Homemade Fruit Gummies: Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe With Real Fruit

These homemade fruit gummies are colorful, fruity, and surprisingly simple to make. You only need three ingredients: fresh fruit purée, water, and agar agar.

There’s no gelatin and no complicated candy-making technique. Simply blend your favorite fruit, briefly cook it with the agar mixture, pour everything into molds, and let the gummies set.

They're a fun homemade snack for kids and adults alike, and you can change the flavor every time by using different fruits.

What Are Homemade Fruit Gummies?

Traditional gummy candies generally get their characteristic chewy texture from gelatin. These homemade gummies take a different approach by using agar agar, a plant-derived gelling ingredient.

Agar sets more firmly than gelatin and creates a different texture, so these shouldn't be expected to have exactly the same stretchy chew as store-bought gummy bears. Instead, they have a tender but firm, jelly-like bite.

Using fresh fruit purée rather than artificial flavoring also means the exact color, sweetness, and consistency will vary depending on the fruit you choose.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

Three ingredients and almost endless flavor combinations make these fruit gummies worth trying.

• Made with real fruit
• Only 3 ingredients
• Gelatin-free
• No candy thermometer required
• Naturally colorful
• Easy to customize
• Fun for kids
• Quick preparation

Strawberry today, mango tomorrow. You can experiment with whatever fruit you have on hand.

Tips for the Best Homemade Fruit Gummies

• Blend the fruit thoroughly for a smooth purée.
• Strain fruits with lots of seeds if you want smoother gummies.
• Measure the agar agar carefully because small differences can affect the texture.
• Whisk the agar into the water before heating to minimize lumps.
• Make sure the agar mixture comes to a simmer so it activates properly.
• Work quickly when transferring the mixture to the molds because agar begins setting as it cools.
• Silicone candy molds make the gummies particularly easy to remove.
• Taste your fruit first.
• If it's very tart, you may want to add a little sweetener.
• Remember that agar gummies are firmer and less elastic than gelatin gummies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Fruit Is Best for Homemade Gummies?

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mango, peaches, and other easily puréed fruits are good options. Different fruits contain different amounts of water, so the finished consistency may vary slightly.

Are These Gummies Made Without Gelatin?

Yes. This recipe uses agar agar instead of gelatin.

Do Agar Gummies Taste Like Regular Gummy Bears?

Not exactly. Gelatin creates the stretchy, chewy consistency associated with commercial gummies, while agar produces a firmer, cleaner bite that's closer to fruit jelly.

Can I Make These Gummies Sweeter?

Yes. If the fruit isn't naturally sweet enough, add honey, maple syrup, agave, or your preferred sweetener to taste.

Why Didn't My Gummies Set?

The agar may not have been properly activated. It needs to be heated according to the package directions and simmered before the mixture is poured into molds.

How Long Do Homemade Gummies Take to Set?

Agar begins setting as it cools. The exact time depends on the size and shape of the molds, but allowing the gummies to cool completely before unmolding is important.

How to Store

Because these homemade gummies contain fresh fruit and no preservatives, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within a few days. Keep the gummies separated if necessary to prevent them from sticking together.

How to Freeze

Freezing these agar-based fruit gummies is not recommended. Freezing and thawing can alter the gel structure and cause the gummies to release water.

Fortunately, they're so quick to prepare that making a fresh batch is the best option.

How to make Homemade Fruit Gummies

Transfer the fruit to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Measure 150ml of fruit purée and set it aside. For an extra-smooth result, pass the purée through a fine-mesh strainer.

Pour the water into a small saucepan and add the agar agar. Whisk thoroughly to disperse it evenly and prevent lumps.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, whisking frequently so the agar agar dissolves and activates properly.

Add the fruit purée and stir continuously for about 1 minute, keeping the mixture hot.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour the fruit mixture into small silicone gummy or candy molds. Work quickly, as agar begins to firm up as the temperature drops.

Let the gummies cool completely until firm.

Once set, gently pop the homemade fruit gummies out of their molds and serve, or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.