Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These homemade cinnamon gummy bears are the perfect answer. Forget store-bought gummy candies loaded with artificial ingredients; this recipe lets you control the sweetness and create a healthier, more flavorful snack the whole family will adore. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dessert or a fun weekend project. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- ¼ cup (60ml) light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons (10g) unflavored gelatin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Silicone gummy bear mold (You can also use other small molds)
Instructions:
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes to bloom, allowing it to fully absorb the water. This is a crucial step for ensuring your gummy bears set properly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Add Gelatin and Flavorings
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the sugar mixture and stir until completely dissolved. Stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
Step 4: Pour into Molds
Carefully pour the mixture into your silicone gummy bear molds. If you don’t have a mold, you can pour it into a shallow dish and cut it into squares once set.
Step 5: Set the Gummy Bears
Refrigerate the molds for at least 2-3 hours, or until the gummy bears are completely set and firm.
Step 6: Release and Enjoy!
Once set, gently remove the gummy bears from the molds. These delicious cinnamon gummy bears are now ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Gummy Bears:
- Don't rush the gelatin blooming: Allowing the gelatin to fully absorb the water is essential for achieving the right texture.
- Stir constantly: Prevent sugar crystallization by stirring the sugar syrup continuously while it's heating.
- Use a thermometer (optional): For precise results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar syrup reaches the right temperature (around 240°F or 115°C). However, this recipe is designed to be easy and doesn't strictly require one.
- Lightly grease your molds (optional): This can make removing the gummy bears even easier.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a zesty twist.
- Spiced Delight: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
- Fruity Fun: Incorporate pureed fruits like strawberry or raspberry for a vibrant color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per gummy bear, approximate):
- Calories: Around 20-25
- Sugar: Around 5g
This delicious and easy recipe offers a fun and rewarding homemade cooking experience. These cinnamon gummy bears are a perfect healthy treat – far healthier than store-bought options, allowing you to enjoy a sweet indulgence without the guilt. They're great for parties, snacks, or simply satisfying that sweet craving. Perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion, these gummy bears are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to share your creations and tag us! We'd love to see your delicious homemade gummy bears.