The homemade vegan gummy candy recipe is a delightful treat with natural flavors. The benefits include being animal-product-free and healthier than store-bought options.
For example, I use agar-agar instead of gelatin. If you need clarification about this ingredient, remember it’s a plant-based gelatin substitute. Making these gummies might seem tricky; however, find ways to customize flavors to your liking.
WHY VEGAN GUMMY CANDY ROCKS?
- Crafted with plant-based goodness, our Vegan Gummy Candy is a guilt-free delight!
- Each chewy piece is packed with vibrant flavors and free of animal byproducts, artificial colors (or food coloring), and gelatin, making it a cruelty-free delight.
- Satisfy your sweet cravings while making a compassionate choice for your taste buds and the planet.
Ever found yourself wandering the candy aisle, wishing for a homemade sweet treat that fits your vegan lifestyle? Well, wish no more! With a vegan twist, we’re bringing the fun and flavor of gummy candy into your kitchen.
There are no complicated ingredients or tricky steps here. This is just a simple, joyful vegan sweets that turns fruit and a few plant-based goodies into chewy, delightful candies.
These vegan gummy candies are about to become your new favorite treat, perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own. So, grab your favorite gummy bear mold and dive into the colorful, guilt-free world of making vegan gummy candy. Who knew being vegan could taste this good?
What Is Gummy Candy?
Gummy candy is a type of gelatin-based chewable sweet. It’s known for its soft, elastic texture and various shapes, colors, and flavors.
Originating from Germany in the early 20th century, gummy candy has become a global favorite. In my experience, making gummy candy at home allows for customization, including vegan option using agar-agar powder.
The appeal of vegan candy lies in its versatility and the joy it brings to people of all ages. Unquestionably, Gummy candy might be your best bet if you’re looking for a fun, tasty treats.
Fact – Did you know the first gummy bears were created in 1922 by German candy maker Hans Riegel? They were inspired by trained bears at festivals, making a century-old sweet traditional gummy bears candies!
Recipe Directions
- Prepare the Mold: Position your gummy candy mold on a large plate and set it aside for easy handling.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the type of fruit juice of your choice, your preferred sweetener, and Agar Agar powder form. Ensure the mixture is well-blended before heating.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This process should take around 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overflowing.
- Boil Briefly: Once boiling, allow the mixture to boil for 1-2 minutes. This step ensures the Agar Agar is fully dissolved and the sweetener is well-integrated.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5-10 minutes. Transferring it to another bowl can accelerate cooling. The mixture should be warm but not so hot that it damages the mold or prevents setting.
- Fill the Mold: Use the small dropper with your gummy candy mold to carefully fill each cavity with the liquid mixture. Fill up to the top to ensure uniform candy size.
- Chill to Set: Carefully transfer the plate with the filled mold into the refrigerator. Let it harden for 10-20 minutes. The exact time might vary depending on your fridge’s temperature settings.
- Unmold the Candy: Remove the mold from the fridge once the candies have hardened. Gently pop the gummy candies onto a plate or storage container.
- Repeat for Additional Flavors: Clean the mold and repeat the process with each new flavur mixture if you’re making candy flavoring.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
- Fruit Fusion: Mix various fruit purees like strawberry, blueberry, and pineapple for a vibrant burst of natural flavorings.
- Citrus Zest Zing: Add a pinch of lemon or orange zest to elevate the taste with a refreshing and zesty kick.
- Herbal Infusions: Experiment with herbal teas like mint or chamomile to introduce unique and calming undertones.
- Nutty Delight: Embed chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for a crunchy surprise within each gummy bite.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After setting, drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the gummies for a decadent touch.
- Coconut Coating: Roll gummies in shredded coconut before they set to create a tropical sensation.
- Spice it Up: Infuse warmth with a dash of cinnamon or a hint of chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Tangy Toppings: Dust gummies with citric acid or tart powder for an extra tangy flavor explosion.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Agar-Agar: Replace gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based alternative derived from seaweed, to achieve the desired gummy consistency.
- Fruit Purees: Utilize mashed bananas, applesauce, or pumpkin puree to add natural sweetness and a fruity undertone.
- Tapioca Starch: Enhance texture with tapioca starch, giving your gummies a smooth and silky finish.
- Coconut Oil: Opt for high-quality coconut oil to impart a rich and creamy mouthfeel.
Quick Tip: Let your Vegan Gummy Candy mixture rest for a few into molds to intensify flavors.
Best Side Dishes
- Fresh Fruit Platter A selection of fresh fruits complements the firmer texture of homemade gummy bears candies with natural sweetness and a juicy crunch. Opt for various colors and flavors for a visually appealing and palate-pleasing assortment.
- Nut And Seed Mix A mix of nuts and seeds offers a contrasting texture to the softness of gummy candies. This combination balances the sweetness and adds nutritional value with healthy fats and proteins.
- Dark Chocolate Pieces Vegan dark chocolate can provide a rich, slightly bitter contrast to gummy candies’ sweet and fruity flavors, creating a sophisticated tasting experience.
- Mini Pretzels The salty crunch of mini pretzels pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of gummy candies, offering a satisfying savory and sweet combination.
- Popcorn Air-popped popcorn, lightly seasoned with sea salt or nutritional yeast, makes a great light and crunchy corn syrup that complements the denser texture of gummy candies.
- Vegan Yogurt Parfait Layer vegan yogurt with granola and top with a few vegan gummy candies for a delightful dessert or snack that combines creamy, crunchy, and chewy texture.
How To Serve?
- As a Sweet Treat: Enjoy these vegan gummy candies as delightful sweet vegan fruit snacks anytime during the day.
- Party Platter Addition: Serve these colorful vegan gummies on a platter alongside other desserts at your next gathering or party.
- Kid-Friendly Snack: Kids will love these vegan gummy candies as a fun and healthier alternative to store-bought options.
- Dessert Toppings: Use these vegan gummies as colorful toppings for cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream sundaes.
- Gifts and Party Favors: Package these homemade vegan gummy candies in decorative bags or boxes to give as thoughtful gifts or party favors for special occasions.
Quick Tip: For a fruity indulgence, use ripe, mashed bananas in your Vegan Gummy Candy recipe to enhance sweetness naturally.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Room Temperature: Vegan gummy candies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the gummies in an airtight container. When kept chilled, they can last for 2-3 weeks.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the gummies upon thawing.
- Batch Making: Prepare multiple batches of gummies in different flavors. This variety allows you to enjoy different tastes over time and makes for a great treat for any occasion.
- Prep for Events: If you’re making these for a party or event, you can prepare them a few days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until the event day to keep them fresh.
- Storing in Layers: If you need to stack the gummies in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Fun Fact: The world’s largest gummy bear weighed 5.5 pounds, equivalent to over 1,400 regular-sized vegetarian gummy bears—now that’s a sweet record!
Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-measure Ingredients: Have all your ingredients measured and ready before cooking. This reduces preparation time.
- Use a Liquid Measuring Cup for Pouring: Pour the mixture into the molds using a liquid measuring cup with a spout to speed up the process and minimize spills.
- Invest in Multiple Molds: If you plan to make large batches, having several molds on hand means pouring all your mixture at once rather than waiting to reuse a single mold.
- Boil and Simmer Efficiently: Pay close attention during the boiling phase to prevent overcooking, which can affect the setting time and texture.
- Chill in the Freezer: If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the candies in the freezer to set them up quicker. Just be sure to monitor closely to avoid freezing.
- Simple Cleanup: Line your work area with wax paper for easy cleanup. If the mixture spills, it hardens and lifts right off.
- Batch Prepare: Make multiple flavors in one cooking session. While one flavor sets, you can start on the next, saving time in the long run.
Vegan Gummy Candy Recipe
Equipment
- Gummy Candy Molds
- Dropper or Pipette
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Parchment Paper
- Airtight Storage Containers
- Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fruit Juice Or Any Liquid Of Choice
- 2 teaspoons Agar Agar Powder Not Flakes
- 2-3 tablespoons Sweetener white sugar/Maple Syrup/Agave Syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Your Mold: Place your gummy candy mold on a large plate. This will make it easier to move once filled.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add your choice of juice, sweetener, and Agar Agar Powder. Mix these ingredients gently.
- Heat The Mixture: Turn on the stove to medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. It should take about 5 minutes to start boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Boil For 1 Minute: Let the mixture boil for exactly 1 minute. This step ensures that the Agar Agar fully dissolves and the sweetener is well incorporated.
- Cool The Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool down for about 5-10 minutes. Transferring the mixture to another bowl can help it cool down faster. Ensure it's not too hot to prevent damage to the mold or too cool that it begins to set.
- Fill The Mold: Use the dropper with your gummy mold to carefully fill each cavity. Fill them up to the top to ensure even-sized candies.
- Chill To Set: Move the plate with the filled mold into the fridge. Let the candies harden for 10-20 minutes. The setting time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your candies and the coldness of your fridge.
- Unmold: Once set, remove the mold from the fridge. Gently pop the gummy candies onto a plate or into a storage container.
- Repeat For More Flavors: If you're making multiple flavors, simply wash the mold and repeat the process with your next batch of apple juice or orange juice and sweetener mix.
Notes
- Agar Agar Consistency: Agar Agar powder is crucial for the right gummy texture. Due to varying gelling strengths, flakes or other forms might not yield the same results.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your mixture before boiling to adjust the sweetness. Different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness, so start with less and add more if needed.
- Cooling Time Importance: Allowing the mixture to cool slightly before pouring is key. Too hot, and it could affect the mold; too cool, and it might start setting before you’ve filled the molds.
- Mold Options: Don’t limit yourself to traditional bear shapes. There are countless mold designs available, perfect for customizing candies for holidays, birthdays, or themed parties.
- Healthier Choices: Opting for 100% fruit juice without granulated sugar can enhance your gummies’ nutritional value and natural flavors.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider incorporating small pieces of fresh fruit or edible flowers into the molds before pouring the mixture for an added visual appeal and texture.
Nutrition Table
Frequently Asked Question
Can I Use Fruit Puree Instead Of Juice?
Yes, fruit puree can be used for a richer flavor and texture. However, it may result in cloudier candies and a slightly different consistency. Adjust the amount of agar agar as purees are thicker than juice.
How Long Do Vegan Gummy Candies Last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, they can last up to 2 weeks. They may last even longer in the refrigerator, up to a month, but check for freshness.
Can I Make These Without A Mold?
Absolutely. You can pour the mixture into a shallow dish, let it set, and then cut it into shapes with a knife or cookie cutter.
Why Are My Gummy Candies Not Setting Properly?
This could be due to the need for more agar agar or the mixture was not boiling long enough to activate the gelling properties. Ensure you measure accurately and boil for at least 1 minute.
Can I Add Vitamins Or Supplements To My Gummy Candies?
Yes, you can add powdered vitamins or supplements to the mixture. However, heat can degrade some nutrients, so add them after you’ve removed the mixture from the heat and it has cooled slightly.
