The Easiest Homemade Elderberry Gummies (Kid-Approved!)
Imagine being able to offer your family a delicious, chewy, fun-to-eat gummy that you can feel absolutely amazing about giving them. A little treat that’s not only free from junk but is also packed with powerful, immune-supporting goodness. This, my friends, is not a dream; it is the pure, simple magic of these incredible Homemade…
Imagine being able to offer your family a delicious, chewy, fun-to-eat gummy that you can feel absolutely amazing about giving them. A little treat that’s not only free from junk but is also packed with powerful, immune-supporting goodness. This, my friends, is not a dream; it is the pure, simple magic of these incredible Homemade Elderberry Gummies.
Here’s the thing about cold and flu season: I’m always looking for natural ways to support my family’s wellness, but it can feel like an uphill battle. My kitchen cabinet used to be a graveyard of half-used bottles of syrups my kids would dramatically run from. This recipe was my “aha!” moment. It transformed our daily wellness routine from a chore into a treat that my kids genuinely get excited about.
I promise you, this is the easiest and most rewarding “health hack” you will ever try. These gummies come together on the stovetop in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. You are in complete control—no weird fillers, no high-fructose corn syrup, just pure, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.
Get ready to master a simple, no-fuss recipe for a healthy, homemade gummy that will become your secret weapon for a happy and healthy season.
Why These Are Your New Secret Weapon for Wellness!
You are going to be so thrilled with how easy these are to make. They’ve become an absolute staple in our fridge, and here’s why you’ll love them too:
- A Fun Way to Boost Wellness: Let’s be honest, everyone (especially kids!) is more excited to eat a fun gummy bear than to take a spoonful of syrup. This makes your routine so much easier!
- Super Easy & Fast: This is a simple stovetop recipe that takes about 10 minutes of active time. No oven, no complicated steps, just stir, pour, and chill.
- Minimal, Wholesome Ingredients: You only need 3 main ingredients! You are in complete control of what goes into them, with no artificial junk.
- Packed with Goodness: These gummies are loaded with the renowned benefits of elderberry syrup and gut-loving, grass-fed gelatin.
- Completely Customizable: You can use fun silicone molds, add other wellness boosters, and make them a perfect part of your family’s routine.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 5 minutes |
| Servings | 30-40 small gummies |
| Calories | Varies by syrup |
| Course | Snack, Supplement |
| Cuisine | American / Health & Wellness |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Stovetop |
Your Shopping List for These Nourishing Gummies
This recipe uses a handful of simple, powerful ingredients. Quality is key here for the best benefits!
- 1 Cup Elderberry Syrup → The star of the show! Use a high-quality, store-bought syrup or your own homemade version.
- 1/4 Cup Unflavored Gelatin → This is what gives them that perfect gummy texture and is fantastic for gut health. Look for a quality, grass-fed beef gelatin.
- 1/2 Cup Hot Water → Not boiling, just hot from the tap or a kettle.
- Coconut oil → Just a tiny bit for greasing your molds to ensure the gummies pop out perfectly.
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Quick & Easy Guide
Ready to make the easiest, healthiest “candy” ever? This process is so fast and satisfying.
Part 1: The Blooming & Mixing
- Prep Your Molds: First, lightly grease your silicone molds or a small glass pan with a little bit of coconut oil. If you’re using molds, I highly recommend placing them on a small baking sheet or tray—this will make transferring them to the fridge so much easier and less messy!
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small glass bowl or measuring cup, pour in 1/2 cup of your elderberry syrup. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the entire surface. Don’t stir! Let it sit for a few minutes to “bloom.” You’ll see it absorb the liquid and get a wrinkly, applesauce-like texture. This step is crucial!
- Dissolve and Combine: Add the 1/2 cup of hot (but not boiling) water to the bloomed mixture and whisk everything together until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour in the rest of your elderberry syrup and give it one final whisk.
Part 2: Pour, Chill, and Enjoy!
- Pour and Chill: Carefully pour the liquid mixture into your prepared silicone molds or the glass dish.
- Let Them Set: Place the molds in the fridge and let the gummies set for at least 2 hours, or until they are completely firm to the touch.
- Pop and Store!: Once they’re set, just pop the gummies out of the molds (or slice them into cubes if you used a dish). Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy your delicious, healthy treat!
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Gummies
These are super simple, but a few pro tips will make them absolutely flawless every time.
- Blooming is Non-Negotiable. You must let the gelatin bloom on a cool or room temperature liquid first. Sprinkling it over the surface and letting it sit allows it to absorb the liquid evenly, which is the secret to a perfectly smooth, non-clumpy gummy.
- Use Hot, Not Boiling, Water. While the gelatin needs warmth to dissolve, boiling water can damage its gelling power and potentially diminish some of the benefits of the elderberry syrup. Hot water from a kettle or even very hot tap water is perfect.
- The Tray Trick is a Lifesaver. I’m saying it again because it’s that important! Flexible silicone molds are impossible to carry to the fridge once they’re full of liquid. Always place them on a small, sturdy tray or baking sheet before you fill them.
- Use a Dropper for Small Molds. If you’re using tiny gummy bear molds, a liquid dropper or a small kitchen syringe is a game-changer for filling them cleanly without a sticky mess.
- Choose a Great Elderberry Syrup. Since the syrup is the main ingredient, its flavor will shine through. Use a brand you love the taste of, or make your own!
Creative Twists: Delicious Ways to Customize Your Gummies
This recipe is a wonderful base for your own wellness creations! Here are some fun ideas:
- Add Vitamin C Powder: For an extra immune-supporting punch, you can whisk in a teaspoon of a non-sour Vitamin C powder (like calcium ascorbate) with the hot water until it dissolves.
- Make it Vegan: Swap the beef gelatin for an equal amount of agar-agar powder. You will need to bring the mixture to a boil for a minute on the stove to activate the agar-agar. The final texture will be a bit firmer than gelatin gummies.
- Add Probiotics: After the mixture has cooled slightly (to just warm, not hot), you can whisk in the contents of a few probiotic capsules.
- Ginger & Honey Twist: Add a tablespoon of raw honey and a 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the mixture with the final portion of the syrup for extra warming, soothing properties. (Note: Honey is not safe for children under 1).
- Use a Different Liquid: You can replace the hot water with a hot, herbal tea like chamomile or ginger tea for added benefits.
- Make “Sour” Gummies: After the gummies are set, toss them in a mixture of a granulated sweetener (like monk fruit) and a little bit of citric acid for a healthy sour patch kid vibe.
Homemade Elderberry Gummies
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease your silicone molds or a small glass pan with coconut oil. Place molds on a tray for easy transfer.
- In a glass bowl, pour 1/2 cup of the elderberry syrup. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the top and let it sit for a few minutes to ‘bloom’.
- Add the 1/2 cup of hot water to the mixture and whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of elderberry syrup into the mixture and whisk to combine.
- Carefully pour the liquid mixture into your prepared molds.
- Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm.
- Pop the gummies out of the molds and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Notes
Keep Them Fresh! Storing Your Homemade Gummies
Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious homemade gummies perfect.
- Refrigerator: This is the best place for them. Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 weeks.
- A Note on Stickiness: Homemade gummies can sometimes get a little “sweaty” or sticky in the container. You can lightly toss them with a tiny bit of arrowroot starch or cornstarch before storing to prevent this, but I usually just store them as is!
- Freezing: These gummies freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They won’t freeze rock solid and make a wonderful, chewy, cold treat straight from the freezer.
FAQs: Your Elderberry Gummy Questions, Answered!
What kind of gelatin should I use?
For the best health benefits, I highly recommend using a high-quality, grass-fed beef gelatin. Brands like Vital Proteins (green container) or Great Lakes are fantastic. The collagen and amino acids in grass-fed gelatin are wonderful for supporting gut, skin, and joint health.
Help! My gummies are too soft and didn’t set properly.
This is usually caused by one of two things: either the gelatin-to-liquid ratio was off (make sure you use a full 1/4 cup of gelatin!), or the water you added was too hot (boiling), which can damage the gelatin’s ability to set. Also, ensure you give them the full 2 hours in the fridge to firm up completely.
Can I give these gummies to my kids?
Yes, they are fantastic for kids! However, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician regarding supplements like elderberry and appropriate serving sizes for your child’s age and weight. Also, if you choose to add honey, remember that it is not safe for children under one year old.
Can I use elderberry juice instead of syrup?
You could, but you would need to adjust the recipe significantly. Elderberry syrup is very sweet and concentrated. If you were to use elderberry juice, you would likely need to add a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and the final gummy might not have as potent of an elderberry concentration.
My Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Healthy Habit
These Homemade Elderberry Gummies are more than just a recipe; they are a fun, delicious, and empowering way to take an active role in your family’s wellness. They are a simple, joyful ritual that proves that sometimes, the most nourishing things can also be the most delightful. I hope you and your family absolutely love them!




