorite flavors and colors.
INGREDIENTS
- Fruit juice: 1 ½ cups, choose any juice except pineapple, kiwi, or papaya to ensure proper gelling.
- Water: ½ cup, to help dissolve the gelatin.
- Gelatin powder: ¼ cup, gives the gummies their chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, or use honey for a natural sweetener.
- Food coloring: optional, for adding vibrant colors to your gummies.
- Citric acid: 1 tsp, optional, for a tart flavor.
- Additional sugar: optional, for coating the gummies and adding a touch of sweetness.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Molds
- Lightly grease your molds with a neutral oil like canola or use non-stick spray. If you don’t have molds, you can pour the mixture into a shallow pan and cut into shapes once set.
- Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
- In a small saucepan, combine the fruit juice and water. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the liquid and let it sit for a few minutes to “bloom” and absorb the liquid.
- Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatin
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Avoid boiling, as high heat can affect the gelling ability.
- Step 4: Sweeten
- Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. If using honey, add it off the heat to retain its nutrients.
- Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
- If desired, add food coloring for vibrant gummies or citric acid for a tart flavor. Divide the mixture into different bowls to make multiple colors if desired.
- Step 6: Pour into Molds
- Pour the mixture into your prepared molds or pan. Use a dropper for precision if needed.
- Step 7: Set the Gummies
- Allow the gummies to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Step 8: Cut and Coat
- If using a pan, cut the set gummies into your desired shapes. Optionally, roll the gummies in granulated sugar or a mix of sugar and citric acid for a sour coating.
- Step 9: Store
- Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to a week.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these homemade gummies as a fun snack or as a party treat for kids and adults alike.
- Keep the gummies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
- For a firmer texture, store the gummies in the fridge without sugar coating and add the coating just before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Customize flavors by choosing your favorite fruit juices; avoid pineapple, kiwi, and papaya juices, as they can prevent the gummies from setting properly.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding honey instead of sugar, or reduce the amount if using a naturally sweet juice.
- Add a tart kick with citric acid, or skip it for a milder flavor.
Tips from Well-known Chefs
- Chef Alton Brown suggests adding a small amount of gelatin for extra firmness if you prefer a denser gummy texture.
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis recommends using freshly squeezed juices for a more natural and vibrant flavor.
- Chef Rachael Ray suggests using silicone molds for easy release and fun shapes that are perfect for kids.