Description
These Vegan Gummy Bears are a delightful, gelatin-free treat made with fresh strawberries, kombucha, and agar-agar powder. They offer a fruity, naturally sweetened gummy snack that’s perfect for those avoiding animal products or gelatin.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base
- 2.75 cups fresh strawberries
Liquid & Sweetener
- 1 cup kombucha (or fruit juice as an alternative)
- 3 tablespoons organic cane sugar
Gelling Agent
- 3.5 teaspoons agar-agar powder
- 2 tablespoons water (for agar paste)
Instructions
- Prepare Molds: Make sure the silicone gummy bear molds are completely clean and dry. Place them on a tray or chopping board large enough to hold them in your fridge.
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Wash the strawberries and remove their tops. Add the berries to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan to remove seeds and pulp.
- Cook Strawberry Mixture: Add the organic cane sugar to the puree and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble and reduce for 8-10 minutes, whisking continuously to prevent burning on the pan bottom. Add the kombucha and whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Make Agar Paste: In a small bowl, mix the agar-agar powder with 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste.
- Add Agar Paste & Cook: Add the agar paste to the saucepan. Increase heat to high until the mixture boils, then reduce to medium and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Fill Molds: Use a dropper to carefully fill the silicone molds with the mixture. Transfer the molds to the refrigerator and allow them to set for about 30 minutes.
- Unmold & Store: Once set, remove the gummy bears from the molds and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
- You can substitute kombucha with your favorite fruit juice if preferred.
- Adjust sugar according to desired sweetness or based on the sweetness of the fruit juice used.
- Agar-agar powder is a plant-based gelling agent suitable as a vegan alternative to gelatin.
- Ensure continuous whisking during cooking to prevent the puree from burning.
- Use silicone molds for easy removal of gummy bears.
