A Sweet Treat from My Kitchen
I love making little treats that make people smile. These gummies are like tiny, juicy jewels. They are so much better than the ones from a store. You can feel good about eating them.
Making them is a fun little project. It reminds me of being a kid in my own grandma’s kitchen. The best part is seeing the bright colors come together. Doesn’t that sound like a fun way to spend an afternoon?
A Little Kitchen Magic
The secret to these gummies is gelatin. You mix it with juice and it turns into a thick gel. It seems like magic. I still laugh at the first time I saw it happen.
Then you warm it up and it becomes liquid again. This is why it matters. This change is what lets you pour the mixture into molds. It then turns back into a soft, chewy treat in the fridge. It’s a simple bit of science that makes something wonderful.
Let’s Talk Flavors and Colors
We are making two kinds today. One is orange mango and it will be a pretty blue. The other is peach lemonade and it will be green. The colors come from natural powders. It feels like painting with food.
*Fun fact: The blue color comes from spirulina, which is a type of algae!* I know, it sounds strange. But it doesn’t change the sweet, fruity taste at all. Which color do you think you would like to try making first?
The Surprise in the Middle
Now for the best part, the secret center. We make a simple strawberry filling. You just cook the berries with a little arrowroot flour. It gets thick and sweet, like a tiny pie filling.
You spoon a little dot into each half-set gummy. Then you cover it up with more of the gummy mixture. When you bite in, you get a sweet, fruity burst. It’s a happy little surprise.
Why This All Matters
When you make your own food, you know what’s in it. There are no strange names you cannot pronounce. This is so important for our bodies. We are giving them real fruit and real juice.
It also makes you appreciate your food more. You put your own time and care into it. That love makes everything taste better, I think. What is a homemade treat that always makes you feel happy?
Your Turn to Create
The final step is my favorite. You pop the gummies out of their silicone molds. They look so perfect and shiny. It feels like a little victory every single time.
Then you get to share them. Seeing someone’s face light up is the best reward. I would love to hear about your kitchen adventures. What other fruit combinations can you imagine for these gummies?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Strawberries | For the filling | |
| Arrowroot Flour | For the filling | |
| Water | For the filling | |
| Lemon Juice | A small squeeze | For the filling |
| Orange Juice | 1 cup total | For blue gummies |
| Mango, puréed | For blue gummies | |
| Grass-fed Gelatin | For blue gummies | |
| Honey | Optional | For blue gummies |
| Blue Spirulina Powder | For blue gummies | |
| Lemonade (no sugar added) | 1 cup total | For green gummies |
| Peaches, puréed | For green gummies | |
| Grass-fed Gelatin | For green gummies | |
| Honey | Optional | For green gummies |
| Matcha Green Tea Powder | For green gummies |
A Sweet Surprise Inside
Making candy always feels like a little bit of magic. Today, we are making homemade fruit gummies. They have a yummy strawberry surprise in the middle. I love making these with my grandkids. Their eyes get so wide when they see the colorful layers.
We use real fruit juice and puree. This makes them so much better than store-bought ones. The kitchen smells like a fruit stand. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let’s get our hands sticky and make some magic together.
Steps
Step 1: First, let’s make the strawberry filling. Thaw your frozen strawberries. Then blend them with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice. It will look like a smooth, pink soup. I still laugh at how my grandson calls it “pink potion.”
Step 2: Now, gently warm the berry puree in a saucepan. Mix arrowroot flour with a little water in a separate dish. Stir until it’s all dissolved. Then pour it into the warm berries. Keep stirring until it gets thick. (Hard-learned tip: Don’t stop stirring or it might get lumpy!).
Step 3: Time for the colorful gummy part. For each color, mix juice and gelatin in a bowl. It will get very thick and jiggly. This part is always fun. It feels like a science experiment in your kitchen.
Step 4: Warm the rest of the juice with the fruit puree. Then add the thick gelatin mixture. Stir until it all melts together. If you are using a color powder, mix it with water first. Then blend it in for a pretty color. What’s your favorite color for a gummy? Share below!
Step 5: Let’s put it all together. Fill your mold halfway with the gummy mix. Put it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. You want this first layer to be firm. This is the hardest part, waiting!
Step 6: Once firm, add a small spoonful of the strawberry filling. Be careful not to touch the sides. Then, cover it completely with more gummy mixture. Back in the fridge it goes for another 30 minutes. Then, just pop them out. It’s so satisfying!
Cook Time: About 1 hour (plus chilling)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 gummies
Category: Snack, Treat
Mix It Up!
You do not have to follow my recipe exactly. Cooking is about having fun. Try one of these fun twists next time. I think changing a recipe is how you make it your own.
- Tropical Twist Use pineapple juice and coconut cream instead. It will taste like a little vacation.
- Berry Blast Mix all the berries you have for the filling. Raspberries and blueberries are a happy family.
- Herbal Surprise Add a tiny bit of fresh mint to the green gummies. It is so fresh and lovely.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Sweet Treats
These gummies are a treat all by themselves. But you can make them extra special. I love putting them in a little glass bowl. It makes them look like precious jewels.
For a party, you can put them on a big platter. Mix all the colors together. They look so cheerful. You could also pack a few in a small box for a friend. It is a sweet little gift from your kitchen.
What should you drink with them? A cold glass of milk is always a good friend to a sweet snack. For the grown-ups, a crisp glass of white wine is nice. It balances the sweetness perfectly. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Gummies Fresh and Fruity
These homemade gummies are best kept in the fridge. Put them in a sealed container. They will stay fresh and tasty for several days. You can also freeze them for a longer treat. Just place them on a tray until solid. Then pop them into a freezer bag.
I once left a batch on the counter. They became a sticky puddle. My grandson thought it was a new kind of jam. Making a big batch saves you time later. It means you always have a healthy snack ready. This matters because good food should be easy to enjoy.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Gummy Troubles and How to Fix Them
Is your gummy mixture not setting? Your liquid might have been too hot. High heat can hurt the gelatin. Always use low heat when warming your juice. This ensures your gummies get that perfect jiggle.
Are your gummies sticking in the mold? I remember when mine would not come out. A tiny drop of coconut oil in the mold helps. Just wipe it with a paper towel. This small step makes a big difference.
Is the fruit filling leaking out? Make sure your first layer is completely firm. A solid base holds the surprise inside. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavor burst in your mouth. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Gummy Questions Answered
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You can enjoy them without worry.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Absolutely. They are perfect for making a day or two before you need them.
Q: What can I use instead of honey? A: You can use maple syrup. Or you can leave the sweetener out completely.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Just use a bigger saucepan so it does not overflow.
Q: Do I have to use the color powders? A: No, they are just for fun. Your gummies will still be delicious without them. *Fun fact: The first gummy candies were shaped like dancing bears!* Which tip will you try first?
A Sweet Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these colorful treats. Cooking is about sharing joy with others. It is one of my favorite things to do. I would be so happy to see your creations.
You can share your fun gummy shapes with everyone. Show us your kitchen success. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I always look for your photos.
Happy cooking! —Olivia Hartwell.
Homemade Fruit Gummies Without Gelatin or Jell-O
Description
Make delicious layered fruit gummies with a surprise strawberry filling. This recipe uses natural ingredients and is made without traditional gelatin or Jell-O.
Ingredients
For the Blue (Orange Mango) Gummies:
For the Green (Peach Lemonade) Gummies:
For the Filling:
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: Begin by thawing the frozen strawberries. Blend them with a small squeeze of lemon juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. In a saucepan, gently warm the berry puree over low heat. In a separate dish, mix the arrowroot flour with water until it is fully dissolved. Pour this arrowroot mixture into the warm puree, stirring continuously. The filling will begin to thicken. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- Create the Gummy Layers (For Each Color): For each color, start by combining 1/2 cup of the juice with the gelatin in a bowl. Whisk them together; the mixture will become a thick gel. In a saucepan, gently warm the remaining 1/2 cup of juice along with the puréed fruit. Add the gelatin mixture to the warm liquid, stirring until it has completely dissolved. If you are using a color powder, first mix the spirulina or matcha with a tiny amount of water to create a paste, then blend it into the gummy mixture until the color is even.
- Assemble the Gummies: First, fill the cavities of your silicone mold halfway with the gummy mixture. Place the mold in the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes, or until this base layer is firm. Once set, place a small dollop of the prepared strawberry filling into the center of each gummy. Carefully cover the filling with the remaining gummy mixture. Return the mold to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the gummies to set completely. Finally, pop the finished gummies out of the mold.
- Storage: Keep the gummies in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for several days.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are fully dissolved for a smooth gummy texture. Adjust honey to taste for desired sweetness.
Leave a Reply