Gummy worms are a delicious snack that can look delicious but are disgusting at the same time. You can add this chewy worm candy to “earth” pudding, on top of ice cream, or just eat it. Making your own snacks is fun and certainly cheaper than buying them at the store. You can also change the color and taste of these “worms” if you make your own at home.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Mixing the Ingredients
Step 1. Mix the juice, sugar and gelatin
In a large bowl or saucepan, combine one bowl of fruit juice with four packets of gelatin and two tablespoons of sugar.
- Liquid fruit juices such as apple, grape, or cranberry are the best choices.
- For a healthier version, you don't need to add sugar. However, be aware that your worm candy won't be as sweet as sugar.
- Another low-sugar variation is to replace just a packet of used gelatin with a snack pack containing sugar-free gelatin of any flavor.
- You can also add any flavored drink to get different colors and flavours. This step is optional.
Step 2. Add boiling water
Bring one cup of water to a boil and pour it into the mixture. Stir until the gelatin dissolves. The mixture will be soft and thick.
Step 3. Add cream
For a non-transparent color of the worms, add two tablespoons of cream. Stir.
If you want the worm candy to be clear and transparent, you don't need to add cream. You can add more fruit juice in the first step if you don't want to use cream
Method 2 of 2: Forming Worms
Step 1. Make the mold
Gather 50 large straws and place them in a jar with straight sides, such as a mason jar.
- A large straw like the one often used in milkshakes is the best choice.
- You may need a rubber band to tie all the straws together and keep them straight.
- Use more than one jar if necessary, to fit all 50 straws.
Step 2. Prepare cold water
Place the jar containing the straw in a container such as a casserole container. Previously, fill this container with cold water as high as approximately 5 cm.
Step 3. Pour in some of the candy mix
Pour some of the worm candy mixture into the straw evenly and carefully. Fill each straw approximately up to 5 cm.
Step 4. Add food coloring
If you want to make colorful candies like those sold in the store, add a few drops of food coloring to the unpoured mixture.
If you don't want it, you can skip this step and move on to the next step. Pour the remaining mixture into the remaining straws
Step 5. Wait, then pour
Wait until the mixture in the straw hardens. This process will take approximately 10-20 minutes. After the mixture hardens, just add more. As much as possible, pour evenly.
Step 6. Leave the “worms” overnight
Remove the jars from the container of cold water and place them in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 7. Take out the straw
Take a straw out of the jar. The straw may be difficult to remove because of the excess chewy candy at the bottom of the jar.
You can use a knife to separate the straw from the jar, so you can remove it more easily
Step 8. Clean the remaining candy
Use a knife to separate the remaining chewy candy from the sides and ends of the straw. This is very easy to do.
The leftover candy may not look like a worm, but it still tastes great! Don't throw it away
Step 9. Remove the “worms” from the straw
Use your fingers or a rolling pin to squeeze the straw to get the chewy "worms" out of it. Start pressing from the end where there is no filling.
These candies will be easier to remove if you rinse the straw under warm water for a few seconds. Don't do it too long or your candy will melt
Step 10. Taste and save
Taste the chewy worm candy you made! You should immediately store sweets that you won't be eating immediately in the refrigerator or in an airtight container.
To make sure the candies don't stick together, you can sprinkle the candy worms with vegetable oil. Shake and store in the refrigerator
Tips
- For a more real look, use a bendable straw. The striped part of the straw will give the candy worm a look that's exactly like an actual worm. Alternatively, you can buy molds that look like worms at a craft store.
- Vegetarians can also enjoy chewy worm candy! To make chewy worm candy that vegetarians can eat, use 6 tablespoons of powdered jelly instead of gelatin. Gelatin powder can be purchased at most grocery stores. You should use the powder, not the flakes.
- Most adults enjoy chewy worm candy mixed with their favorite liquor. Pour your favorite drink into the bowl containing the wormy candy that has been removed, then close the lid. There should be some liquid on top of the candy. Leave it for 5-8 hours. Don't let it sit too long or the candy worms will lose their shape.
- When you're done, place the candy in the refrigerator to cool quickly, or leave it on the counter.
