DIY Gummy Bear Popsicles

Delicious 2-Ingredient Gummy Bear Popsicles: The Ultimate Allergy-Friendly & Fun Summer Treat!

This post is sponsored by Surf Sweets. All opinions are mine.

Get ready to transform your favorite nostalgic gummy bears into the most delightful and easy-to-make jelly popsicles! With just two simple ingredients, you can create a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly unique frozen treat that kids will adore. These aren’t just any popsicles; they boast a softer, chewier texture than traditional juice pops, making them less messy and more enjoyable, especially for little ones. Best of all, using high-quality gummy bears like Surf Sweets means these pops are naturally gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut, and tree nut free, organic, and top-8-allergen-free, ensuring a safe and delicious snack for everyone.

How to make delicious 2-ingredient gummy bear popsicles for a fun summer treat

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Embracing the Nostalgia: Why Gummy Bears Are Perfect for Popsicles

Who can resist the chewy charm of gummy bears? They’re a beloved classic, an essential road trip companion, and for many, an irresistible treat that’s hard to put down. Their vibrant colors and distinct fruity flavors evoke a sense of childlike wonder and joy, making them an ideal candidate for creative kitchen experiments. This summer, my kids were constantly asking for homemade popsicles. Being in my third trimester, finding the energy for elaborate recipes was a challenge, but I was determined to deliver on their request for a cool, refreshing snack.

The solution arrived in the form of a wonderful shipment from Surf Sweets, brimming with their delightful organic gummy bears. This was the perfect opportunity to combine my kids’ craving for popsicles with the fun, vibrant world of gummies. We’ve all seen the viral videos of people melting massive quantities of gummy bears into giant molds, which confirmed one thing: gummies are incredibly versatile and can be easily repurposed. My goal, however, wasn’t just to make a giant gummy. I wanted to create a frozen treat that would retain its juiciness and delicious gummy texture, offering a unique twist on the classic popsicle. The challenge was finding the ideal balance – enough liquid to freeze properly, yet enough gummy to maintain its signature chewiness, all while preserving the wonderful flavors and colors. After some delightful experimentation, I found it!

Melted gummy bear mixture ready for popsicle molds

The Secret to Success: Our Perfect Gummy Bear Popsicle Ratio

Through trial and error, I discovered the magical ratio for creating perfectly textured gummy bear popsicles. For a batch of four standard-sized popsicles, you’ll want to melt approximately 48 gummy bears with 1 and 1/2 cups of organic apple juice. This combination yields a consistency that freezes beautifully, resulting in a popsicle that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. The apple juice helps to break down the gelatin just enough to allow for a smooth freeze and a pleasant, melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the gummies provide that distinctive, satisfying chew.

This ratio is an excellent starting point, but feel free to experiment to suit your preferences. If you desire an even softer, juicier pop, you could add a touch more apple juice. For a firmer, more intensely gummy texture, slightly reduce the liquid. We absolutely loved the initial ratio, and I recommend you start there, taste the delicious results, and then adjust future batches if you wish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and simplicity!

Surf Sweets gummy bears and organic apple juice for allergy-friendly popsicles

Creative Choices: Ombre Layers or Mixed-Up Fun?

One of the most exciting aspects of making these gummy bear popsicles is the visual appeal. Do you have to use all the same color of gummy bears? Absolutely not! While I personally have a soft spot for the elegant gradient of ombre, and often separate my gummy bears by color to create stunning layered pops, it’s entirely up to you. For my ombre creations, I divided the gummies into yellow, orange, and red, melting and freezing each color individually. The result, as you can see in the images, is a truly beautiful and eye-catching treat that adds an extra layer of fun to the experience.

Creating ombre pops does require a bit more time and patience. Melting each color only takes a minute or two, but waiting for each layer to set sufficiently before pouring the next can take anywhere from 1-2 hours in a deep freezer. However, the visual reward is often worth the wait! If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, you can easily combine multiple colors of gummy bears and the apple juice all at once. Simply melt them together, pour into your molds, and freeze. The resulting multi-colored popsicle will be just as delicious, and as anyone who enjoys gummy bears knows, the blend of flavors is always a delightful experience!

Close-up of a colorful Surf Sweets gummy popsicle

The Gummy Pop Difference: A Softer, Less Messy Treat

You might be wondering, “Do these gummy bear popsicles melt?” The answer is yes, they do! Thanks to the organic apple juice, the gelatin in the gummy bears is sufficiently broken down, allowing the pops to melt just like traditional popsicles. However, this is where the unique magic happens. These aren’t just frozen blocks of juice; they offer a truly distinct gummy texture as they melt. You’ll notice in the pictures that they retain their shape remarkably well, creating a jelly-like consistency that is genuinely preferable, especially for younger children.

Traditional juice pops often turn into hard bricks of ice that can be difficult to bite into and tend to drip a lot, leading to sticky messes. Our gummy pops, however, maintain a softer, more pliable texture, making them much easier and more enjoyable to eat. My son, with his sensitive teeth, much preferred biting into the softer gummy pop compared to a standard juice pop. This means less mess, happier kids, and a significant “MOM WIN!” The gummy element helps the popsicle hold its form longer, reducing drips and providing a delightful, chewy experience from the first lick to the last.

Homemade gummy bear popsicles showing their unique soft texture

Gather Your Essentials: Tools for Gummy Pop Success

Making these delicious gummy pops is incredibly simple and requires only a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • Surf Sweets Gummy Bears: The star ingredient! Ensure you use a quality brand like Surf Sweets for allergy-friendly and organic options.
  • Organic Apple Juice: Provides the liquid base and natural sweetness without artificial additives.
  • Small Saucepan: Ideal for gently melting the gummy bears and juice together over heat.
  • 1/2 Cup Measuring Cup: For accurately measuring the apple juice, crucial for the perfect consistency.
  • Popsicle Mold: A good quality mold will make unmolding easier and ensure uniform popsicles.
  • Craft Sticks for the Popsicle Mold: Essential for holding your frozen treats. Some molds come with reusable sticks, or you can use traditional wooden ones.
  • Freezer Space: Crucial for allowing your popsicles to set properly.
  • Heat-Resistant Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring and ensuring the gummy bears melt smoothly without sticking to the pan.

More Allergy-Friendly Summer Treats to Explore

Once you’ve mastered the art of gummy bear popsicles, you might be looking for other cool and delicious allergy-friendly treats to beat the summer heat. Here are some fantastic no-bake or cooling recipes that are safe for common allergies and dietary restrictions:

  • No-Churn Vegan Chocolate Banana Homemade Ice Cream: A creamy, dairy-free delight that requires no ice cream maker.
  • Streusel Stuffed Peaches Topped with Dairy-Free Ice Cream: A naturally sweet and refreshing dessert perfect for peach season.
  • Allergy-Friendly Brownie Sundae Cups: Individual serving cups packed with delicious brownie and “ice cream” goodness.
  • Allergy-Friendly No-Bake Strawberry Jello Pie: A light, fruity, and incredibly easy pie that’s perfect for warm weather.
  • Allergy-Friendly No-Bake Triple Chocolate Pie: Indulge in rich chocolate without turning on the oven, suitable for various dietary needs.

Why Surf Sweets Candies Are a Game-Changer for Food Allergies

Choosing the right ingredients is paramount, especially when dealing with food allergies and dietary restrictions. This is precisely why Surf Sweets are my go-to for recipes like these gummy bear popsicles. Their commitment to safety and quality is truly exceptional:

  • No Artificial Colors: You won’t find any synthetic dyes here, only colors derived from natural sources.
  • No Artificial Sweeteners: Sweetness comes from organic ingredients, not artificial substitutes.
  • Organic: All Surf Sweets products are made with organic ingredients, ensuring a cleaner, purer treat.
  • Dedicated Facility Free of the Top 10 Allergens: This is a massive relief for families managing severe food allergies. Their manufacturing facility is strictly free from the most common allergens, minimizing cross-contamination risks.

Beyond gummy bears, be sure to explore Surf Sweets’ extensive range of other allergy-friendly candies. (And keep reading below for a super fun summer craft using their jelly beans!) Personally, I highly recommend trying their watermelon rings – they are absolutely delicious and one of my favorites!

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! BE SURE TO ALSO CHECK OUT MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS!!!

Pin this recipe for homemade gummy bear popsicles - 2 ingredient allergy-friendly summer treat

Homemade Gummy Bear Popsicles

How to Make Popsicles Out of Gummy Bears

Yield:
4 popsicles
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes

Take the delicious flavor of gummy bears and learn how to turn them into the most delicious jelly popsicles with only 2 ingredients! Kids will love the colors and taste, and moms will love that they are softer than plain juice pops. Naturally gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut, tree nut free, organic and top-8-free!

Ingredients

  • Surf Sweets Gummy Bears
  • Organic Apple Juice

Instructions

OMBRE LAYERED POPSICLE INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Separate gummy bears by color. (I recommend using three distinct colors like yellow, orange, and red for a vibrant gradient.)
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, place 16 gummy bears of your first chosen color and 1/2 cup of organic apple juice.
  3. Stir frequently with a silicone or heat-proof spatula until the gummy bears are completely melted and smoothly combined with the apple juice. This usually takes just a couple of minutes.
  4. Carefully pour an equal amount of this melted mixture into each of the four popsicle molds, creating your first layer. Rinse the saucepan out thoroughly.
  5. Place the top on the molds and insert the wooden popsicle sticks into each slot.
  6. Transfer the mold to a freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the first layer has sufficiently set and is firm to the touch.
  7. Once the first layer is firm, select your next color of gummy bears. Place 16 of these gummy bears into the clean small saucepan along with another 1/2 cup of apple juice. Stir and melt just as you did before, until everything is fully incorporated.
  8. Carefully divide and pour this second color mixture onto the top of the already set first layer in each popsicle mold. Rinse the saucepan again.
  9. Place the lid back on the mold and return it to the freezer for another 1-2 hours to allow the second layer to set up.
  10. When the second layer is firm, take your third and final color of gummy bears. Place 16 of them in the small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of apple juice, and stir and melt until fully incorporated.
  11. Carefully pour this final color on top of the two set layers in your popsicle molds, being mindful not to overfill them.
  12. Return the popsicle mold to the freezer for the final set, which will take 1-2 hours (this can vary depending on the temperature of your freezer).
  13. When you’re ready to enjoy these beautiful treats, run hot water over the popsicle mold for a few seconds to gently loosen them. This will make it easy to pull them out. Serve immediately and enjoy!

ONE COLOR / MIXED COLOR POPSICLE INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place 48 gummy bears (you can use all of one color, or a mix of various colors for a fun, multi-hued effect) in a small saucepan. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of organic apple juice to the pan.
  2. Melt the gummy bears and apple juice together over medium-high heat, stirring frequently with a heat-safe silicone spatula. Continue stirring until all the gummy bears have completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  3. Carefully pour the melted gummy mixture into your popsicle molds, taking care not to overfill them. Insert the wooden popsicle sticks securely into the center of each filled mold.
  4. Place the filled popsicle molds in the freezer for 3-4 hours, or until they are completely set and firm. The exact freezing time may vary depending on the temperature of your freezer.
  5. Once fully frozen and you’re ready to serve, quickly run hot water over the popsicle mold. This will help to loosen the popsicles, making them easy to pull out. Serve immediately and savor this delightful, chewy treat!

Notes

Refer to the “Gather Your Essentials: Tools for Gummy Pop Success” section above for detailed recommendations on the tools I use to make these popsicles!

BONUS: Engaging Summer Food Craft with Jelly Beans!

Ah, summer! It’s a season that’s equally wonderful and, let’s be honest, equally challenging for parents. While I cherish having my children home all day, keeping those energetic little minds entertained can sometimes feel like a marathon. Throughout the summer months, two phrases become constant refrains in our household: “Can we have a treat?” and “We’re bored.” It’s a cycle every parent knows well.

To tackle both of these common summer dilemmas, I came up with a creative solution using Surf Sweets jelly beans. Instead of just handing out a treat, I turned it into a fun activity that sparks imagination and provides a delicious reward. When my kids inevitably asked for a treat, I eagerly agreed, with one condition: they had to create some art with the jelly beans first! This immediately piqued their interest and transformed a simple snack request into an engaging project.

Kids' summer food craft using Surf Sweets organic jelly beans to make flower art

The setup was incredibly simple. I took a plain white sheet of paper and, with a green crayon, drew some basic grass lines and a few flower stems. Then, I presented the vibrant assortment of Surf Sweets jelly beans to my children and tasked them with arranging the colorful candies to form the petals of the flowers. Surf Sweets offers such a beautiful array of pretty pastel and bright colors, making it easy for them to unleash their creativity and design unique floral patterns. It was wonderful to watch them quietly focus, using their imaginations to bring their edible artwork to life.

This simple craft not only kept them happily occupied for a good stretch of time but also allowed them to engage in quiet, creative play. Of course, the best part for them was the sweet reward at the end – getting to eat their delicious jelly bean creations! It was truly a win-win situation, providing entertainment, fostering creativity, and ending with a tasty treat. If someone as artistically challenged as I am can whip up this engaging activity, then you absolutely can too! To show you just how incredibly simple and effective this craft is, check out the quick stop-motion video below:


I genuinely love seeing how families get creative with food and activities. I’d be absolutely thrilled to see photos of how you and your kids add extra mileage to your jelly beans or the colorful varieties of gummy bear popsicles you create. Be sure to tag me in your social media posts so I can admire your wonderful creations!