Homemade gummies are a colorful, chewy delight that kids and adults alike can’t resist. These little bites of fruity fun are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a naturally sweetened snack or a fun DIY project with your kids, homemade gummies offer a satisfying and customizable treat.
Not only do they taste better than store-bought versions, but you also have full control over what goes in them. From choosing your favorite juice flavor to adjusting the sweetness or even sneaking in some vitamins or collagen, making gummies at home turns a simple candy into something a little more wholesome and a lot more fun.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into gummy making, gather the right tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Silicone Gummy Molds: These flexible molds come in adorable shapes (like bears or hearts) and make popping gummies out a breeze without sticking.
- Dropper or Pipette: This tool helps fill each mold cavity precisely, especially helpful when working with tiny shapes.
- Small Saucepan: You’ll be dissolving gelatin and juice over low heat, and a small saucepan offers better control over temperature.
- Whisk: Ensures the gelatin fully dissolves into the juice without clumps.
- Measuring Cups: For accurate portions of juice, gelatin, and sweetener.
- Refrigerator Space: You’ll need a flat space to set your filled molds and allow the gummies to firm up.
Having everything prepped beforehand makes the gummy process quick, clean, and mess-free—which is part of the fun!

Ingredients for the Homemade Gummies Fun Treat Recipe
Each ingredient plays a simple but vital role in turning juice into chewy, flavorful gems:
- 100% Fruit Juice: The base of your gummies. Choose your favorite—like apple, grape, or berry—for both color and flavor.
- Unflavored Gelatin: This is what gives gummies their signature chewy texture. It sets the liquid into firm, bouncy bites.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of juice and adds depth of flavor.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): Adds a touch of brightness and enhances fruity notes.
- Vitamin C Powder or Collagen (Optional): A great way to boost nutrition without altering flavor.
How To Make the Homemade Gummies Fun Treat Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a small saucepan, pour in your fruit juice of choice. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom—this ensures the gelatin hydrates properly.
Step 2: Heat and Dissolve
After blooming, gently heat the mixture over low heat. Whisk continuously until the gelatin dissolves completely. Do not let it boil, as that can affect the texture.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Extras
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in your sweetener, optional lemon juice, or any vitamin/collagen powders. Mix well until everything is smooth.
Step 4: Fill the Molds
Use a dropper or pipette to transfer the liquid into your silicone molds. Work quickly before the mixture begins to set.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Place the filled molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Step 6: Unmold and Store
Carefully pop your gummies out of the molds and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
How to Serve and Store Homemade Gummies
These gummies are perfect for snack boxes, party favors, or a mid-afternoon treat. Serve them chilled straight from the fridge for the best chewy texture. You can also toss them into a small bowl for kids’ movie night or package them in cute jars as handmade gifts.
To store, place the gummies in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 2 weeks. Avoid leaving them at room temperature too long, especially in warmer weather, as they may soften or melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my gummies more sour?
Add a little more lemon juice or a pinch of citric acid to give your gummies that signature tangy kick.
Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
Yes, agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin. However, the texture will be firmer and slightly less chewy.
What kind of juice works best?
Clear juices like apple, white grape, or cherry give the best visual results. Cloudier juices work too but result in a more opaque gummy.
Can I freeze homemade gummies?
It’s not recommended. Freezing alters the texture and can make them mushy when thawed.
Are these safe for toddlers?
Yes, as long as they are cut into age-appropriate sizes and the child can chew solids well. Always supervise.
How can I make them more nutritious?
Try adding collagen, probiotics, or vitamin C powder after cooking, when the mixture is slightly cooled, to preserve their benefits.
Want More Candy & Sweet Treat Ideas?
If you love these colorful homemade gummies, you’ll definitely want to explore more sweet treats from the blog:
- Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe
- No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies
- Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
- Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
Save This Recipe for Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add lemon or collagen? Did you go tropical or berry-flavored?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other create fun and wholesome treats.

Homemade Gummies Fun Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 50 small gummies
Description
These homemade gummies are chewy, fruity, and easy to customize with your favorite juices and natural sweeteners. A fun treat both kids and adults will love—and a great way to sneak in vitamins or collagen if you’d like.
Ingredients
1 cup fruit juice (100% juice, like apple, grape, or berry)
3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
1 teaspoon vitamin C powder or collagen (optional)
Instructions
1. Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan.
2. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin evenly over the juice and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat, whisking continuously until gelatin is fully dissolved (do not boil).
4. Remove from heat. Stir in honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and any optional powders. Mix until smooth.
5. Use a dropper to fill silicone molds with the mixture quickly before it sets.
6. Place molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until gummies are firm.
7. Carefully unmold and store gummies in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Don’t let the juice boil—gentle heat preserves nutrients and prevents rubbery texture.
Use a dropper for cleaner, faster filling of small molds.
Gummies are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No Bake / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 gummies
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade gummies, fruit snacks, natural candy

