Homemade Gummy Bears

By
Elizabeth LaBau
Sweet Book of Candy Making Elizabeth LaBau
Elizabeth LaBau
A professional pastry chef, cookbook author, and writer, Elizabeth LaBau has published more than 600 articles on baking and candy making.
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Updated on 09/28/24
Tested by
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Tested by Colleen Graham
Writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 2 mins
Set Time: 20 mins
Total: 37 mins
Servings: 15 to 17 servings
Yield: 30 to 35 gummy bears

If you are a fan of gummy bears, making your own is a fun way to enjoy these chewy, colorful candies any time. Homemade gummy bears are a treat that both kids and adults enjoy, and making them is surprisingly simple.

Homemade orange, green, and red gummy bears

The Spruce Eats

This basic gummy bear recipe requires only three common ingredients and uses the microwave. The flavor and color are determined by the flavored gelatin you choose, so there's no need to add extra coloring or flavorings. Because the gelatin includes sugar, the bears come out perfectly sweet. Adding a bit of citric acid gives them a slightly sour taste.

You will need a bear-shaped candy mold. They're inexpensive and available at baking shops or online. The recipe is enough for around 30 (1-inch) bears; the quantity will vary if you use smaller or larger molds. It's easy to multiply the recipe or make multiple batches in succession with different gelatins. If you're stocking up, be sure to store them properly because the gummy bears do not contain the preservatives found in store-bought candy (which makes them even better).

This recipe is designed for regular flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O brand). If you want to use sugar-free gelatin, some slight changes are required, and the recipe for sugar-free gummy candy is a better bet.

Why Are Homemade Gummy Bears Sticky?

These gummy bears lack preservatives and are naturally just a little sticky to the touch. Heat and humidity can cause them to become even stickier, and even melt. Depending on the climate, it's best to store these candies in the refrigerator, and always in an airtight container.

You can dry them a bit after removing the bears from the mold: Lay them out on a baking sheet or plate for 12 to 24 hours, turning them over regularly for even drying. A better option is to lightly coat them in cornstarch before drying. The cornstarch will absorb moisture without affecting the flavor; they look white at first but clear up to an opaque bear as they dry. Some people prefer to use powdered sugar. Granulated sugar and a mix with citric acid may eat away at the gummy. Try a few of these methods with a batch of gummies to see which you like best.

Tips for Making Gummy Bear Recipe

  • Grease the molds - Even non-stick silicone molds should be lightly greased with cooking spray. The bears will pop out easier and blemish-free if you take the time for this simple step.
  • Make on a tray - Silicone molds are flexible, so setting them on a baking sheet makes them easier to move around. Having the tray also helps keep your station clean as pouring the mixture into the mold can be messy and difficult, particularly for miniature bears. Alternatively, you can use food-grade droppers typically have a large capacity for candies like these and can be found at baking shops and online stores.
  • Clean between batches - When making subsequent batches, be sure to clean and thoroughly dry the bowl, whisk, and other tools you use. The gelatin will begin to solidify when it comes in contact with moisture; while it will melt in the microwave, making it more difficult to work with.
What You'll Need To Make This Gummy Bear Recipe
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
A Reliable Microwave
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set
A Measuring Cup
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set
A Mixing Bowl

"As a fan of gummies, I’m delighted to know how easy and quick it is to make them at home. The recipe is a good foundation for experimentation. Timing on the microwave was perfect. The citric acid doesn’t make them too sour but adds a nice flavor." —Colleen Graham

Homemade red gummy bears lined up on a plate and standing upright
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Ingredients

  • Cooking spray, for the mold

  • 3 ounces flavored gelatin

  • 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin

  • 1/3 cup cold water

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Homemade gummy bears ingredients gathered

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  2. Spray a paper towel with nonstick cooking spray, then rub it lightly around the bear cavities in the mold to coat them with a thin layer of oil.

    Gummy bear molds being oiled with a paper towel with oil

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  3. In a small bowl, combine 3 ounces flavored gelatin and 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin and 1/3 cup cold water.

    Gelatins and water combined in a bowl

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  4. Whisk them together, then let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the gelatin to soak up the water and soften.

    Red gelatin and water in a white bowl with a spoon

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  5. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds, then whisk well. Microwave for another 30 seconds and stir. The sugar should be dissolved and the mixture well mixed. If not, microwave for another 10 to 15 seconds until the sugar and gelatin are completely dissolved. Pour it into a measuring cup with a spout.

    Gelatin mixture in a measuring cup

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  6. Pour the gelatin into the cavities. Alternatively, you can use a food-grade dropper to drop the mixture more precisely into the molds.

    Gelatin for gummy bears being poured into a candy mold

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  7. Place the candy mold in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set the gelatin.

    Gelatin setting in gummy bear mold ready for the refrigerator

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  8. To remove the bears, carefully push the sides away from the edges and toward the center, then pull them up and out of the molds. Repeat with other colors and flavors of gelatin, as desired. Serve and enjoy.

    Removing a green gummy bear from the mold

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How to Store Gummy Bears

Gummy bears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several weeks.

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

  • Make it sour - To make sour gummies, add a bit of citric acid to the mixture. After the gelatin has been microwaved, and the mixture is fluid and smooth, whisk in 1/4 teaspoon citric acid. Taste it and add up to an additional 1/4 teaspoon citric acid if you want a more sour taste.
  • No microwave, no problem - If you prefer, prepare gummy candies on the stovetop rather than using the microwave.
  • Use fruit juice instead - Use the same bear molds and make a jelly candy with your favorite fruit juice instead of flavored gelatin.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
7 Calories
0g Fat
2g Carbs
0g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 15 to 17
Amount per serving
Calories 7
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 0mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)