Homemade Gummy Bears

My daughter has really been into baking because she loves science and she calls each recipe creation a science experiment. And she really isn't wrong. This homemade gummy bear recipe is such a fun one to re-create because it looks like you're creating science too. This is a super fun homeschool activity to teach your children the science of gelatin. When we homeschooled, the part I loved was teaching my children how what they were learning could be used in real life.

Gelatin is a mild-tasting protein derived from the collagen in animal tissue and it's the only protein with the power to thicken liquids. Easy to use, easy to find, and able to assume the flavor and color of whatever liquid it's dissolved in, gelatin is a versatile thickener for both sweet and savory cooking. There are also vegetarian substitutes for gelatin available that are made from carbohydrates.

Gelatin adds proline and hydroxyproline specially, to help build and protect the body's collagen. Beef Gelatin helps to support healthy hair, skin, nails, joints and bones. Beef Gelatin is pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine hide gelatin powder. The Collagen Peptides will dissolve in any hot or cold liquid while the Beef Gelatin will dissolve in hot liquids and gels in cold liquids. Gelatin is a great thickening agent. It can be used for fruit gelatins (jello), marshmallows, custards, puddings, jams, stews, soups, and bone broths.

What You Need:

1/2 cup fruit juice, like cranberry, grape, orange, or lemonade (we used apple because that's what we had on hand)

2 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin (about an instant package)

2 tablespoons sugar

What You Do:

1. Combine the juice, gelatin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the gelatin and sugar dissolve completely, about 1 minute (make sure there is no undissolved sugar stuck to the bottom of the saucepan). If any foam forms while stirring, skim it off and discard. Transfer the mixture to a small liquid measuring cup.

2. Put the gummy bear molds (heart shaped, or any other molds) on a flat surface and slowly fill each cup to the top. Give each mold a small shake to ensure the mixture settles to the bottom. Refrigerate until the mixture sets, about 10 minutes. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

This is an easy three ingredient, two step process. But it is really cool to watch. It's important to skim the foam off because some of the bears won't have the gummy consistency that you are looking for. Getting the right non-stick silicone molds are important as well. It was a small process getting the liquid into the tiny molds, but the mold I linked and used came with a dropped and that helped a lot. If you try this, please tag me in a pictures and/or posts. Or just let me know in a comment below!