Homemade Bubble Gum Recipe Fun and Chewy

A Sweet Start

Making gum at home feels like magic. You start with simple sugar and water. Then it turns into something you can chew for fun.

I love watching the sugar dissolve. The clear syrup is so pretty. It reminds me of a clean window on a sunny day. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

The Waiting Game

You have to let the gelatin sit in water. It gets all wobbly and soft. This is a very important step.

This matters because the gelatin makes the gum chewy. Without it, you’d just have hard candy. Patience makes the best treats. What flavor of gum do you like best? I am a big fan of cherry.

A Sticky Situation

The hot sugar gets very, very hot. You must use a candy thermometer. This part is for a grown-up to help with.

My grandson tried to touch it once. I still laugh at that. He learned about “hot” very quickly! *Fun fact: The hard-crack stage is the highest temperature for candy.*

Time to Knead

After it cools, the fun begins. You get to knead the gum. Use lots of powdered sugar so it doesn’t stick to your hands.

It starts off sticky and strange. Then it becomes smooth and stretchy. This matters because you are making memories, not just gum. Have you ever made candy before?

Shaping Your Gum

You can shape your gum any way you like. Roll it into a long rope. Or make little balls.

My favorite part is the color. A drop of red makes pink bubble gum. It looks so cheerful. It makes me smile to see it.

A Little Story

When I was a girl, store-bought gum was a treat. We didn’t have much money. So we made our own.

My sister and I would share one big piece. We would blow tiny bubbles. I remember those days so clearly. What’s your favorite memory with a friend?

Keeping It Fresh

Wrap each piece in wax paper. This keeps it soft and tasty. Put it all in a jar with a tight lid.

This matters because it teaches us to care for the things we make. It feels good to see that jar full of your own gum. It’s a little treasure.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
White granulated sugar	2 cups
Light corn syrup	½ cup
Water	½ cup	Divided for use in recipe
Unflavored gelatin powder	1 tablespoon
Fine salt	½ teaspoon
Food coloring	Optional	As desired
Flavor extracts	Optional	e.g., cherry, lemon, peppermint
Powdered sugar	For dusting and kneading	Used during shaping

Let’s Make Some Bubble Gum!

I remember making this with my grandkids. Their eyes got so wide! They couldn’t believe we could make gum right on the stove. It’s a fun little kitchen adventure. Just be careful with the hot sugar.

Step 1: First, we wake up the gelatin. Sprinkle it over a quarter cup of water in a little bowl. Let it sit and get soft for five minutes. It looks a bit strange, I know. But it makes our gum chewy.

Step 2: Now, grab a medium saucepan. Put in the sugar, corn syrup, and the other quarter cup of water. Cook it on medium heat. Stir it until the sugar disappears and the liquid looks clear. This part is easy. Just keep stirring gently.

Step 3: Turn up the heat to make the syrup boil. You need a candy thermometer for this next part. Watch it closely until it says 300°F. This is the “hard-crack” stage. (My tip: Don’t walk away from the pot! It can burn in a blink.)

Step 4: Take the pan off the heat right away. Quickly stir in your soft gelatin, salt, and any colors or flavors. I love a drop of red and cherry. Stir it all up really fast. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Step 5: Pour the hot mixture onto a silicone mat or greased baking sheet. Let it cool for about 20 minutes. It will get thick like honey. This is when my grandkids get impatient. I still laugh at that.

Step 6: Dust your counter with lots of powdered sugar. Put the cooled gum on it and start kneading. It’s like playing with dough! Knead until it’s smooth and not sticky. Then you can shape it into ropes or little balls. What’s your favorite gum flavor? Share below!

Step 7: Finally, wrap each piece in wax paper. Or keep them all in a sealed container. This keeps your gum nice and soft. Now you have homemade bubble gum! It’s a sweet little treat.

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: About 40 pieces
Category: Candy, Snack

Fun Flavor Twists

You don’t have to make plain gum. The fun is in the flavors! Try one of these ideas. They make your gum extra special. My grandson loves the blue one.

Watermelon Pink Mix in a few drops of pink food coloring and watermelon flavor. It tastes like a summer picnic.

Sparkling Lemonade Use yellow coloring and lemon extract. It’s so bright and tangy. It makes me smile.

Berry Blast A mix of raspberry and blueberry extracts with purple coloring. It’s a real fruit party in your mouth.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Sweet Gum

This gum is a treat all by itself. But you can make it even more fun. I like to give it as a gift. It shows you put in a little love.

Put a few pieces in a tiny jar for a friend. Tie a ribbon around it. You can also shape it into fun letters or hearts. Kids love that. For a drink, a cold glass of milk is perfect. Or a fizzy root beer. It’s a classic pairing.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Homemade Bubble Gum Fresh

Making a big batch of gum is so much fun. You will want to keep it soft and chewy. Wrap each piece tightly in wax paper. Then store them all in an airtight container on the counter.

I remember my first batch. I left it out on a plate. It turned hard as a rock by morning. Proper storage keeps your hard work from going to waste. This matters because it lets you enjoy your treat for days.

You can even make different flavors each week. Then you will have a whole gum collection. It is a sweet little prize for yourself after school. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Bubble Gum Troubles and Easy Fixes

Is your gum too sticky? This happens to everyone. Just knead in more powdered sugar. Keep going until it feels smooth in your hands.

I once added the gelatin too fast. It made little lumpy bits. Now I stir slowly and firmly. This ensures your gum has a perfect, even chew.

Getting the temperature right is key. If the syrup is not hot enough, the gum will be soft. If it is too hot, it can taste burnt. Using a thermometer builds your cooking confidence. A good texture makes the flavor so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Bubble Gum Questions Answered

Q: Is this gum recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, it is. The main ingredients are naturally free of gluten.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. It stores beautifully for over a week.

Q: What can I use instead of corn syrup?
A: You can try honey, but the texture will be different.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: I do not recommend it. Making a single batch is easier to handle.

Q: Are the flavor extracts needed?
A: No, they are optional. Plain sugar gum is delicious too.
Fun fact: The first bubble gum was pink because it was the only color the inventor had! Which tip will you try first?

A Little Note From Me to You

I hope you have the best time making this gum. It always makes me smile. Cooking is about creating sweet memories.

I would love to see your colorful creations. Show me your pink ropes or blue balls. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Olivia’s Kitchen. Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.