Elderberry Gummies Recipe
'Tis the season for sniffly noses, coughs that start in the middle of the night, and...elderberry syrup!
We start taking this immune-supportive blend about this time of year, or even earlier. We all love the taste of the elderberry syrup but kids' love for all things gummy inspired me to come up with an elderberry gummies recipe!
It's a nice way to change it up for the kids, and this is our go-to option on the days when we are literally racing out the door late for school. (Let's be honest, this is pretty much every day...) I throw one of these in their mouth and they're on the way, with super immune system support for the day.
What is in the Gummies?
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is an herbal remedy used to boost the immune system. It is made primarily from the elderberry (Sambucus nigra) by boiling the berry and straining and using the resulting liquid.
You can make your own with this easy DIY recipe. This is what I used in the recipe you will find below.
Gelatin
When I choose gelatin I want to buy the really good stuff for my family. This is why I choose Vital Proteins. I am confident in their purity, standards, and quality.
Vital Proteins collagen protein is a pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine hide gelatin powder. It offers comprehensive benefits for health, fitness, and beauty and is often used to promote digestive health.
The gelatin can be mixed into both hot and cold liquids, but will gel if blended in cold. It is gluten-free, Non-GMO, sugar-free, Paleo-friendly and Whole30 Approved.
You can get Vital Proteins gelatin just about anywhere but I find the best deal is to buy directly from the company and utilize their amazing subscription service (along with their other great products). Simply set up regularly scheduled deliveries to keep your favorite products on hand, and get 20% off your initial subscription order* and then 10% savings on all following orders. Delay orders according to your needs and cancel anytime.
or buy on Amazon.
Accessories you will need
Silicone Molds
The little bear molds are super cute but do add a little more time and effort. The set I got also came with two mini basters or droppers which is really nice to have.
I bought mine on Amazon and have been really happy with them!
The Gummy Bear Army
My youngest calls these bears the "Gummy Bear Army" when I make them. I have to ration him, or he would eat the whole "army"!
Your kids will love these!
If you are looking for a way to boost your child's immune system in a fun and delicious way then this is it.
And, if you make your own syrup, this is actually a very affordable daily supplement.
I even put these gummies in lunches as "treats"! They are also great to travel with...much better than syrup!
How to adjust the recipe
Sweetness level
One thing to point out is that if you make your own syrup using my recipe, you can actually adjust the amount of honey at the end to make the gummies more or less sweet. I would follow the recipe as is your first time and then make adjustments.
No Spice
Some kids really don't like the clove, ginger, and cinnamon flavors. Even though they do offer added immune support, you could easily leave them out and the recipe will still turn out ok, just without the warming flavors.
Add Lemon
Some people really love the tanginess that lemon can add to elderberry syrup. While you are adding the honey in the last step, you could also add the juice of one lemon.
Another option would be to add lemon zest while simmering the elderberries and spices together.
Elderberry Gummies Recipe
This can be a fun and effective way to get your kids to take their daily dose of elderberry syrup without excessive sugar or artificial flavors or colors.
1 cup elderberry syrup, divided
1/4 cup gelatin
1/2 cup very hot water
Arrange the silicone molds on a baking sheet or something flat that will fit in your fridge.
Place 1/4 cup of the (cooled) elderberry syrup in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl (I used this large 4 cup Pyrex one) and then whisk in the gelatin to dissolve well.
Add in the hot water and continue whisking until everything is smooth and dissolved.
Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup elderberry syrup.
Carefully pour the mixture into the molds resting on the baking sheets. I used a small baster/dropper for this (it came with the silicone mold set).
Put the baking sheet with the molds on it into the refrigerator and chill about 1 hour, or until they become firm.
Pop the gummies out of the molds and store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. You can try freezing additional gummies if you find that you don't use them up in the 1-2 week time frame. (They never last that long in our home!)
Adults and kids can enjoy these gummies daily as a way to naturally support the immune system or take every few hours to help beat the flu faster.
The amount of gummies you get from a batch of this elderberry gummies recipe will depend on the size of the molds you use.
You can make your own elderberry syrup with this recipe or use store-bought syrup.
*Remember, I'm not a medical professional and I'm not trying to treat, diagnose, or give medical advice. Please check with your doctor before using and check for any drug interactions, etc. Do some research, and use at your own risk.
Leave a comment!
Let me know if you make these and how they go for your family.
You can also tag me on Instagram (@LunchwithLeah) with a pic of your finished gummies!
Have a happy & healthy gummy making extravaganza,
