Chewy Sweet & Sour Vegan Gummies

Name: Chewy Sweet & Sour Vegan Gummies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 77 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup (240ml) Fruit puree (e.g., strawberry, mango, or raspberry), strained; 2 tsp Agar-agar powder; 2-4 tbsp Maple syrup, to taste; 2-4 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (optional, for sour gummies)

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A fun and easy recipe for homemade vegan gummies! These chewy treats are made with real fruit puree and can be customized to be sweet or delightfully sour. Perfect for a healthy, gelatin-free snack for all ages.

This beginner vegan gummies, healthy snacks recipe comes together in about 77 minutes and serves 5. It's perfect for all year cooking, weeknight dinners, meal prep, and anyone exploring a more plant-forward kitchen. Every step is tested and the ingredients are easy to find — no fancy substitutes, no animal products, just bold vegan flavor.

Prep

10 min

Cook

7 min

Servings

Difficulty

Beginner

48 kcal / serving

Best in All Year

Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) Fruit puree (e.g., strawberry, mango, or raspberry), strained
2 tsp Agar-agar powder
2-4 tbsp Maple syrup, to taste
2-4 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (optional, for sour gummies)

Instructions

1
Prepare the Fruit Puree: If making your own, blend about 1.5 to 2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit until completely smooth. For the clearest gummies, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or large pieces of pulp. Measure out 1 cup for the recipe.
2
Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1 cup of fruit puree, agar-agar powder, maple syrup, and lemon juice (if using). Whisk thoroughly before heating to ensure the agar-agar powder is fully dissolved and prevent lumps.
3
Activate the Agar-Agar: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking frequently.
4
Simmer: Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. This step is crucial to fully activate the agar-agar, which ensures the gummies will set properly.
5
Mold the Gummies: Working quickly, carefully pour the hot liquid into silicone gummy molds. A small dropper or a spouted measuring cup can make this easier. Alternatively, pour into a small, lightly oiled glass dish to be cut into squares later.
6
Chill and Set: Transfer the molds or dish to the refrigerator. Let the gummies chill for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm.
7
Demold and Enjoy: Once firm, carefully pop the gummies out of the molds. If you used a glass dish, run a knife around the edge and turn it out onto a cutting board, then slice into small cubes. Enjoy immediately!

Chef's notes

Store your homemade gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent sticking, you can lightly dust them with a tiny amount of cornstarch. For a multi-flavored or layered look, prepare two different colored fruit mixtures. Pour one layer, let it set briefly in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, then pour the second layer on top.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (estimated)

fat: 0.1 g
carbs: 12 g
fiber: 0.5 g
sugar: 10 g
sodium: 5 mg
protein: 0.2 g
calories: 48

Frequently asked questions

My gummies didn't set. What went wrong?+

The most common reason is that the agar-agar was not fully activated. It is essential to bring the mixture to a rolling boil and then simmer it for at least 2-3 minutes while whisking. Also, check the expiration date on your agar-agar powder, as old powder can lose its gelling strength. Lastly, avoid using fresh pineapple, papaya, or kiwi, as they contain enzymes that break down agar's gelling power unless they have been thoroughly cooked first.

Can I use a different sweetener?+

Absolutely. Agave nectar works as a direct substitute for maple syrup. You can also use granulated sugar (ensure it's bone-char free to be vegan), but you may want to dissolve it in the puree before adding the agar to ensure it doesn't have a grainy texture. Adjust any sweetener to your personal taste.

How can I make the gummies more sour?+

For an extra sour kick, you can add a pinch of citric acid to the mixture along with the lemon juice. To make a sour coating, mix a small amount of granulated sugar with citric acid and toss the finished gummies in the mixture until coated.