Treasure Chest Gummy Bears
Natural fruit puree gummies shaped like hidden treasures, made with no artificial colors or preservatives for a wholesome treat kids will adore. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs tablespoons unflavored gelatin, apple juice, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 50 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin, 1 cup apple juice, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir over low heat for 3-4 minutes until the gelatin and sugar are completely dissolved and the mixture is clear, then remove from heat.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/4 cup strawberry puree until the color is vibrant red and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into a greased silicone gummy bear mold (filling each cavity almost to the top), then refrigerate for 4 hours or until fully set and firm to the touch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Treasure Chest Gummy Bears take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Treasure Chest Gummy Bears?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep apple juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Treasure Chest Gummy Bears?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Treasure Chest Gummy Bears for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Treasure Chest Gummy Bears?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
