Making gummy bears at home might sound intimidating, but it's surprisingly simple and a fun activity for the whole family! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you create chewy, delicious gummy bears that rival store-bought versions.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 cups (800g) granulated sugar: This is the base of your gummy bears, providing sweetness and structure.
- 1 cup (240ml) water: Water is essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the gummy consistency.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup: Corn syrup adds chewiness and prevents crystallization.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) gelatin powder: Gelatin is the key ingredient that gives gummy bears their unique texture. Make sure to use unflavored gelatin.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fruit juice (or flavoring): This is where you get to experiment! Use your favorite fruit juice for flavor and color. Consider options like grape, cherry, orange, or even a mix!
- Optional: Food coloring: If you want more vibrant colors than your fruit juice provides, add a few drops of food coloring.
- Gummy bear mold: You can purchase silicone gummy bear molds online or at kitchen supply stores.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bloom the Gelatin:
- In a medium bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold fruit juice. Let it sit for about 5-7 minutes to allow the gelatin to fully absorb the liquid. This process is called "blooming" and ensures your gummies will set properly.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Do not stop stirring to avoid burning the sugar.
3. Add the Gelatin Mixture:
- Once the sugar mixture reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat. Carefully pour the bloomed gelatin mixture into the hot sugar syrup. Stir vigorously until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
4. Pour into Molds:
- Carefully pour the gummy bear mixture into your prepared gummy bear molds. Fill each mold about ¾ full.
5. Set and Refrigerate:
- Let the molds sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the gummy bears to slightly set. Then, refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until they are fully set.
6. Remove and Enjoy:
- Once the gummy bears are set, gently push them out of the molds. Enjoy your homemade gummy bears immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Success:
- Use a candy thermometer: For more precise control, use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Don't overheat the mixture: Overheating can cause the gummy bears to become hard or rubbery.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative with different fruit juices, extracts, or even spices to create unique gummy bear flavors.
- Silicone molds are best: Silicone molds are easy to use and make it simple to remove the gummy bears.
Troubleshooting:
- Gummy bears are too sticky: This could be due to insufficient cooking time or too much moisture. Try increasing the cooking time slightly next time.
- Gummy bears are too hard: This might indicate the mixture was overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time slightly.
- Gummy bears didn't set: Ensure the gelatin was properly bloomed and that the mixture reached a rolling boil. Refrigerate for longer if necessary.
Making homemade gummy bears is a rewarding experience. With a little patience and these simple steps, you'll be enjoying delicious, chewy gummy bears in no time! So gather your ingredients, get creative with your flavors, and have fun making your own batch!
