I remember the first time I made homemade watermelon gummies. It was a sweltering July afternoon, and the idea of turning our favorite summer fruit into a fun, chewy snack felt like pure magic. I’d tried other recipes, but they were often too complicated or the texture was off. After a few experiments, I cracked the code. It turns out, the secret to the most delicious, perfectly textured watermelon gummies is all in the technique and it’s shockingly simple.
These aren’t just another candy; they’re a burst of pure, unadulterated summer. They’re naturally sweet, packed with the real flavor of fresh watermelon, and completely free of the artificial ingredients and corn syrup found in most store bought versions. You’re going to love making these homemade watermelon gummies.
Why You’ll Ditch Store Bought Gummies Forever
Once you see how easy making these watermelon gummies is, you’ll never go back. Here’s why this recipe is a game changer:
- Insanely Easy: We’re talking minimal ingredients and effort for this watermelon gummies recipe.
- Genuinely Healthy: Made with real fruit! Watermelon is hydrating and a great source of vitamins A and C, which are fantastic for skin health.
- No Funky Stuff: You control the ingredients. No weird preservatives or artificial colors here.
- Perfectly Chewy: My method ensures a soft, satisfying chew, not a rubbery brick.
Healthy Watermelon Gummies Recipe
Equipment
- blender
- fine mesh strainer
- saucepan
- silicone molds
- refrigerator
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed fresh watermelon, blended and strained
- 5 tbsp unflavored grass-fed gelatin powder
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime or lemon juice (for sour variation)
- 1 scoop unflavored collagen or protein powder (optional for protein gummies)
- 1 tbsp agar-agar powder (for vegan gummies)
Instructions
- Sprinkle gelatin over half of the juice, let bloom without stirring for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle gelatin over half of the juice, let bloom without stirring for 5 minutes.
- Warm the other half of the juice over low heat (do not boil). Add bloomed gelatin and whisk until dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into silicone molds and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until set.
- For sour gummies, add lime or lemon juice to the juice before heating and coat finished gummies with a mixture of citric acid and sweetener.
- For protein gummies, add collagen or protein powder with gelatin in Step 2.
- For vegan gummies, substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder and boil juice with agar-agar to activate before setting.
Notes
Just 2 Core Ingredients for Perfect Watermelon Gummies
That’s right, you only need two main things to get started on your own batch of watermelon gummies.
- Fresh Watermelon: This provides the juice and natural sweetness for our gummies. The riper, the better!
- Unflavored Gelatin: This is our gelling agent. I recommend using a quality grass fed gelatin for the best texture and added benefits.
For a sweeter batch of watermelon gummies, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup, but I find a ripe watermelon is often sweet enough on its own.
My Step by Step Method for Foolproof Watermelon Gummies
Step 1: Juice Your Watermelon
First, chop your watermelon into cubes. You’ll need about 4 cups of cubed watermelon to yield roughly 2 cups of juice. Pop them into a blender and blend until completely smooth. This fresh juice is the heart of our watermelon gummies.
Next, pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any pulp. This step is crucial for achieving that clear, jewel like gummy appearance.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin (The Secret to a Smooth Texture)
Pour about half of your fresh watermelon juice into a bowl. Sprinkle 5 tablespoons of gelatin evenly over the surface. Don’t stir it just yet! Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it “bloom” it will absorb the liquid and become wrinkly and gelatinous. This prevents lumps and ensures perfectly smooth watermelon gummies.
Step 3: Gently Heat & Combine
Pour the other half of your watermelon juice into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat. It’s important not to boil it, as high heat can weaken the gelatin and destroy nutrients. You just want it warm to the touch.
Once warm, add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the saucepan. Whisk gently until the gelatin has completely dissolved and the liquid is perfectly smooth.
Step 4: Pour, Set, and Enjoy!
Now, carefully pour the mixture into your silicone molds. If you don’t have molds, a small glass baking dish works great!
Transfer the molds to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until your watermelon gummies are firm to the touch. Once set, pop them out of the molds or, if using a dish, slice them into fun sized squares.
Want to Level Up? Easy Recipe Variations
This base recipe for watermelon gummies is fantastic, but it’s also a perfect canvas for creativity.
Zingy Sour Watermelon Gummies
For that classic sour kick, simply add 1/4 cup of fresh lime or lemon juice to the watermelon juice in the saucepan. After the sour watermelon gummies are set, you can toss them in a mixture of granulated sweetener and a pinch of citric acid for that authentic sour coating pucker.
High Protein Watermelon Gummies
Looking for a post workout snack? This is a great option. Add a scoop of unflavored collagen or protein powder along with the gelatin in Step 2 to create high protein watermelon gummies. You may need to add a splash more juice to get the right consistency. This is so much better than my old proffee recipe!
Vegan Watermelon Gummies (Gelatin Free)
For a plant based version, you can substitute the gelatin with agar agar powder. As a general rule, use about 1 tablespoon of agar agar for every 2 cups of liquid. Unlike gelatin, you’ll want to bring the juice and agar agar mixture to a simmer for a couple of minutes to activate your vegan watermelon gummies. If you love vegan recipes, you should also try my coconut chia seed pudding.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Boil: I’ll say it again boiling the juice will result in a softer, less firm gummy. Gentle heat is your friend for perfect watermelon gummies.
- Use Quality Gelatin: I find that grass fed gelatin yields a better texture and has more health benefits. You can find more information on gelatin from authoritative sources like Healthline.
- Get Creative with Molds: Fun shapes make these extra special for kids (and adults!). Mini fruit, heart, or bear molds are perfect for these gummies.
Storing Your Homemade Watermelon Gummies
Store your finished watermelon gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and perfectly chewy for up to a week if they last that long! I prefer them cold, as it gives them a firmer, more satisfying bite.
Choosing the Best Watermelon for Maximum Flavor
The secret to unbelievably flavorful watermelon gummies starts at the grocery store. A subpar watermelon will lead to subpar gummies. Here’s what I’ve learned to look for:
- Find the Field Spot: Look for a creamy, yellowish spot on one side. This is where the watermelon rested on the ground as it ripened. If the spot is white or non existent, it was likely picked too early.
- Give it a Thump: Tap the watermelon firmly. You want to hear a deep, hollow sound. A dull thud means the flesh is likely soft and starting to go bad.
- Heavy for its Size: A good watermelon has high water content, so it should feel heavy for its size. This indicates it’s ripe and juicy.
- Look for a Dry Stem: A dry, browning stem is a good sign it ripened on the vine. A green stem means it was picked too soon and won’t be as sweet.
The Science of Perfect Watermelon Gummies: Gelatin vs. Agar Agar
Understanding your gelling agent is key to mastering this homemade watermelon gummies recipe. While both create a chewy treat, they behave very differently.
Gelatin
This is an animal based protein derived from collagen. It creates that classic, soft, and slightly melty chew we associate with gummy bears. It needs to be “bloomed” in cool liquid before being gently heated to dissolve it should never be boiled. Gelatin sets in the refrigerator and will melt at room temperature, which is why these watermelon gummies must be kept chilled.
Agar Agar
Derived from seaweed, agar agar is the perfect vegan substitute. It produces a much firmer, snappier texture than gelatin. A little goes a long way! Unlike gelatin, agar agar must be boiled with the liquid for a few minutes to activate. The biggest difference? Agar agar will set at room temperature and remains solid even in warmer conditions, making it great for shelf stable treats.
For an in depth look at gelling agents in food science, an external resource like Wikipedia’s page on Gelling Agents offers great information.
Troubleshooting Common Watermelon Gummy Problems
Even the simplest recipes can have hiccups. Here are solutions to the most common issues I’ve encountered when making watermelon gummies:
- “My gummies are too soft and won’t set.” This is usually because the mixture wasn’t heated enough (if using agar agar) or was heated too much (if using gelatin). It can also mean you need more gelling agent. You can gently re melt the mixture in a saucepan and add another teaspoon of gelatin or agar agar.
- “My gummies are lumpy.” This happens when the gelatin isn’t fully dissolved. It’s almost always because the gelatin wasn’t allowed to “bloom” properly before heating. Always let it sit in cool liquid for 5 minutes before you do anything else!
- “My gummy mixture separated.” If you see a clear layer and a colored layer, it means the fruit pulp wasn’t strained out well enough. The solids sank to the bottom as it set. A fine mesh strainer is your best friend for crystal clear watermelon gummies!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are watermelon gummies?
Watermelon gummies are chewy candies flavored with watermelon. While store bought versions are often made with artificial flavors and corn syrup, this homemade recipe uses fresh watermelon juice and gelatin for a naturally delicious and healthier treat.
Can you make watermelon gummies at home?
Absolutely! It’s incredibly simple to make watermelon gummies at home. All you really need is watermelon juice and a gelling agent like gelatin. This recipe walks you through the easy, foolproof process from start to finish.
What strain are watermelon gummies?
This is a common question because “watermelon” is a popular flavor for THC and CBD edibles. The term “strain” refers to the specific type of cannabis used in those products. However, this recipe is for non medicated, family friendly candy and contains no cannabis, CBD, or THC. It’s just a delicious, healthy snack made from fruit!
Why are Japanese gummies so good?
Japanese gummies are famous for their unique, often softer and more flavorful texture. This is sometimes achieved by using different gelling agents or a higher fruit juice concentration. While this recipe uses gelatin, focusing on fresh, high quality juice brings it closer to that premium, real fruit flavor. For another Japanese inspired recipe, check out my 30 Easy Japanese Recipes.
How do you make gummies firmer?
If you prefer a firmer, chewier gummy, you can simply add a little more gelatin to your watermelon gummies mixture. Try increasing the amount by one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired texture. Chilling them for a longer period also helps them firm up.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Healthy Treat
And there you have it a simple, foolproof way to capture the taste of summer in a tiny, chewy bite. These watermelon gummies are more than just a recipe; they’re a fun kitchen project and a genuinely healthy alternative to store bought candy. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of popping these fresh, juicy gummies out of their molds. Be sure to try the sour or protein variations and let me know in the comments which one is your favorite!
