Gummy bears have long been a beloved treat, loved by kids and adults alike for their chewy texture and sweet flavor. However, commercial gummy bears often come loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and excessive sugars. What if you could enjoy gummy bears that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer health benefits?
Enter Dandelion & Honey Gummy Bears — a homemade, all-natural version of the classic treat made with healing dandelion flowers and nutrient-rich honey. These gummy bears are more than just cute and tasty; they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and a touch of earthiness from wild dandelions.
Making your own gummy bears is simpler than you think, and it gives you full control over the ingredients. Whether you’re making them for your kids, as a fun party snack, or just to treat yourself, these Dandelion & Honey Gummy Bears are bound to impress. Let’s dive into the full process!
Ingredients:
-
1 cup fresh dandelion flowers (unsprayed, organic)
-
1 ½ cups water
-
½ cup raw honey
-
3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
-
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
-
Silicone gummy bear molds
Preparation:
Step 1: Harvesting and Preparing Dandelions
-
Pick fresh, fully-bloomed dandelion flowers from a clean, chemical-free area.
-
Rinse them gently to remove any dirt or tiny insects.
-
Separate the yellow petals from the green parts, as the green can add a bitter taste.
Step 2: Make Dandelion Tea
-
In a small saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups water to a boil.
-
Add the dandelion petals, turn off the heat, and cover the pot.
-
Let the petals steep for about 15-20 minutes to extract their nutrients and flavor.
-
Strain the petals out using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, keeping the golden dandelion tea.
Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture
-
Pour 1 cup of warm dandelion tea into a clean saucepan.
-
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of gelatin over the liquid and let it bloom (sit and absorb) for about 5 minutes without stirring.
-
Once bloomed, gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until fully dissolved.
-
Do not boil, as this can damage the gelatin’s setting properties.
Step 4: Add Honey and Flavorings
-
Remove from heat and stir in the ½ cup raw honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and vanilla extract if using.
-
Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Pour into Molds
-
Using a dropper or small spoon, carefully pour the mixture into your gummy bear molds.
-
Place the filled molds in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set.
-
Once set, gently pop the gummy bears out of the molds and enjoy!
Variation
-
Citrus Boost: Add a bit of orange or lime zest to the mixture for a citrusy zing.
-
Herbal Gummy Bears: Steep the dandelions with other edible flowers like chamomile or lavender for more complex flavors.
-
Vegan Option: Substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder (adjust amounts accordingly) for a vegan-friendly version.
-
Extra Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter gummies, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or coconut sugar along with the honey.
-
Fruit Fusion: Blend a few tablespoons of fruit puree (like strawberry or blueberry) into the gelatin mixture for colorful fruity bears.
COOKING Note:
-
When working with gelatin, low heat is crucial to avoid losing its setting power.
-
Fresh honey is preferable over processed honey because heating it too much destroys its beneficial enzymes.
-
Always taste the mixture before setting it — if it’s too mild, you can add a bit more honey or lemon juice.
-
A small funnel or a gummy bear dropper makes filling molds much easier and less messy.
Serving Suggestions:
-
Pack them in kids’ lunchboxes for a fun surprise.
-
Offer them as a natural candy alternative at parties.
-
Use them as cake or cupcake toppers for a floral-themed dessert.
-
Store a small jar of them in the fridge for an easy, healthy snack on-the-go.
-
Pair them with a cup of herbal tea for a soothing afternoon treat.
Tips:
-
If you don’t have gummy bear molds, use any silicone candy molds or even pour the mixture into a small dish and cut into squares.
-
Don’t overboil the tea — you want to keep the dandelions’ delicate flavor.
-
Keep the gummies refrigerated for best texture and freshness.
-
These gummies last about 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge.
-
Use organic or wildcrafted dandelions to avoid pesticide exposure.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes (plus 2-3 hours chilling time)
Total Time:
About 3 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving – about 5 gummy bears):
-
Calories: 35
-
Protein: 2g
-
Sodium: 5mg
-
Carbohydrates: 8g
-
Sugar: 7g
-
Fat: 0g
FAQs
Q: Are dandelion flowers safe to eat?
A: Yes, dandelions are completely edible and packed with nutrients, but make sure they are harvested from pesticide-free areas.
Q: Can I use dried dandelion flowers?
A: You can, but fresh dandelion flowers give a better flavor and more vibrant color. If using dried, cut the quantity in half.
Q: How long do homemade gummy bears last?
A: When stored properly in the fridge, they stay fresh for about 5–7 days.
Q: Can I add other supplements or vitamins?
A: Absolutely! You can mix in powdered vitamin C, elderberry syrup, or other herbal extracts to boost their nutritional value.
Q: What if my gummies don’t set?
A: Ensure you used the right amount of gelatin and allowed proper chilling time. If still soft, you can remelt the batch and add a little more gelatin.
Conclusion
Making Dandelion & Honey Gummy Bears at home is a rewarding experience that combines creativity, nutrition, and fun. These little gummies are not only a healthy alternative to commercial candy but also a way to celebrate the nourishing gifts of nature. By using wild dandelions and pure honey, you create a treat that’s both delicious and packed with goodness.
Whether you’re enjoying them yourself, sharing them with loved ones, or gifting them at a party, these charming gummy bears are sure to bring smiles all around. Give this recipe a try — once you experience the pure flavors and health benefits, you’ll never go back to store-bought gummy bears again!
Print
Dandelion & Honey Gummy Bears
- Total Time: About 3 hours 30 minutes
Description
Gummy bears have long been a beloved treat, loved by kids and adults alike for their chewy texture and sweet flavor. However, commercial gummy bears often come loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and excessive sugars. What if you could enjoy gummy bears that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer health benefits?
Ingredients
-
1 cup fresh dandelion flowers (unsprayed, organic)
-
1 ½ cups water
-
½ cup raw honey
-
3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
-
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
-
Silicone gummy bear molds
Instructions
Step 1: Harvesting and Preparing Dandelions
-
Pick fresh, fully-bloomed dandelion flowers from a clean, chemical-free area.
-
Rinse them gently to remove any dirt or tiny insects.
-
Separate the yellow petals from the green parts, as the green can add a bitter taste.
Step 2: Make Dandelion Tea
-
In a small saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups water to a boil.
-
Add the dandelion petals, turn off the heat, and cover the pot.
-
Let the petals steep for about 15-20 minutes to extract their nutrients and flavor.
-
Strain the petals out using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, keeping the golden dandelion tea.
Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture
-
Pour 1 cup of warm dandelion tea into a clean saucepan.
-
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of gelatin over the liquid and let it bloom (sit and absorb) for about 5 minutes without stirring.
-
Once bloomed, gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until fully dissolved.
-
Do not boil, as this can damage the gelatin’s setting properties.
Step 4: Add Honey and Flavorings
-
Remove from heat and stir in the ½ cup raw honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and vanilla extract if using.
-
Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Pour into Molds
-
Using a dropper or small spoon, carefully pour the mixture into your gummy bear molds.
-
Place the filled molds in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set.
-
Once set, gently pop the gummy bears out of the molds and enjoy!
Notes
-
When working with gelatin, low heat is crucial to avoid losing its setting power.
-
Fresh honey is preferable over processed honey because heating it too much destroys its beneficial enzymes.
-
Always taste the mixture before setting it — if it’s too mild, you can add a bit more honey or lemon juice.
-
A small funnel or a gummy bear dropper makes filling molds much easier and less messy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (plus 2-3 hours chilling time)