Strawberry Gummy Bears

These homemade strawberry gummy bears are a fun, fruity treat that’s both delicious and healthier than the store-bought version. They’re naturally sweetened and packed with fresh fruit, making them a perfect snack for both kids and adults. Not only are they super easy to make, but you can also customize them by adding different fruits or even infusing them with fun flavors like mint or citrus. These gummy bears are a great alternative for those looking to enjoy a sweet snack without any artificial ingredients. Perfect for a treat at home or as a fun gift for a loved one!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

• 2 tablespoons gelatin powder

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a blender or food processor, blend the strawberries, water, and lemon juice until smooth.

2. Pour the strawberry mixture into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey or maple syrup, if using.

3. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the strawberry mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

4. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin dissolves completely and the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).

5. Pour the gummy mixture into silicone gummy bear molds, filling each cavity.

6. Refrigerate the molds for 2 hours or until the gummy bears are firm and set.

7. Gently pop the gummy bears out of the molds and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Kcal: 60 kcal per serving | Servings: 12-15 gummy bears

Strawberry Gummy Bears: The Ultimate Homemade Treat

When it comes to sweet treats, gummy bears have always been a popular favorite, especially among kids. But did you know you can make your own strawberry gummy bears at home, and they’re not only delicious but healthier too? This strawberry gummy bear recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought candy. Made with real strawberries, minimal ingredients, and no artificial additives, these homemade gummy bears offer a burst of natural sweetness that everyone can enjoy.

Why Strawberry Gummy Bears Are the Best Homemade Snack

If you’re tired of the sugary, artificial gummies sold at stores, these homemade strawberry gummy bears will be a game-changer. What sets these gummy bears apart is their use of fresh strawberries and minimal added sugars. The process allows you to have full control over the ingredients, making sure they’re free of any preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors that are often found in commercial gummy bears.

The natural sweetness from the strawberries, combined with the tang of lemon juice, makes these gummy bears a tasty and healthier option. They’re sweetened with honey or maple syrup (both natural alternatives), making them a guilt-free snack or treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you are snacking on them during a movie night or giving them as a homemade gift, these strawberry gummy bears are sure to become your new favorite treat.

The Health Benefits of Homemade Gummy Bears

One of the key benefits of making strawberry gummy bears at home is the nutritional value they provide compared to store-bought options. These gummy bears are made with just a few simple ingredients – strawberries, water, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and gelatin. Here’s a breakdown of why this recipe is so much better for you:

1. Fresh Fruit: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system, improve skin health, and promote digestive health. By using real strawberries in this recipe, you’re incorporating these beneficial nutrients into your snack.

2. Gelatin: Gelatin, a main ingredient in gummy bears, is not only what gives these gummies their chewy texture, but it also provides some health benefits. Gelatin contains collagen, which is great for skin, joints, and even gut health. It can improve elasticity in your skin and support joint recovery.

3. Natural Sweeteners: By choosing honey or maple syrup over refined sugars, you’re reducing your intake of processed sugars, which can have negative effects on your overall health. These natural sweeteners add a hint of sweetness while offering some additional antioxidants and minerals, particularly in the case of raw honey.

4. No Artificial Additives: Store-bought gummy bears often contain high amounts of refined sugar, artificial colors, and flavors, which have been linked to various health concerns. By making your own gummy bears, you’re ensuring that the only ingredients you’re consuming are natural and healthy.

How to Make the Best Strawberry Gummy Bears

Making homemade strawberry gummy bears is simple and fun. The process involves blending fresh strawberries with water and lemon juice, sweetening the mixture with honey or maple syrup, and adding gelatin to achieve the desired texture. The mixture is then poured into molds, which can be customized into different shapes such as classic gummy bear shapes or even fun fruit shapes for a unique twist.

One of the best things about making gummy bears at home is how customizable they are. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, swap out strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or add a hint of vanilla extract for an additional layer of flavor. These gummy bears are also great for experimenting with different flavors and textures, whether you want a firmer gummy or a more chewy consistency.

Why You Should Make Strawberry Gummy Bears at Home

While it’s tempting to grab a bag of gummy bears from the store, making your own is an experience that goes beyond just enjoying the treat. Here are some reasons why you should try making strawberry gummy bears at home:

1. Control Over Ingredients: As mentioned earlier, making your own gummy bears ensures you know exactly what’s going into them. No hidden preservatives or artificial sweeteners – just wholesome, natural ingredients that taste amazing.

2. Fun for All Ages: This recipe is not only easy to make but also a fun activity to do with kids or friends. It’s a great way to involve the whole family in the kitchen while creating something delicious to enjoy together.

3. Perfect for Special Occasions: These homemade gummy bears can be made into cute party favors for birthdays, baby showers, or any fun occasion. Simply place them in a small jar or treat bag with a ribbon, and you’ve got an adorable, personalized gift for guests.

4. No Need for Special Equipment: All you need to make these gummy bears are some basic kitchen tools – a blender, a saucepan, and silicone molds. No expensive candy-making equipment or fancy tools are required!

How to Store Your Strawberry Gummy Bears

Once you’ve made your strawberry gummy bears, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. These gummies should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about a week to ten days if stored properly. The cold temperature helps to keep the gummies firm and fresh, ensuring that they don’t lose their texture or flavor.

If you’re planning to make a large batch or want to store them for longer, you can also freeze the gummy bears. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes, and they’ll be ready to go.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Strawberry Gummy Bears

While eating strawberry gummy bears on their own is delicious, you can also get creative with how you use them. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy your homemade gummy bears:

1. Add Them to Yogurt: Sprinkle a handful of gummy bears on top of your morning yogurt for a fun and fruity twist.

2. Use Them as a Garnish: Decorate cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream with gummy bears for a playful touch.

3. Pack Them for Lunch: Throw a small container of gummy bears in your kid’s lunchbox for a fun and healthy snack they’ll love.

4. Make Gummy Bear Slices: For a fun variation, you can pour the gummy mixture into a baking dish instead of molds and slice them into gummy bear-shaped pieces once they’re set. This method makes it easier if you don’t have silicone molds on hand.

Conclusion

Making strawberry gummy bears at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious treat without the added sugars and artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions. Not only are these homemade gummies packed with fresh fruit, but they also offer a host of health benefits, including the collagen-boosting properties of gelatin and the immune-boosting power of strawberries. With endless possibilities for customization, these strawberry gummy bears are perfect for any occasion, and they’re simple enough to make with minimal equipment. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or looking for a fun project to do with the family, homemade strawberry gummy bears are a fantastic option that everyone can enjoy.