The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Valentine’s day? Candy. I mean, it’s a holiday dominated by the chocolate industry and while I do adore chocolate, I’m actually a sucker for gummy bears too. Which I will finally be sharing a fun recipe for today!
To make these pink I decided the infamous combo of strawberry & lemon had to take place. I thought it would be a unique flavor that many will enjoy. Especially if you’re not of the chocolate loving group. I’m all for both, sweets are a forever weakness of mine. But to keep it guilt-free I actually made these sugar-free. Candy without sugar?! I know. It’s madness. Stay with me though. Since we’re working with a slightly tart flavor, it honestly works not using a sugar to sweeten these. Instead I reached for my favorite liquid sweetener, stevia. Purchased from Vitacost of course. You only have to use a small amount, depending on the level of sweetness desired. I like to keep these more tart, so about 8-10 drops was all I added.
Not everyone has a gummy bear mold lying around, I know. If you’re interested in the exact one I used, you can find it here. Really anything will work. Of course the amount it yields will vary depending on the size of the mold you decide to use. These would be cute as little hearts or even cut into cubes.
Agar is something that isn’t widely available in grocery stores. I recommend purchasing it online if you’d like to give this recipe a try. I’ve found that it’s significantly cheaper online. Here is the exact brand I used to make these.
Perfect for gifting to a loved one this Valentine’s day or making a batch for the kiddos. These keep best when stored in an air-tight container in the fridge. For up to about two weeks. I haven’t experimented with freezing these, so if you give that a try let me know how they hold up. I’m sure you could also get crazy and soak these in vodka to use as an addition to a cocktail and then use the gummy bears as mini candy shots. Please do not drink if you’re underage! This is merely a suggestion to those adults of age looking for a vegan party option.
With the mold I used it was enough to fill two sheets with a little extra leftover. I poured the rest into a small dish to make one large gummy. I recommend using the dropper included to fill each mold. If you are using the same gummy bear mold kit as me, the dropper fills three molds before needing a refill. Don’t push to fill four, it will create an air bubble that won’t pop. Instead empty the dropper and refill it back to full.
You can have fun and come up with any fruit combo you wish. I’m currently experimenting with a clear version that’s lavender and bee free honee. I’ll definitely share it if I’m successful.
If you give this recipe a try please feel free to snap a photo and share on Instagram. Making sure to tag me @PlantPhilosophy and use the hashtag #PlantPhilosophy so I don’t miss it. I love to see your recreations!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Vegan Strawberry Lemonade Gummy Bears
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Yield 100 mini bears
Ingredients
- Mini Gummy Bear Mold
- 1 cup Strawberries
- 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 1 heaping tbsp Lemon Zest
- 1/2 cup Coconut Water
- 1/4-1/2 tsp Vitacost liquid Stevia*, as desired
- 2 tbsp Agar Powder
Instructions
- Measure and blend all ingredients (minus lemon zest) in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Transfer to a medium-sized pot and bring to a low boil, adding in the lemon zest and whisking constantly until thickened. About 5 minutes.
- Pour mixture evenly into molds. Let set in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
These will keep for up to two weeks in an air-tight container stored in the fridge.
Courses Dessert
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 20 mini gummies
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 22 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Sodium 12 mg | 1% | |
Total Carbohydrates 6 g | 2% | |
Sugars 2 g | ||
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Thanks for the recipe! I can’t wait to make these. I am ordering all the stuff I need to make them today. I have been wondering what I could use to make gummy bears and other recipes that usually use Great Lakes Gelatin now that I am vegan. Now I know! Do you have any other recipes for gummy bears in different flavors?
No problem! I hope you enjoy, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of them. I don’t have any other recipes for other flavors posted on here, yet. But I plan on sharing a couple more in the future.
WHAT?!?!?!??!?!? THIS IS AMAZING!
Hahah, thanks! <3
Saving this to make later!! Such a brilliant idea. If the lavender and bee free honee turns out well, I can’t wait to make those as well. Xo, Ellese
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Thank you so much! I’ll be sure to let you know how those turn out, I’m hopeful they will be just as delicious and beautiful.
EEEP. So cute. I know a gummy-lovin’ fella who would adore these. I keep meaning to order some agar but haven’t gotten around to it. The promise of funky little gummy bears is just the kick i need.
Yay! You’ll have to let me know what you all think after giving these a try. Agar is great to keep on hand if you ever plan on making your own vegan hard cheeses or custard-like desserts. It’s fun to experiment with.
Wow these are adorable! ?
Thanks so much! <3
Hi! I loved your idea and decided to make your recipe! 🙂 the only problem I had is that the gummy bears came out a bit soft? It wasn’t really springy like gummy bears… more like soft hello. maybe I just didn’t wait long enough! Or I’m thinking I didn’t heat it long enough.. They’re still absolutely delicious though! Do you have any suggestions to making them more firm? Thanks!
Hi Vicki! Thank you for giving this recipe a try. I’m so sorry, I just realized I didn’t right the correct measurement for the agar. I’m adjusting it now. However, when using agar you really can’t get that give that traditional gummies have. I’m working on a version using a couple of other ingredients to give it that stretch. I’ll definitely post that if and when I figure out the right formula. I’m happy to hear the flavor was enjoyable – so sorry for the mistake in my writing! <3
How fun are these??!?! And so adorable. I need to get my hands on a gummy bear mold so I can make these! We use agar to make our own cheese, but I think it’s time to use it to make a sweet gummy treat! I’ll be anxious to hear more about the lavender + bee free honee version you’re experimenting with! Hope you have a great weekend, Margaret! <3
I think you could even use an ice cube tray. Whatever works! But the bear mold makes them pretty darn cute. As soon as I get that other recipe perfected, you’ll be the first to hear about it <3
Do you think that somehow pectin could be substituted for the agar? And if so, would you use the same measurement?
And these are absolutely adorable by the way! I was so excited when my sister sent me the recipe. My kiddos would love them.
Thanks so much! I hope you and your kiddos give them a try sometime <3
Hi Tammy, to my knowledge pectin won’t firm up as much as agar. You could definitely give it a try though. I’d say doubling the measurement I used would be a good start. Not sure how it will turn out though. Good luck!