How to Make Gummy Bears with Seasonal Fruit

What’s Up, Hungry People

Gummy bears are a perfect way to preserve the fruits of your summer labor! If you’re like me and suddenly have an influx of fresh fruits and veggies on hand, you might be looking for other ways, aside from sauces and jellies, to store your goods for the winter. Gummy bears are not only tasty, but they last practically forever in the freezer, meaning you can bust them out in the dead of winter to enjoy a fruity, summery snack.

My gummy bears were made with strawberries, but most fruits and some veggies can be transformed into gummies very easily! If you can juice it or puree it, chances are you can use it to flavor gummy bears.

Just about the only fruit that won’t work is pineapple because it contains bromelain, which interferes with how the gelatin sets.

The key is to only lightly grease your molds, even if using silicone trays, so that the bears won’t stick and each comes out in perfect detail. The bears can survive in the freezer for up to a year. I just recommend letting them defrost for a bit before you start eating them (by the fistful—they are so good!).

Here’s What You Need

• Strawberries: Provides the primary flavor and natural sweetness.
• Apple juice or water: Adds liquid for gelatin to dissolve and set.
• Gelatin powder: Thickens the mixture into a gummy consistency.
• Strawberry Jell-O: Adds flavor and color, helps set the texture.
• Coconut oil cooking spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring gummies release easily from molds.

Let’s Cook

Preparing Your Molds

First up, grab those gummy molds and give them a quick spray with coconut oil cooking spray. You’ll want to wipe any excess oil away so that the molds are just lightly coated. This helps your gummies pop out easily without losing any of their cute bear shapes.

Making the Puree

Now, take your strawberries and puree them until smooth. If you don’t like seeds in your gummies, go ahead and strain that puree through a mesh strainer. Next, sprinkle your gelatin over the pureed strawberries. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes—this lets the gelatin soften up and get ready to work its magic.

Cooking the Mixture

Pour your apple juice (or water, if you’re using that instead) into a large pot and heat it up until it’s just about to boil, but not quite there. If you see it starting to boil furiously, just turn it down to a simmer. Now, stir in your strawberry puree and gelatin mixture, and add the strawberry Jell-O. Keep stirring and whisk until everything is nicely dissolved and the mixture is simmering again. Then, take it off the heat.

Filling the Molds

It’s time to get those bears into shape! Quickly transfer your gummy mixture to the molds. If your kit came with a pipette, that’s perfect for the job. If not, you can carefully pour the mix into the molds. No molds? No problem. Just pour it into a shallow tin and later, you can cut it into whatever shapes you fancy.

Chilling Out

All that’s left to do is chill. Pop the molds into the fridge and let them firm up for about an hour. Once they’re set, you can pop them out of the molds and they’re ready to enjoy!

Enjoy Your Gummies

Keep your gummy bears in a cool place or the fridge, especially if you’ve got a warm kitchen. They can melt in heat, so it’s best to keep them chilled until you’re ready to snack. If you’ve frozen them for long-term storage, let them thaw a bit for that perfect chewy texture.

Gummy Making Tips

• Choose the Right Fruit: Not all fruits are suitable for gummy making. For example, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that prevents gelatin from setting properly. Heat treatment like boiling can deactivate bromelain, making pineapple usable after this process.
• Straining the Puree: To ensure a smooth texture in your gummies, thoroughly strain your fruit puree. Any seeds or pulp can interfere with the clarity and smoothness of your final product.
• Greasing the Molds: When greasing gummy molds, less is more. Use just enough oil to coat the molds lightly. Excess oil can leave a residue on your gummies, affecting their texture and taste.
• Setting Time: Patience is key! If your gummies haven’t set after the recommended time, give them a bit longer. Factors like humidity and fridge temperature can affect setting times.
• Storing Gummies: If you choose to freeze your gummies, make sure they are well-protected in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, letting them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature helps restore their chewy texture.

Making gummy bears at home is not just a fun project; it’s a clever way to capture the essence of summer’s bounty and enjoy it year-round. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative flair, you can transform your kitchen into a candy factory. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—whether you have strawberries, blueberries, or even kale, you can create a stash of sweet treats that will last. Plus, the satisfaction of popping one of these homemade gummies into your mouth in the middle of winter is unmatched.

So next time you find yourself with an excess of seasonal produce, consider turning them into gummy bears. It’s a delightful way to make sure nothing goes to waste while providing a tasty, nostalgic snack.

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