Description
These homemade elderberry gummies are a fun, chewy alternative to traditional syrup, packed with immune-supporting elderberries and honey. Perfect for cold season, they’re easy to make and a hit with picky eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups water
- ¼ cup raw honey (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- Optional: 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional: a few whole cloves
Instructions
- Make the Elderberry Concentrate: In a medium saucepan, combine dried elderberries and 3 cups water. Add optional ginger, cinnamon, or cloves if using. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
- Strain the Berries: Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the mixture through, pressing on berries to extract liquid. Discard berries. You should have about 1½ cups concentrated liquid. Let cool 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Bloom the Gelatin: Pour ½ cup of the warm elderberry liquid into a small bowl. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Let sit for 5-10 minutes without stirring until it becomes a thick, jiggly mass.
- Combine and Warm: Pour remaining elderberry liquid back into the saucepan. Add honey and lemon juice. Warm over low heat, stirring gently, until honey dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
- Add the Bloomed Gelatin: Add bloomed gelatin to the warm liquid. Whisk constantly until completely dissolved and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour into Molds: Place silicone molds on a baking sheet. Using a dropper or small spouted pitcher, carefully fill molds almost to the top. Work quickly as mixture will start to set.
- Set the Gummies: Transfer baking sheet to refrigerator. Chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm and springy. Overnight is best.
- Pop Them Out: Gently press on the back of silicone molds to release gummies. If they stick, place in freezer for 5 minutes to loosen.
Notes
Do not overheat gelatin; keep heat low. Test a small amount on a plate in the fridge to ensure set before pouring all. Work in batches to keep mixture liquid. Use a dropper for clean lines. If gummies are sticky, let air dry on parchment paper. Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2-3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 gummies
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 2
Keywords: elderberry gummies, homemade gummies, immune support, cold season, elderberry recipe, gelatin gummies, natural remedy