Gummy bears are one of the simplest candies you can make at home. There are only four basic ingredients: water, sugar, gelatin, and flavorings. When water and gelatin are mixed, heated, then cooled, the result will naturally form a chewy candy, so you don't need expensive equipment or complicated ingredients to make. But to get the shape of a bear, you'll need a candy mold.
- Preparation time: 20-25 minutes (active preparation: 5-10 minutes)
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
- Total time: 30-40 minutes
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Gummy Bears Quickly and Easily
Step 1. Pour 1/2 cup cold water into a saucepan on the stove
Don't just turn on the stove. It will be easier to mix the ingredients directly in the pan, as the mixture will be slightly sticky if you try to move it.
Step 2. Add 20 grams, or 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin to the water
You can find them at the grocery store, in the baking ingredients section.
If you are a vegan diet practitioner, use powdered gelatin instead of gelatin. You can buy them online or at the nearest convenience store
Step 3. Add 1 packet (85 grams) of gelatin with a certain taste and mix well
The flavor you choose will determine the color and taste of the resulting gummy bears.
Step 4. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes
Stir occasionally so that all the gelatin is completely dissolved in the water. Do it slowly so that no part of the candy is scorched.
Step 5. Turn off the heat and pour the gummy mixture into the cup
Choose a cup that can pour liquids well. You can also use an eyedropper to make more complicated candy shapes.
Step 6. Pour the gummy mixture into the molds and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes
Just pour the warm gelatin mixture into the candy molds and refrigerate until hardened. After that, the candy is ready to be enjoyed.
If you don't have a candy mold, you can make gummy balls on parchment paper
Method 2 of 3: Making Classic Gummy Bears
Step 1. The world-famous "gold bears" jelly candy takes a lot more work to make
Making these candies is a combination of science and art. To get the perfect candy texture and taste, you'll need some hard-to-find ingredients as well as high-quality gelatin (known as "250 blooms"). Most ingredients should be weighed (not just scooped out with the manufacturer's estimate), to avoid measurement errors. Weigh and prepare beforehand so that everything can be quickly stirred together, because in candy making, punctuality is the key to success.
- 70 gr gelatin, type "250 bloom"
- 140 grams of water
- 225 gr sugar
- 22.5 gr sorbitol powder
- 245 gr glucose syrup
- 15 g tartaric acid or citric acid
- 12 g essential oil, any flavor
Step 2. Mix gelatin and water
You can mix it by shaking it, or like the candy makers of old, over boiling water. To do the second method, boil a large pot of water until it is hot, but not boiling. Mix 70 grams of gelatin and 140 grams of water in a sealed plastic bag and let it sit on the water for 30 minutes.
There should be no lumps or streaks in the bag after the two ingredients have completely dissolved
Step 3. Combine sugar, sorbitol, and glucose syrup on the stove over medium heat
Stir the ingredients until they are evenly distributed so that everything is well mixed, but not boiling or bubbling. If you have a candy thermometer, set it to 65.5 degrees Celsius.
Step 4. Stir the gelatin mixture slowly
With the heat still on, add the previous mixture with the gelatin. Stir until everything is well mixed, then turn off the heat and immediately move on to the next stage.
Step 5. Add flavorings
You can choose essential oils in different flavors, such as cherry, orange, etc., or tartaric/citric acid for a sour taste. You can also add 1/3 cup of fruit puree (which is really smooth) such as fresh strawberries or lemon, lime, or orange juice.
This is also a good time to add food coloring
Step 6. Pour the mixture into the mould
You can apply a thin layer of starch to prevent the candy from sticking when you're done. However, most gummy bear molds already have a non-stick surface. Just pour the mixture into the molds, then refrigerate for 4-5 hours until the gummy hardens and is completely ready.
Method 3 of 3: Adding Various Flavors
Step 1. Sprinkle a little citric acid for a sour taste sensation
Citric acid is a preservative and is actually not good for teeth, so add a little more. A small pinch is enough to produce a delicious sour taste sensation.
Step 2. Use lemon and honey to make citrus-flavored gummy bears
To make citrus-flavored gummy bears, all you have to do is use lime or lemon juice, and don't use instant jelly powder. To make it, mix the following ingredients in a saucepan, turn on the heat, then add three tablespoons of gelatin. Continue as usual after the gelatin is mixed:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
Step 3. You can try thick strawberry puree or other types of berries to make this candy
These amazing fruit flavored gummy bears are very popular. Make sure the berries are not frozen before you mix them. Just mix the following ingredients together, then slowly add 3 tablespoons of gelatin while heating the mixture as usual.
- cup strawberry/blueberry/raspberry puree
- glass of water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
Step 4. Try replacing the water with milk
For soft and delicious gummy bears, try replacing the water with something richer in taste. Even almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, or whole wheat milk will taste great and give your gummy bears a distinct texture and soft taste. To make it, mix half the milk with the gelatin, then heat as usual. Add and stir the rest, just before you turn off the heat.
- Adding a little vanilla extract, almonds, or even cinnamon to the mix will further enrich the taste of your gummy bears.
- These water-replacement ingredients go well with regular gummy bears as well as gummy bears with a fruit puree mix.
Tips
- The candy may stick to the thin plastic mold. Then, use a candy mold that is thicker and stronger.
- A thin spray of non-stick liquid can also be used to coat plastic molds, so the candy can be easily removed when it hardens. Or, you can also use cornstarch.
