This Elderberry Gummies Recipe is a tasty and convenient way for kids and adults to enjoy a wholesome daily supplement that supports the immune system. Inspired by my homemade Elderberry Syrup, these gummies offer the same health benefits in a fun, snackable form. Perfect for keeping your family’s wellness routine on track!
When flu and cold season hits, I like to have these elderberry gummies on hand. They’re just as effective as my elderberry syrup, but they’re a soft, juicy treat that’s easy to make! I love that they’re made with no artificial sweeteners or additives, so you know exactly what’s going into them.
Why You Should Try This Elderberries Syrup Gummies Recipe
- Kid Friendly: These gummies are both nutritious and delicious, making them perfect for your little ones. Plus, they look just like candy, so it’s easy to win them over!
- Customizable: You can make them vegan by swapping out the gelatin for agar agar. It’s also easy to switch sweeteners to suit your preferences.
- Healthy: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and E, these gummies are a powerhouse for your immune system.
Ingredients You’ll Need for these Immunity-Boosting Elderberry Gummies
Elderberry Syrup
- Filtered or Spring Water: Using clean, pure water ensures no unwanted flavors or impurities interfere with the recipe.
- Dried or Fresh Elderberries: These tiny berries are bursting with flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and fight off colds. This superfood is also rich with antioxidants. I often use dried elderberries because they’re easy to store and pack a concentrated flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick: Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It’s perfect for fighting off seasonal bugs!
- Fresh or Dried Ginger: Ginger not only provides a zingy kick but also aids digestion and has natural anti-nausea properties. Fresh ginger is my go-to for its stronger, more vibrant flavor.
- Cloves: Just a few cloves add a bold, aromatic depth while contributing natural antimicrobial benefits. They also add a slight hint of sweetness that complements the elderberries.
- Star Anise: This pretty spice adds a subtle licorice flavor and is believed to have antiviral properties, making it a great addition during flu season.
- Natural Sweetener (Honey or Agave): Both sweeteners balance the tartness of the elderberries, and I love that they’re free of artificial additives. Honey adds a soothing quality, while agave keeps the recipe vegan-friendly.
A Key Ingredient
- Beef Gelatin: This is what gives the gummies their soft, bouncy texture. It’s also a great source of collagen, which is excellent for skin, hair, and joints.
How To Make This Elderberry Gummies Recipe
Make the elderberry liquid
PREPARE: Add filtered or spring water, elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and star anise to a pot. Heat the mixture until it begins to simmer.
SIMMER: Allow the mixture to simmer for 20–30 minutes, or until the liquid reduces by half.
COOL: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool until it’s safe to handle.
STRAIN: Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to separate the elderberries and spices from the syrup.
SWEETEN: Stir in honey or agave to taste once the liquid has cooled slightly to preserve the nutrients in the sweetener.
Make your gummies
BLOOM: In a small pot, sprinkle the gelatin over 1 cup of the elderberry syrup and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
MELT AND SET: Heat the gelatin mixture on low for 3–4 minutes until fully dissolved. Quickly pour into molds and refrigerate for 2 hours to set.
Tips
- Use high-quality elderberries: Opt for organic dried or fresh elderberries to ensure the syrup is free from contaminants and delivers maximum flavor and health benefits. Avoid elderberries that look shriveled or smell off.
- Bloom the gelatin properly: Let the gelatin sit undisturbed in the liquid for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free gummy texture.
- Always cook elderberries thoroughly: Raw elderberries contain compounds that can be toxic and may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if consumed. To consume safely, always cook elderberries for at least 30 minutes to remove these harmful substances. Proper preparation makes the syrup safe and packed with its health-boosting benefits!
- Sweeten to taste after cooling: Add your sweetener only after the syrup has cooled slightly to preserve the beneficial properties of raw honey or agave. Overheating can diminish their nutrients.
- Work quickly when pouring into molds: The gummy mixture sets fast as it cools, so have your molds ready before heating the gelatin mixture. A small measuring cup or dropper can help you pour neatly.
Choosing the Right Mold for Your Elderberry Gummies
For this recipe, I used fun silicone molds featuring cute shapes like animals and fruits. These molds make it easy to portion out the gummies into small sizes, which are perfect for both kids and adults. Silicone molds work best because they’re non-stick, which makes it easy to pop the gummies out once they’re set.
Don’t have gummy molds? No problem! You can pour the gummy mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper instead. Once the mixture has set in the refrigerator, use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized squares. This method works just as well and gives you perfectly functional gummies without the need for specialty molds.
Experiment with different shapes or go with a simple baking dish. Either way, these elderberry gummies will be just as tasty and effective!
Elderberry Gummies Recipe Variations
- Vegan Gummies: Replace the beef gelatin with agar agar. Use 1 tablespoon of agar agar powder for every 2 tablespoons of gelatin, and simmer it in the elderberry syrup for 3-5 minutes to activate before pouring into molds. Swap the honey for agave.
- Citrus Boost: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon or orange juice to the elderberry syrup after it cools for an extra dose of vitamin C and a bright, tangy flavor.
- Spice Swap: For a different flavor, try swapping the cinnamon and star anise with cardamom pods and a pinch of nutmeg. These spices add a warm, aromatic twist while still offering antimicrobial properties.
Do elderberry gummies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, elderberry gummies need to be refrigerated to maintain their texture and freshness. The natural sweeteners and lack of artificial preservatives mean they can spoil if left at room temperature. Keeping them in the fridge also helps the gelatin stay firm and prevents the gummies from becoming sticky or melting.
Storage
Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Common Questions
Are elderberry gummies good for you?
Elderberry gummies are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that boost your immune system. They also help reduce inflammation and provide natural relief for colds and flu.
Can I take these gummies every day?
Yes, these gummies are designed to be a daily supplement. Stick to 1-2 gummies for kids and 2-3 for adults for ongoing immune support.
Who should not take elderberry gummies?
Elderberry gummies are not suitable for babies due to the honey content, which can pose a risk of botulism in children under 1 year old. These gummies are recommended for individuals ages 4 and up, because toddlers may have difficulty chewing them safely. Avoid if you’re on medications for autoimmune diseases, diuretics, or laxatives, or consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
Homemade Elderberry Gummies Recipe
Ingredients
Elderberry Syrup
- 3 cups Filtered or spring water
- 1 cup Dried elderberries or 2 cups fresh elderberries
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 inches Fresh Ginger sliced or ½ tsp dried ginger
- 3 cloves
- 2 star anise
- Once strained add honey or agave to sweeten. ½ – 1 cup, adjust to taste
To Make The Gummies
- 1 cup elderberry syrup
- 2 tbsp beef gelatin
Instructions
Make the elderberry liquid:
- In a pot, combine 3 cups of filtered water, dried elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and star anise. Heat the mixture until it simmers (small bubbles).
- Continue to simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Take the liquid off of the heat, allow it to cool, and sweeten.
- Take the pot off of the heat and allow it to cool.
- Pour the liquid through a strainer to remove the berries and spices.
- Add the honey to taste and stir well.
To Make The Gummies
- Measure out 1 cup of the strained elderberry liquid.
- Pour the 1 cup of strained elderberry liquid into a small pot.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom (absorb the liquid).
- Move the pot to the stove and heat over low heat for 3-4 minutes or until the gelatin dissolves completely.
Pour into molds:
- Carefully pour the mixture into gummy bear molds.
- Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
- Take the gummies out of the mold and enjoy! Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this Elderberry Gummies recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.
