Homemade gummy bears are easy to make with 3 simple ingredients (one of them is Jello!) Kids will love these bouncy, fruity, and colorful little gummy candies!
Jello Gummy Bears
My five year old is obsessed with gummy bears!
Whenever we go to the candy store at the mall, the rest of us are piling our bags with chocolate, while she sticks with gummy bears only. Funny enough, she doesn’t like gummy worms or other shapes as much — gummy bears are the hands-down favorite.
When I found out how easy it is to make homemade gummy bears, I knew we had to give this a try!
Believe it or not, you can make DIY gummy bears at home with only 3 ingredients and water! (Hint: one of the ingredients is JELL-O!)
Skip the store bought gummy candies filled with corn syrup, grab your favorite JELL-O flavor, and let’s make some yummy gummy bears!
Related: For the “grown-ups only” version, try our Rosé Gummy Bears!
Ingredients & Supplies
For your convenience, I’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products used to make this recipe; disclosure policy available here.
- Your favorite flavor of Jello — Grab one 3oz box for each flavor you’re making.
- Unflavored gelatin — You’ll need two 0.25 oz packets for each box of Jello/flavor gummy bear.
- Water
- Cornstarch or Powdered Sugar (optional) — You can still make gummy bears if you don’t have cornstarch on hand; we use it to dust the molds and then lightly coat the finished gummies to keep them from sticking as much.
Kitchen Supplies Used
- Gummy bear molds — this set comes with 2 handy droppers like you’ll see in our video tutorial and photos
- Silicone pastry brush
- Measuring cup
- Small Saucepan
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
To Prep:
Prepare your silicone molds by dusting with a light coating of cornstarch (if using). You’ll probably only need about a teaspoon or so for each mold.
TIP: These gummy bear molds are the ones we used and come with a handy dropper! Silicone is the best way to go because you can pop the gummies right out once they’ve set and they don’t get stuck.
How to Make Homemade Gummy Bears:
- Combine the Jello and gelatin in a sauce pan with the water. Whisk together over medium-low heat until all the powder is dissolved.
- Allow the liquid to cool enough to handle safely, but not enough to set. If there are air bubbles, you can give the mixture a gentle stir to release them.
- After the molds are filled, allow them to cool for a bit before dusting the top with a light coating of cornstarch.
- Place in the fridge to set – this should take about 15-20 minutes – then you can remove your gummy bears from the mold.
TIP: You can use a medicine dropper to fill the molds with the gelatin mixture – this keeps everything neat and clean.
Prep Tips
- You can use sugar-free Jello in this recipe to reduce the sugar content and carbohydrates. If making a sugar free gummy recipe, you’ll want to use cornstarch on the outside instead of powdered sugar.
- Each box of jello will make about 100 gummies using a similar gummy bear mold to the one in our photos. Depending on the size of your molds, you may end up with more or less gummies than we did, but it still makes a big batch! To get multiple colors, you’ll need to make multiple separate batches using a different flavor of jello for each batch.
- Jello is made with gluten-free ingredients, so these gummies are technically considered gluten free. However, if cross-contamination is a concern, you’ll want to check labels on all of the specific products you’re using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gives gummy bears their texture?
Gelatin is the key ingredient that gives gummy bears that distinctive bouncy texture — you can squish them and they bounce right back!
In our recipe we use both unflavored gelatin, as well as Jello, which contains gelatin and flavorings. That way the gummies are perfectly textured and delicious too — without needing a bunch of ingredients.
Using Jello takes the guesswork out of it!
How do you make gummies that don’t melt?
A few readers emailed us with the question: “why use cornstarch?”
The cornstarch coating on our gummies keeps them from sticking together and helps them to not melt as easily.
After the gummies are cool and have set, toss them in a small bowl or bag with a couple Tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. You don’t have to use the cornstarch, but we find that it helps them last longer.
To prevent melting, it’s also important to store gummy bears in an airtight container in a cool place, away from sunlight. You can also keep them chilled in the fridge.
How long do homemade gummies last?
The shelf life of homemade gummy bears depends on how they’re stored. If kept on the counter at room temperature, you’ll want to eat them within a few days, as they’ll start to get sticky and kind of mushy.
If kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator, homemade gummies can last much longer. You can expect your gummy bears to stay good for 2-3 weeks, perhaps even a month. That is, if you can keep from eating them all first!
Can you make homemade gummy bears without Jello?
Don’t have Jello on hand? You can also make gummy bears with fruit juice, like our Healthy Homemade Green Gummy Snacks!
Made with green juice (my fav!) and sweetened with honey, they’re a fun and healthy snack for kids!
This green gummy recipe does use gelatin, but can be made vegetarian by swapping agar powder for the gelatin.
More Jello Fun!
Jello is such a versatile ingredient for kids recipes and activities! Here are some of our favorite things to make with Jello:
Grab a free printable copy of our DIY Gummy Bear Recipe:
If you like this recipe, please rate it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
3-Ingredient Homemade Gummy Bears (with Jello)
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Gummy bear mold
Ingredients
- 1 Box Flavored Jello (A typical box is 3oz)
- 2 Packets Unflavored Gelatin
- 1/3 Cup Water
- 1/4 Cup Cornstarch optional (helps prevent sticking)
Instructions
- Dust the gummy bear molds with a light coat of cornstarch. Set aside.
- Combine one package of Jello, 2 packets of unflavored gelatin, and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan. Mix together and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Place the pan over low to medium heat and whisk continuously until the powder is dissolved. This will take about another 5 minutes.
- Once dissolved use a dropper to place fill the prepared gummy bear molds with the gelatin mixture.
- Allow gummies to sit for 5-10 minutes to cool. Lightly coat the backs of the gummy bears with cornstarch, then place the molds in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to fully cool and set.
- In a shallow bowl, add 1 tbsp cornstarch. Pop the fully-set gummy bears out of the molds and into the bowl. Lightly toss to coat the gummies evenly. The cornstarch will prevent the gummies from sticking together. You can also do this step in a large ziplock bag.
- Store gummies in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Be sure to pin this recipe on Pinterest!
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Candy says
i like using Bakers Sugar instead of cornstarch. Its very fine and makes a very nicely finished gummy bear
Kaya says
Can you use white grape (or other juice) in place of the water?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
I don’t see why not! Let me know how it goes!
Tina Meeker says
I used no sugar added juice
Wenche says
Hi. I live in Norway. Could you please inform how much 2 packets of unflavored gelatin is in grams or oz? Thank you.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
They are usually 1/4 ounce each. Hope this helps!
ANNETTE says
Can u use sugar free jello?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Sure!
Barb says
Where would I find the bear molds?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Amazon has them: https://amzn.to/3F7TD9f (affiliate link)
Liz Nieman says
Oh my gosh this is so smart!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
It’s one of our favorite recipes! 🙂
Angie says
Can these be made with sugar free jello? I’m diabetic and would love a sugar free version.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Hi Angie – I think it should work with sugar free jello, though I haven’t tried that yet.
Ilene says
I had trouble with a lot of foam. Any suggestions?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Maybe try stirring less vigorously when mixing up the Jello? Also, after pouring in the molds, you can stir with a toothpick to release the bubbles. A little tedious, but should help!
Amber Civils says
If I’m going to toss them in citric acid to make them sour should I skip the cornstarch toss?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
I think that should be fine!
Leah Burg says
Can you use Jell-o-Slime or does it have to be regular Jell-O?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Jello slime mix has other additives in it, so it likely wouldn’t work the same.
Bonnie says
Can these be frozen?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Sure! I’d keep them in a freezer bag or a freezer safe container.
Sania says
Can you use kosher clear unflavored gelatin
I have tried a couple of times and failed!!!!😕
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Hi Sania, I haven’t tried that, so can’t say for certain. Did you try it with my recipe? Or with a different recipe?
Veronica Johnson says
Hello Sania,
I also tried with clear unflavored gelatin boxes dessert in an attempt to have a cleaner gummy. I tried Bakol and Simply Delish. It was also a fail for me and the gummies never gelled. I think the proportions are off for an exact match for this recipe. I am going to try adding more Knox.
Barb says
Where do you get the gummy bear molds?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Hi Barb, I linked to them in the supply list, but just in case: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0798HX8KR/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thsomobl-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0798HX8KR&linkId=ec3a6808f4ff01e703519f9f39a93901 (that is my amazon link)
Gwen says
I would like to know how many spoons of gelatin do you use if you don’t have the packets?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Hi Gwen, this is from the Knox gelatin website: 1 pouch is about 2 1/2 teaspoons (7g) unflavoured gelatine. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon, use 1 pouch of unflavoured gelatine
??? says
Very Good Recipe!
Maggie says
I just made these this weekend for my grandson’ birthday party using a lego mold and put a gummy on each cupcake for the kids. I thought they were good but a little firmer than I would have liked. Followed directions, but could the heat have been too high? Maybe a little more water? Any thoughts? Also did not like the look of the cornstarch on the front. I did set them on cornstarch after removing from molds to keep them from sticking. Otherwise, easy tasty recipe. Thanks
Dj says
I bought the gummy bear molds you liked to in the article. The recipe says it will make 20 servings. This recipe made 100 gummy bears in those molds. Please be advised.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
I use serving size as a guide for nutrition estimates. 20 servings x 5 pieces of candy each = 100 total. Hope this helps!
Nomi says
Thank you so much for your recipe! I used it to make cannabis infused gummies and it worked great. I highly recommend it…..
Maya says
I need that recipe!!
Joanne says
I need that recipe too
Marsha Dourte says
None of the recipes print!!!!!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Hi Marsha – that’s going to be a setting issue on your web browser. It could potentially be a pop-up blocker, as the printable recipe will open in a new window when you click the “Print Recipe” button. From there, you can click print and it will open your printer’s dialog window.
Yasmeen says
Excellent Work, This is a good and Informative post.
Alice says
Can I use sugar free jello.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
It should work with sugar free jello, I just haven’t personally tried it yet.
Jan says
Whenever I make these, I’ve tried corn starch and then this time powder sugar.
Problem I’m having is…after we roll them..in whatever, the stuff comes off and then the bears are slimy. Thought the powder sugar would stay on them.
Anyone else have this problem?
R says
Try letting them set out overnight on parchment paper in your oven before coating them, it’s worked a few times for me. It just lets the extra moisture escape.
Actually going to try to use a Dehydrator on the lowest setting to speed that process up a bit more.
Ann Marie says
Can these be made with Apple Cider Vinegar? Would I replace the water with the vinegar?
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
I don’t think they would taste good with vinegar…
Tim says
Thanks this should be fun
Paulguad says
So typical of provincial Northamericans who think that the entire world uses their antiquated measurment system.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Well, I am based in North America so that is how I measure my ingredients. Fortunately, the internet is a wonderful place and there are some very good calculators for converting ingredient measurements to your preferred system.
Jenny says
I had my doubts having never really worked with gelatin before. I had a couple of boxes of sugar free Jello sitting in the cupboard and decided to give the recipe a try.
This was so easy to do!!!! And they taste great and have that springy mouth feel too.
Thank you for this recipe🥰
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
So glad you liked the recipe! Thanks for letting me know!