Get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistibly tangy Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies! Simple to make and bursting with fresh fruit flavor, these gummies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet and sour cravings. This recipe will have you feeling like a gourmet candy chef in no time, without needing any fancy equipment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Flavor: The combination of watermelon and lemon juice creates a mouthwatering tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh watermelon and honey, these gummies are free from artificial flavors and colors.
- Fun and Easy: This quick recipe is enjoyable to make; perfect for a weekend project with kids or a spontaneous sweet craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together these Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies requires just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays its part in achieving that chewy texture and lip-smacking tanginess that’s sure to impress.
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into chunks: This juicy fruit forms the base of your gummy mixture, providing that sweet and refreshing watermelon flavor.
- 5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder: Essential for creating the perfect gummy texture, this will help your treats hold their shape.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a zingy kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the watermelon.
- 1/4 cup honey (optional): Use it if your watermelon isn’t as sweet as you’d like. It adds a natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit flavors.
Variations
One of the joys of making Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies at home is the freedom to tweak the recipe as you see fit. Here are some playful variations to experiment with, allowing you to tailor these candies to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Berry Mix: Swap out some watermelon for raspberries or strawberries for a mixed berry delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder to the gelatin mixture for an unexpected and delightful spicy note.
How to Make Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies
Step 1: Blend
Add the fresh watermelon chunks to a blender and process until smooth. This is where the main flavor of your gummies starts to take shape, so make sure to blend until there are no more chunks left.
Step 2: Strain
Pour the blended watermelon through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup, ensuring you end up with about 2 cups of juice. This step removes the pulp, giving your gummies a smooth texture.
Step 3: Bloom
Take half of the watermelon juice and pour it into a saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the remaining juice in the measuring cup and let it sit until it absorbs the liquid, enhancing the gummy’s chewiness.
Step 4: Warm
Warm the watermelon juice in the saucepan over low heat. Once warm, add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until it fully dissolves. Stir in lemon juice and honey to taste.
Step 5: Chill
Pour the smooth mixture into molds or a baking dish and let them chill for at least 2 hours. Working alongside a fridge, patience will be rewarded with firm, luscious gummies.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies
- Gelatin Mastery: Blooming gelatin properly is crucial; ensure it’s fully absorbed in the juice before heating to prevent lumps.
- Precision in Straining: Straining the juice thoroughly removes pulp, resulting in a clear, smooth gummy texture without gritty bits.
- Flavor Balancing: Adjust the honey based on the natural sweetness of your watermelon to achieve the perfect tart-sweet ratio.
- Patience in Chilling: Allow adequate chilling time for the gummies to set; this patience pays off with a perfectly chewy texture.
How to Serve Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies
Garnishes
Try dusting your gummies with a light coating of citric acid and sugar for an extra sour punch that would make any candy store jealous.
Side Dishes
These gummies make a delightful addition to a fruit platter, adding a homemade charm to any spread. They pair wonderfully with a light summer salad for a refreshing dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these gummies in colorful cupcake liners for individual treats at parties, or arrange them in a spiral pattern on a white platter to let their vibrant colors shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you find them sweating, simply place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
These gummies can be frozen to enjoy later. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary, as these are best enjoyed cold. If they’ve firmed up too much, try letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can replace the honey with any sweetener of choice, like stevia or agave syrup, though this may slightly alter the texture and sweetness.
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What type of molds should I use?
Silicone molds are ideal, as they flex and allow for easy removal of the gummies once set. You can also use a flat pan and cut them into pieces.
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How can I make my gummies vegetarian?
Replace gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent. Note that agar-agar works differently, so follow package instructions for the correct conversion.
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Why are my gummies not setting?
Ensure your gelatin is fresh and not expired, and that it fully dissolves into the juice. Proper blooming and heating are crucial steps.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of sweet and sour, these Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies will absolutely hit the spot. They’re a fun, creative project in the kitchen and make for a delicious treat to share with loved ones—or enjoy all on your own! Give them a try and bring a little sunshine to your day with these refreshing and chewy delights!
Print
Homemade Sour Watermelon Gummies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (mostly for warming the juice and melting gelatin)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24+ gummies or slices
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Cook, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover how to make refreshing and fun homemade sour watermelon gummies with just a few simple ingredients. These vibrant, tangy treats are perfect for snacks, parties, or a bright addition to your dessert table, combining juicy watermelon flavor with a satisfying gel texture and a hint of lemon for sourness.
Ingredients
Watermelon
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into chunks
Gelatin
- 5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
Liquid
- 1/2 cup / 120 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, or preservative free bottled lemon juice
Sweetener (optional)
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml honey, optional, depending on the sweetness of the watermelon
Instructions
- BLEND: Add the fresh watermelon to a blender and process until smooth. This creates a juicy puree that will form the base of your gummies.
- STRAIN: Pour the blended watermelon through a fine mesh strainer into a Pyrex measuring cup or similar container. Discard any solids and skim off any foam from the top of the juice. You should have about 2 cups / 480 ml of clear watermelon juice.
- BLOOM: Pour half of the watermelon juice into a saucepan, leaving the other half in the measuring cup. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder evenly over the reserved juice and allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb and ‘bloom.’
- WARM: Warm the watermelon juice in the saucepan over low to medium heat. Do not boil. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm juice, whisking continuously until the gelatin is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Mix in the lemon juice and honey, if using, to enhance the tanginess and sweetness.
- CHILL: Pour the gelatin mixture into silicone molds or a shallow dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set. Once firm, remove from molds or cut into small cubes for individual gummies.
Notes
- You can replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan version.
- For a more sour flavor, increase the lemon juice slightly.
- Use silicone molds for easy removal and fun shapes.
- Handle with care when slicing the jelly to keep the shape intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gummy (approximate)
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: <1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
