Description
Delicious and healthy vegan gummy bears made without gelatin, using fresh strawberries, kombucha, and agar-agar for a naturally fruity and plant-based treat. These homemade gummies are easy to prepare and perfect for a fun snack with a clean ingredient list.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2.75 cups fresh strawberries
Liquids
- 1 cup kombucha (or fruit juice as alternative)
Sweeteners
- 3 tablespoons organic cane sugar
Gelling Agent
- 3.5 teaspoons agar-agar powder
- 2 tablespoons water (for agar-agar paste)
Instructions
- Prepare Molds: Make sure the silicone molds are completely clean and dry. Place them on a tray or chopping board to ensure stability in the fridge.
- Puree Strawberries: Wash the strawberries, remove their tops, then blend or process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan to remove seeds and pulp.
- Simmer Mixture: Add sugar to the strawberry puree and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce for 8-10 minutes, whisking continuously to avoid burning. Add kombucha and whisk well to combine.
- Prepare Agar Paste: In a small bowl, mix agar-agar powder with 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste.
- Cook with Agar: Add the agar paste to the simmering saucepan. Increase heat to high until the mixture boils, then lower to medium and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and let cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Fill Molds: Using a dropper, carefully fill the silicone molds with the gummy mixture. Place molds in the fridge to set for about 30 minutes.
- Store Gummies: Once set, pop the gummy bears out of their molds and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 4 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Use fruit juice instead of kombucha if preferred; apple or grape juice are good alternatives.
- The cane sugar amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your fruit or personal taste.
- Agar-agar powder is a plant-based gelatin substitute derived from seaweed and is essential for setting the gummies.
- Ensure continuous whisking when simmering to prevent the mixture from sticking or burning.
- Storage in the fridge helps maintain the gummies’ texture and freshness.
