If you love that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, these homemade sour gummies are about to be your new obsession! They’re chewy, bursting with fruity flavor, and made with just five simple ingredients—no artificial flavors or preservatives. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought gummies again!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about fun, flavor, and simplicity. Here’s why you’ll want to make a batch ASAP:
Super Easy:
With just five ingredients and a few simple steps, anyone can make these!
Naturally Flavored:
No artificial colors or flavors—just pure, fruity goodness.
Perfectly Tangy:
A mix of fruit juice and citric acid gives them that irresistible sour kick.
Customizable:
Use your favorite juice flavors and even adjust the sourness to your liking.
Healthier Alternative:
No corn syrup or unnecessary additives—just simple, real ingredients.
Ingredients
These five ingredients come together to make the perfect homemade sour gummies!
Fruit Juice:
The base of the gummies—choose your favorite juice like orange, lemon, raspberry, or mango for different flavors.
Gelatin:
Gives the gummies their signature chewy texture.
Honey or Maple Syrup:
Adds natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Citric Acid:
The secret to that mouth-puckering sourness! You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
Cornstarch or Sugar (Optional for Coating):
A light dusting keeps the gummies from sticking together and adds an extra burst of sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make these easy homemade gummies step by step!
Prepare the Juice Mixture:
In a small saucepan, pour the fruit juice and heat over low-medium heat until warm but not boiling.
Add the Gelatin:
Slowly whisk in the gelatin, stirring continuously until completely dissolved.
Sweeten the Mix:
Add the honey or maple syrup and stir until fully combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Pour into Molds:
Carefully pour the mixture into silicone molds or a lightly greased baking dish. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Chill Until Set:
Place in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the gummies are firm.
Coat with Sour Mix (Optional):
If you want an extra sour kick, mix citric acid with a little sugar or cornstarch, then toss the gummies in the mixture before serving.
Enjoy!
Pop them out of the molds and enjoy your homemade sour gummies!
How to Serve Sour Gummies
These gummies are great for:
Snacking On-the-Go:
Pack them in a small container for a quick and satisfying treat.
Party Treats:
Serve them in cute jars or small bags for a homemade party favor.
Topping Desserts:
Use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or yogurt bowls for a fun touch.
Gifting:
Homemade gummies make a thoughtful and unique edible gift!
Additional Tips
Adjust the Sourness:
If you love extra tangy gummies, increase the citric acid slightly.
Use Fresh Juice for Best Flavor:
Fresh-squeezed juice gives the best natural taste, but bottled juice works too.
Silicone Molds Work Best:
They make popping out the gummies super easy. You can also use an ice cube tray!
Store Properly:
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their texture and freshness.
Try Different Flavors:
Mix and match juices like pineapple, cherry, or watermelon for fun combinations!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
A1: Yes! Agar-agar is a great vegetarian substitute, but the texture will be slightly firmer.
Q2: How long do homemade gummies last?
A2: They last about 5-7 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I make these without citric acid?
A3: Yes, but they won’t have that signature sour punch. You can use lemon or lime juice for a mild alternative.
Q4: Can I use a sugar substitute instead of honey?
A4: Yes! Stevia or monk fruit sweetener can be used, but the texture may change slightly.
Q5: Do I need to refrigerate them?
A5: Yes, since they don’t contain preservatives, refrigeration keeps them fresh.
Q6: Why are my gummies too soft?
A6: Try adding a bit more gelatin to firm them up.
Q7: Can I use frozen fruit instead of juice?
A7: Yes! Blend and strain the fruit to get a smooth juice before using it.
Q8: What’s the best way to prevent gummies from sticking together?
A8: Toss them in a little cornstarch or sugar before storing.
Q9: Can I make different shapes?
A9: Absolutely! Use fun silicone molds to create stars, hearts, or bears.
Q10: Can I add vitamin powder or supplements?
A10: Yes! You can mix in vitamin C or collagen powder for an extra health boost.
Final Thoughts
These homemade sour gummies are ridiculously easy to make and so much fun to eat! They’re chewy, fruity, and have that perfect sour kick. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your kids, or as a gift, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out and let me know your favorite flavor combo!
Print
5-Ingredient Sour Gummies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40 gummies
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Homemade Treats
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy homemade fruit gummies are made with real fruit jam, giving them a deliciously tangy and chewy texture. No artificial ingredients, just pure fruity goodness!
Ingredients
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1 jar (13 oz) strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry jam
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3/4 cup lemon juice (or water)
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2 tablespoons fruit pectin
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2 tablespoons collagen (optional, for extra chewiness)
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Granulated sugar, for coating (adjust to taste)
Instructions
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In a saucepan, mix jam with lemon juice (or water).
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Sprinkle in pectin and collagen, then whisk until smooth.
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Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle bubble. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a smooth, syrupy consistency.
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Pour into gummy bear molds or a parchment-lined 9×9 baking dish.
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Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until fully set.
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Remove gummies from molds (or cut into squares if using a baking dish).
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Toss in granulated sugar for a sweet-tart coating.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gummy
- Calories: 4
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg