This gummy bear recipe is perfect for customizing your own flavors and colors. I also use this recipe in my breakfast in bed tutorial for realistic looking eggs that are actually gummies! There are so many things you can do with this authentic gummy recipe.
This recipe is similar to my homemade candy gummies recipe but with a special ingredient added for that classic gummy bear texture.
The best part is, these do not need to be refrigerated. Just like real gummy bears, you can put these in a bag and eat them at any time.
There are some special ingredients in this recipe that you will probably have to buy ahead of time though so be sure to check out the shopping list before you start.
What ingredients do you need to make a real gummy bear recipe?
Before you get started, get your ingredients together. You will probably need to order some of these online but shipping is fast and easy!
Granulated Sugar - The main sweetener in this recipe which you probably already have
Water or flavored liquid like juice - I like to use water and then use candy flavorings and food coloring for my gummy bears but you can use fruit juice and leave out the granulated sugar for a healthier option.
Glucose - Gives the gummy bears that chewy texture and keeps them nice and soft. you can also replace glucose with corn syrup, golden syrup or honey for a more natural option.
Sorbitol - The magic ingredient for that perfectly textured gummy bear. You can leave this out if you absolutely do not want to order it but your gummy bears will be little softer in texture.
Gelatin - Helps set the gummy bears and gives them a nice chew. You can replace gelatin with agar agar if you would like a vegetarian option but be sure to follow the substitution suggestions on the box.
Citric Acid - This is actually really easy to find in grocery stores with the canning supplies. Citric acid is that sour taste from citrus fruits and gives gummy bears that tart flavor.
Candy Flavoring - I'm using Lorran oils candy flavoring which can be found at stores that sell candy making supplies like Michaels or Joanns. If you're using juice you can leave this part out.
What tools do you need for this gummy bear recipe?
It's pretty hard to make gummy bears without a gummy bear mold! I got this one off of Amazon and it came with three droppers as well. A great deal!
It's also a good idea to have a scale for measuring your ingredients. Using cups is not super accurate so your results may not turn out the same if you try to convert. Read my blog post on how to use a kitchen scale for baking.
The only other tools you will need are a medium-sized saucepan and some food coloring if you want to color your gummy bears.
How do you make a real gummy bear recipe?
Making the actual gummy bear recipe is super simple. Pour your gelatin into your water or juice and stir to combine. Let the gelatin absorb the liquid for 5 minutes.
Combine together your sugar, corn syrup and sorbitol in your saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Then add in your gelatin mixture and stir until it's all melted. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in your citric acid. Let your mixture sit for 5-10 minutes so the foam can rise to the surface.
Scoop off your foam. If you don't scoop off the foam, it won't go away later. I just use a spoon.
Divide your gummy bear mixture into three bowls. I poured mine through a strainer to remove any lumps of sugar or gelatin left behind.
Next, add in your candy flavoring. I chose raspberry, strawberry and tropical punch. My bottles came with a dropper so I used about two full droppers per bowl. I guess about ½ teaspoon of flavoring.
Then I added in a drop of food coloring. Pink for the. strawberry, blue for the raspberry and yellow for the tropical punch.
Making the gummy bears
I sprayed my mold with some grapeseed oil first so that the gummies come out nice and shiny and it prevents sticking. Spray the molds then turn them upside down on some paper towels to drain the excess oil out.
All that's left to do is use the dropper tool to fill our mold. You should have just enough gummy bear mixture to fill all three of your molds all the way to the top.
Put your molds into the fridge for 6-24 hours before unmolding them!
Can you make these gummy bears with alcohol?
You can make these gummy bears grownup gummies by substituting the water for wine or vodka! Makes a great gift or treat for a party!
You might also like these gummy recipes
Wine Gummy Recipe
Beer Gummy Recipe
Homemade Jell-O Recipe
Recipe
Equipment
- Food Scale
- Gummy Bear Molds
Ingredients
- 8 ounces granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons sorbitol
- 8 ounces corn syrup glucose, honey or golden syrup can be subbed
- 6 ounces cool water fruit juice, wine or vodka can be subbed
- 44 grams KNOX gelatin about 6 packets
- 2 teaspoons citric acid leave out if you're using alcohol
- 1 ½ teaspoon candy flavoring I used raspberry, strawberry and tropical punch
Instructions
- Combine gelatin, and water (or flavored liquid) in a heatproof container. Stir gently to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes to give your gelatin time to bloom.
- Combine together the corn syrup, sugar, and sorbitol in a medium saucepan. Stir gently to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Once simmering, wash down the sides of the pan with water using a clean pastry brush to make sure any stray grains of sugar is dissolved fully.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in your citric acid and gelatin mixture with a spatula until gelatin is melted.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and allow the mixture to clear and foam to collect at the top. After 10 minutes the foam should be able to be easily scooped off the surface with a spoon.
- Divide your mixture by straining the liquid into three bowls and add in any coloring or candy flavorings that you want. I used pink, blue and yellow food coloring.
- Spray your molds lightly with some oil and wipe out the excess. Pour your mixture into your molds.
- Let your gummy bears chill in the fridge for 6 hours until the bears are set but 24 hours is best. Once they are set they can be stored at room temperature.
Dynesha says
This recipe is right on time!!! I made your wine gummy recipe last week, It was yummy but I missed that traditional gummy bear texture. Did you find sorbitol at a bakery supply store or Amazon?
Thanks
The Sugar Geek Show says
I found mine on amazon and it shipped super fast thankfully 😀
Rebecca Higginbotham says
Liz, can I use erythritol in place of sorbitol ? If so will I still get the true gummy bear texture? Love your posts I have used quite a few of your cake and frosting recipes and they have never failed. Kind regards, Becky
The Sugar Geek Show says
Not quite the same thing and the taste would definitely be different, not sure about the texture
Sue Moore says
I have a container of gelatin. Can I just use that with the weight on the recipe?
The Sugar Geek Show says
Absolutely, that's what I do as well
Amy G says
Is there something that I could substitute for the sorbitol? It can cause diarrhea and also shouldn't be eaten by people with IBS.
The Sugar Geek Show says
You can leave it out, the gummies will be just slightly softer but I should mention it's a very small amount, not enough to cause any stomach issues. Many candies and sweet drinks contain sorbitol.
Marti Scruggs says
Hey Liz, the recipe instructions say to put the sugar in with the gelatin and with the corn syrup.
The Sugar Geek Show says
I fixed it 🙂
Arnie Carr says
you can use clear gel (modified corn starch) use the instant no cooking required in place of sorbitol you can also use mannitol.
Erica Marie says
Hello! Wondering if these need to be refrigerated and if so, what would have needed to be added to make that not necessary? Thank you!
The Sugar Geek Show says
The refrigeration helps the gummy bears set. I am not sure if they would set without the refrigeration, I have not tested that.
Erica Marie says
Kept wondering ... why are these so sticky. So ... let them “chill” isn’t a literal term. On the counter not in the fridge. I just reread it all again and answered my first question about needed to be refrigerated which then made me realize you meant leave them to sit out for 6-24 hrs.
The Sugar Geek Show says
They are meant to "chill" in the fridge for 6-24 hours. To make the gelatin set. I'm sorry that not clear. I will change the wording so it's clearer.
Kate Kellner says
This is, by far, the best gummy recipe I have found. One question: Can you tell me what the ratio would be if I used guar gum (to make them vegan)?
The Sugar Geek Show says
Hey there! So glad you like the recipe! I don't know the ratio for sure since I have not experimented with guar gum 🙂 Let me know if you do and it turns out!
Alexis says
What do I do if my mixture starts to get too gummy while I’m putting it in the tray?
The Sugar Geek Show says
You just warm it up a bit in the microwave again 🙂 That happened to me too
Lyn says
Quick question. It says 6 ounces cool water fruit juice,...
So can we just use water or does it have to be water fruit juice?
The Sugar Geek Show says
Water or fruit juice. If you're using water then you will have to add your own flavoring. If you don't have flavoring then you need to use some sort flavored juice or even kool-aid
Kate says
Quick question...if I am using sheet gelatine instead of KNOX gelatine (I have both gold and titanium on hand) how much would I use ?
The Sugar Geek Show says
You'll have to google the answer on that one, I have no experience using sheet gelatin unfortunately
Ashlee says
If I'm using pineapple vodka instead of water, should I, or can I, still add flavoring via candy flavoring?
The Sugar Geek Show says
I would still use flavoring and Im not 100% sure the gelatin will dissolve in vodka so just do a test 🙂
Lily says
These turned out beautifully using organic apple juice and honey. I was wondering if I can use flavor extracts (vanilla, almond, lemon etc) instead of candy flavoring?
The Sugar Geek Show says
Yes you can :).
mike says
I haven’t tried the recipe yet but I’m wondering if it matters Crystal sorbitol or liquid sorbitol or if there’s a brand preference I should go with ? thanks
Elizabeth Marek says
You should be using powdered sorbitol, I haven't tested this with liquid
Becky says
My 2 yr old is addicted to gummy fruit snacks. I would LOVE to make these instead of buying them - I know exactly what's going in, less packaging, etc. My question is, could I skip using a mold, pour it into a pan & cut it into small bits instead? The shapes aren't a big deal. Thanks!
Elizabeth Marek says
oh yea! Absolutely. The only thing is that they are a little sticky so it might hard to cut them. Maybe an oiled knife?
Viola says
This is bar far the best recipe that I have found. The texture is really close to the “real gummies”. I have one question... will they stay sticky or will the harden the longer that they set?
Elizabeth Marek says
They definitely get firmer over time but mine don't last that long haha!
Viola says
Thanks this is definitely the best recipe out there (and I have tried the majority). However, I found that I had to dust them to keep them from sticking to each other).
I am going to try another round and add an additional packet of gelatin to see if that helps with firming them up a bit more. Overall my family can't stop eating them.
Danielle and Dustin says
We have used the recipe twice now and it make perfect gummies each time. We like to toss them in corn start to give them a nice dry texture.
Andrea says
Can citric acid used for canning tomatoes work?
Elizabeth Marek says
Yes that is the same thing 🙂 Its basically powdered lemon
Princess L Banks says
I just made these today and they turned out wonderful!!!
If I wanted to make a sugar-free version, what would be the best substitute?
Thank you!
Elizabeth Marek says
I would use swerve
Kristin says
I cannot wait to make these! I have a question...I've seen recipes where they cook the sugar mixture to about 130...and when it drops to 120 to add in the gelatin mixture. Im asking if I wanted to make a gigantic batch.
Elizabeth Marek says
I Probably because gelatin weakens at hight temperatures so if you're making big batches you might want to pay attention to the temperature.
Tommy says
First of all I live in a medical marijuana state and am a medical marijuana card holder, so I'm not breaking any laws. Do you think I could use your recipe and still add infused coconut oil without messing up the recipe?
Elizabeth Marek says
I am not sure about coconut oil, I would do a test first since there isn't any oil in the recipe.
Jack Napier says
Looking forward to trying out this recipe with the kiddos, but I have a quick question. Do I have to use candy oil flavoring, or will any extract basically work? Just trying to use what I have on hand if possible.
Elizabeth Marek says
Any flavoring will work! Give the liquid a taste before adding gelatin to make sure the taste is what you want 🙂
Lise says
Hi, I tried this recipe and the bears turned out super sticky. It was difficult to get them out of the mold and they kept sticking to my fingers and any container I put them in. Any tips? Would it help if I added coconut oil to the mix? Thanks
Elizabeth Marek says
Make sure you oil the molds and coat the bears in the oil to keep them from being too sticky.