Who doesn’t love Gummy Bears? I believe no one! Especially the people with a sweet tooth love eating it. But when the gummy bears turn out hard and stale, that is the moment of extreme disappointment.
Anyways, don’t worry if your gummy bears have become hard. We have shared the most effective methods to soften the gummy bears here.
How to Soften Gummy Bears – 4 Best Methods
Using these methods, you can restore the original texture and softness of gummy bears.
I have tried and tested all these methods before sharing them with you.
Method 1: Microwave
One can use the microwave to soften gummies.
In a microwave-safe bowl, cook the gummy bears for 5-10 seconds.
Ensure the gummy bears don’t get too hot by checking on them every few seconds.
When heated in a microwave, the sugar in gummy bears dissolves, making them more flexible and enjoyable to chew.
Method 2: Oven
Put the gummy bears on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper, and bake them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) in the oven.
Keep an eye on the baking sheet full of gummy bears while in the oven.
It should only be there for 5-10 minutes to ensure they don’t overheat and melt.
Softening the gummy bears in the oven is done by dissolving the sugar or corn syrup inside them.
Method 3: Steaming
Steam is a great way to make gummy bears soft.
Hold the bowl with the gummies over the hot water.
Keep the bowl above the water line.
After two to three minutes, take the dish from the cooker, and the gummy bears will be warm from the steam.
Gummy bears can be loosened up by steam since sugar plus corn syrup dissolve at that temperature.
Method 4: Soaking
Soak the gummy bears in warm water for half an hour to 1 hour.
You can revive the gummy bears’ texture by soaking them in warm water.
Take the gummy bears out of the water and dry them off with a paper towel.
Ingredients used in Gummy Bears
Gummy bears owe their chewy texture primarily to gelatin, the primary component.
Sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup are employed, and flavorings get added for a kick.
Different recipes and manufacturers may call for different proportions of these components. There are two ways of making gummy bears.
Simple Gummy Bears Made from Gelatin
Ingredients:
- One-half cup of fruit puree, including oranges, apples, grapes, etc.
- Two Tablespoons of Powdered Gelatin
- Two tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (optional)
- Molds for gummy bears
- Spray for the pan
Procedure:
- Start a simmer in a small pot with fruit juice or purée.
- Whisk the gelatin and honey/maple syrup (if used) together in a saucepan until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the liquid is smooth.
- Transfer the contents to a heat-safe measuring cup or pitcher to facilitate pouring.
- Use nonstick cooking spray to coat the inside of the gummy bear molds.
- Fill the molds about three-quarters of the way with the mixture and carefully pour.
- Gummy bears need at least thirty minutes in the fridge to harden in their molds.
- Gummy bears can be kept in a sealed jar for up to seven days in the refrigerator after being removed from the molds.
Vegan Gummy Bears Made With Agar
Ingredients:
- One-half cup of fruit puree
- Half a cup of water
- 2 tbsp agar powder
- sugar/maple syrup to taste, 2–4 teaspoons ( depends on your choice )
- Jelly bean molds
Procedure:
- Fruit puree or juices, water, agar powder, sugar, and maple syrup should all be heated in a small pot.
- Constantly stirring brings the mixture up to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the agar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5-10 min, stirring periodically.
- Transfer the contents to a heat-safe measuring cup or pitcher to facilitate pouring.
- Use nonstick cooking spray to coat the inside of the gummy bear molds.
- Fill the molds about three-quarters of the way with the mixture and carefully pour.
- Gummy bears need at least thirty minutes in the fridge to harden in their molds.
- Take the gummy bears out of the molds and place them inside a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Advice Regarding the Storage Of Gummy Bears
Gummy bears have a shelf life of several months if maintained correctly; however, if not stored correctly, they can grow hard or stale.
The following are some suggestions that can assist you in maintaining the quality of the gummy bears and storing them:
Store Gummies In A Cool And Dry Location
While not in use, gummy bears must be kept in a cool, sealed container that shields them from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Gummy bears subjected to heat may melt, but gummy bears subjected to sunshine may darken and become more difficult to chew.
A cupboard or pantry is an excellent choice for a storage location.
Make Use Of Airtight Containers
Gummy bears should be in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
This helps to keep their texture and freshness intact for longer.
Make use of a plastic bag that you can seal again or an airtight container with such a top that can seal it tightly.
Avoid Putting Them In The Fridge Or Freezer For Any Length Of Time
If you put gummy bears in the refrigerator or freezer, you run the risk of their becoming tough and losing their chewy feel.
Also, the moisture in the refrigerator or freezer might make the gummy bears sticky, making them difficult to handle.
Make Sure You Check The Date It Expires
It is important to check the expiration date on most varieties of gummy bears before putting them away for storage.
Beyond their sell-by date, gummy bears often lose their chewy texture and sweet flavor.
Keep Different Flavors Separately
When keeping different varieties of gummy bears, please keep them in their bags or containers to avoid blending the flavors.
It will help preserve the flavor and texture inherent to each original flavor.
Change the Stock Frequently
Rotating your stock and eating the oldest gummy bears first will keep your candies tasting as good as the day you bought them.
Because of this, the gummy bears will not dry out.
If you keep these suggestions in mind, you should be able to keep your gummy bears in good condition so that they continue to have a chewy consistency and taste fresh.
If you store your gummy bears correctly, you should be able to enjoy them for many months.
Conclusion
A gummy bear can be a tasty and entertaining snack.
Additionally, improper storage might cause gummies to harden or get stale.
Using the procedures described below, softening your gummy bears will allow you to eat them again.
You can store gummy bears longer by following the instructions.
No matter how you soften your gummies—microwave, oven, steaming, or soaking—don’t overdo it and avoid heat and humidity.
Remembering these guidelines will allow you to fully appreciate gummy bears’ chewy wonder.
