If you love chewy, fruity candies, why not make your own homemade gummies? These sparkly fruit gummies are not only fun to make but also completely customizable to your taste. Whether you prefer tangy citrus flavors or sweet berry notes, these candies can be tailored to suit your favorite fruit extracts. The glittery sugar coating adds an extra touch of magic, making them perfect for parties, gift boxes, or just a fun snack to enjoy at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have your own delicious batch of homemade gummies in no time.
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (approximately 8 packets)
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 2 1/4 cups boiling water
- 6 cups granulated sugar, plus extra for coating
- Fruit extract or flavored oil of your choice (such as strawberry, lemon, orange, etc.)
- Food coloring (optional, to match your flavor choice)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gelatin Base:
- In a medium bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1 1/2 cups of cold water. Allow the gelatin to bloom (absorb the water and soften) for about 5-10 minutes.
- In the meantime, bring 2 1/4 cups of water to a boil in a separate saucepan.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin:
- Slowly pour the boiling water over the bloomed gelatin, stirring constantly until the gelatin completely dissolves. This may take a few minutes.
3. Sweeten the Mixture:
- Add the 6 cups of granulated sugar to the gelatin mixture, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. You should no longer see or feel any sugar granules.
- At this point, you can add your chosen fruit extract or flavored oil to the mixture. Start with a few drops or about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, then taste and adjust to your preference.
- If you want to add food coloring, now is the time to mix it in. Match the color to the flavor, or get creative and experiment with multi-colored gummies!
4. Pour and Set:
- Once everything is well combined, carefully pour the mixture into silicone molds or a shallow baking dish lined with parchment paper. If you want to make different flavors and colors, divide the mixture into separate bowls before pouring.
- Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature for about 4-6 hours. For quicker results, you can refrigerate the gummies for 2-3 hours.
5. Cut and Coat:
- Once fully set, gently remove the gummies from the molds. If you used a baking dish, cut the gummy sheet into small squares or shapes using a sharp knife or cookie cutter.
- To give your gummies that sparkly finish, roll each gummy piece in granulated sugar. This not only makes them glittery but also helps prevent them from sticking together.
6. Store and Enjoy:
- Store your homemade gummies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They can also be kept in the refrigerator if you’d like them to stay firmer longer.
Conclusion:
Making your own sparkly fruit gummies at home is a fun and creative way to enjoy a classic treat with a personal touch. Whether you like them sour or sweet, fruity or floral, you can adjust the flavors and colors to suit any occasion. Plus, the sugary sparkle gives these gummies a special touch that makes them even more irresistible. Try making them for a special event, or simply enjoy them as a homemade snack with family and friends!