Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears are a festive, fruity treat that’s both sweet and tart! Made with real cranberry juice and natural sweeteners, these chewy homemade gummies are perfect for holidays, parties, and edible gifts. Kid-friendly, fun to make, and free from artificial dyes—these little gems are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a gathering or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears

There are countless reasons to adore these cranberry gummies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Second, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making them a perfect snack for all ages. Third, these cranberry jelly candies are free from artificial colors and flavors, providing a natural treat. Fourth, they can be tailored to your sweetness preference by adjusting the maple syrup. Fifth, they are suitable for various dietary needs, including vegan cranberry jelly gummy bears. Lastly, these treats make for fantastic homemade gifts during the holidays!

Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears: 7 Reasons to Love Them - Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears - main visual representation

Ingredients for Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears

Gather these items:

1 cup (240 ml) 100% cranberry juice (no sugar added)
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, enhances tartness)
3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (or 1 ½ tablespoons agar agar for vegan)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or orange zest
Small saucepan
Whisk
Silicone gummy molds
Dropper or pipette
Baking sheet (for stability)

How to Make Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place silicone molds on a tray or baking sheet and set aside.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine cranberry juice, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Warm over medium heat until just about to simmer (do not boil).
Step 3: Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the surface while whisking constantly until dissolved, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in vanilla extract or orange zest if desired, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Using a dropper, fill each mold cavity while the mixture is still warm and fluid.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Step 7: Pop gummies out carefully and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7–10 days.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears

Keep these in mind:

Adjust sweetness by changing the amount of maple syrup or agave.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Keep refrigerated for freshness.
For sugar-free cranberry gummy bears, substitute sweeteners with your favorite sugar alternative.
Experiment with different cranberry gummy bear flavors by adding other fruit juices.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears

These delightful jelly gummy bears with cranberry can be served in various ways. First, they make excellent party favors for birthdays or holidays. Second, pair them with other cranberry fruit snacks for a fun dessert platter. Lastly, they can be a healthy snack option for kids and adults alike during movie nights or picnics!

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How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears

Store any leftover cranberry jelly bear candy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7–10 days. For meal prep, you can make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. There’s no need to reheat; simply enjoy them chilled!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears?

The secret lies in the quality of ingredients used. Opt for 100% cranberry juice without added sugars or preservatives to achieve the best flavor and texture. This ensures your homemade cranberry gummies are both delicious and healthy.

Can I make Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these homemade cranberry gummy bears a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and chewy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears?

To prevent common mistakes, ensure that you whisk the gelatin thoroughly while adding it to the warm juice. This prevents clumps and ensures a smooth texture. Also, avoid boiling the mixture to maintain the gelatin’s setting properties.

Variations of Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears You Can Try

There are many exciting variations you can explore. Consider using different fruit juices like orange or apple for a mixed flavor gummy bear. You can also make vegan cranberry jelly gummy bears by using agar-agar instead of gelatin. For a fun twist, try adding whole pieces of fruit or edible flowers to your molds for a beautiful presentation!

For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in more gummy recipes, visit our desserts category for inspiration. You can also learn about the versatility of gelatin in cooking by reading this Spruce Eats guide.

Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears: 7 Reasons to Love Them

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Homemade Cranberry Jelly Gummy Bears – Sweet, Tart, and Festive

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 gummy bears 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (240 ml) 100% cranberry juice (no sugar added)
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, enhances tartness)
3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (or 1 ½ tablespoons agar agar for vegan)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or orange zest
Small saucepan
Whisk
Silicone gummy molds
Dropper or pipette
Baking sheet (for stability)

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Instructions

Place silicone molds on a tray or baking sheet and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine cranberry juice, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Warm over medium heat until just about to simmer (do not boil).
Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the surface while whisking constantly until dissolved, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in vanilla extract or orange zest if desired, then remove from heat.
Using a dropper, fill each mold cavity while the mixture is still warm and fluid.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Pop gummies out carefully and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7–10 days.