Homemade Gummy Bear Recipe

Did you know that homemade gummy bears can be made with only a few basic ingredients? Today, we’re sharing this easy gummy bear recipe and showing you two simple ways to prepare it. You can use either fruit juice or JELLO (flavored gelatin) as the base. Both methods make delicious homemade gummy bears with very little effort. We hope you try them both!

There are two easy ways to make gummy bears at home. We tested both versions of this gummy bear recipe and are excited to share them with you!

Our children preferred the JELLO version, but they liked the fruit juice gummies too. As long as you have gelatin, JELLO, or fruit juice on hand, these homemade treats are easy to prepare.

The one supply you’ll need to buy in advance is the gummy bear molds. Kids will have fun making these gummy bears as well as eating them! Our 4 year old especially enjoyed using the droppers to place the mixture into each mold.

2 Methods for Making Homemade Gummy Bears

Below are two easy methods for preparing homemade gummy bears. Let us know which recipe you try and which one becomes your favorite!

Gummy Bears made with JELLO
Gummy Bears made with fruit juice

How to Prepare Gummy Bears with JELLO

To make homemade gummy bears with JELLO, you need just one package of JELLO along with gelatin. This method is especially simple because you do not have to work out how much extra sweetness to add. Since JELLO is already sweetened, our kids enjoyed this version right away. We also love the bright colors produced by the different JELLO flavors. If you have an extra box in your pantry, this recipe is a great way to use it.

Ingredients for JELLO variation

Note: Vegan Gelatin is available – this brand may be used as a direct 1-for-1 replacement. Another possibility is Agar Agar Powder, although we have not tested it with these recipes.

Instructions for Making Gummy Bears with JELLO

Pour 1/2 cup of water into a saucepan and warm it over low heat
Add 1 package of Jello (85 size/3 oz size)
Mix in 1 tablespoon of gelatin
Continue stirring until the ingredients dissolve, then remove the pan from the heat
Fill the mold by using the dropper to distribute the mixture

Tip: While filling the mold, avoid pulling air bubbles into the dropper whenever possible. If bubbles form on the surface, there is no need to worry, though they will remain after the gummies set. We ended up with a few bubbly gummy bears, and the kids still thought they were delicious.

Place the mold in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the gummies become firm.

Once the gummy bears have fully chilled and set, they should pop out of the mold without trouble. If they stick, return them to the refrigerator for a little longer until they firm up completely.

Fruit Juice Gummy Bear Recipe

We tried this recipe with several types of fruit juice. After experimenting with different sweeteners, honey was the option we liked best. We skipped regular sugar because we wanted a naturally sweetened gummy. Note: If you want to avoid the added sugar found in many store-bought juices, use a juicer to prepare fresh fruit juice at home.

If you prefer using regular sugar instead of honey, add a small quantity first and taste the mixture before pouring it into the molds.

Note: Honey should not be served to babies under 1 year old.

Additional Sweetener Choices

Liquid stevia drops can also be used, but avoid powdered stevia. We tried the powdered version, and the gummies did not turn out properly. Agave syrup was another option we tested, although we did not enjoy its flavor. Maple syrup is also a natural sweetener worth considering. Honey remained our top choice because it adds sweetness without an overpowering taste.

For the juice, choose any clear variety you enjoy – we used Simply Lemonades. Apple juice and cranberry juice are also suitable options.

Storage

Keep the gummy bears refrigerated, where they should keepfor at least seven days, though they are usually enjoyed long before that!

Ingredients for the Fruit Version

Note: Vegan Gelatin is available – this brand works as a direct 1-to-1 replacement. You can also use Agar Agar Powder, although it has not been tested in our recipes

The directions below are for the fruit version – you can print the recipe here as well!

Preparation Time10 minutes

Cooking Time1 hour

Overall Time1 hour 10 minutes

Pour 1/2 cup of juice into a saucepan and warm it over low heat.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of honey.
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of gelatin.
Continue stirring until the mixture has fully dissolved, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
Fill the mold with the dropper.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the gummies are firm.

Calories: 27kcal, Carbs: 5g, Protein: 2g, Salt: 5mg, Potassium: 20mg, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin C: 0.2mg

Note: Maple syrup or stevia drops can replace the honey. Begin with a small amount, taste, and add more sweetness if needed. Do not give honey to children under 1 year old.
For the JELLO version, follow the directions provided above.
Storage: Keep the gummies refrigerated, where they should stay fresh for at least one week.

More Delicious Treats:

Looking for another tasty snack for kids? Make these fruit popsicles – children will love helping with the preparation, and they are perfect for hot summer days!