How to Make Your Own Jelly Beans from Scratch

Are you tired of buying jelly beans from the store and feeling like they just don’t taste as good as you remember? Well, why not try making your own at home? It may seem daunting, but making jelly beans is actually quite simple and fun. Not to mention, it allows you to experiment with different flavors and create a customized treat that suits your taste buds.

To start, you will need a few key ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavoring oils. You can purchase these at your local grocery store or online. Additionally, you will need a mold to shape your jelly beans and food coloring to add some vibrancy to the candy. So, let’s get started on creating some delicious, homemade jelly beans!

Ingredients

First and foremost, let’s list out the ingredients needed to make homemade jelly beans. You will need granulated sugar, corn syrup, gelatin powder, water, food coloring, and flavor extract. Make sure to have all of these ingredients on hand before beginning the process.

Preparing the Mixture

In a saucepan, mix together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, add the gelatin powder and stir until it dissolves.

Adding Flavor and Color

Now, you can add your desired flavors and food coloring to the mixture. You can use any flavor extracts that you have in your kitchen, such as cherry, strawberry, orange, or lemon. Make sure to add the food coloring and flavor extract to your liking. Be mindful that you don’t want to add too much or too little of these ingredients.

Cooking the Mixture

Once the mixture has been flavored and colored, it’s time to cook it. Increase the heat to high and stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning. The mixture should come to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Preparing the Molds

While the mixture is simmering, prepare your molds. You can use any shape of mold that you like, whether you want to make traditional bean-shaped jelly beans or use fun animal molds. Make sure to coat your molds with cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Filling the Molds

Once the mixture has simmered for 10-15 minutes, remove it from the heat. Using a dropper or piping bag, carefully fill the molds with the mixture. Make sure to fill the molds to the top, but not overflowing.

Setting the Jelly Beans

After filling the molds, allow them to sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight to set. This will ensure that the jelly beans hold their shape and are not too soft.

Removing the Jelly Beans from the Molds

Once the jelly beans have set, remove them from the molds. If they are sticking, lightly dust the molds with cornstarch to help them come out easily. Gently remove each jelly bean from the mold.

Drying the Jelly Beans

After removing the jelly beans from the molds, allow them to dry completely. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them air dry overnight.

Storage and Enjoyment

Finally, store your homemade jelly beans in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can enjoy your homemade jelly beans as a snack anytime you want or use them to decorate your desserts. Making your own jelly beans is a fun and rewarding experience that everyone should try at least once. So, go ahead and give it a try!

Ingredients for Making Jelly Beans

Jelly beans are known for their colorful exterior and their sweet, chewy center. The making of jelly beans may seem like a complex process, but with the right ingredients and tools, you can easily make delicious jelly beans at home.

Here are the ingredients that you will need to make jelly beans:

Gelatin

Gelatin is the primary ingredient that is used to make jelly beans. It is a protein that is derived from animal collagen and is used as a thickening agent. Make sure to buy unflavored gelatin as flavored gelatin will alter the taste of the jelly beans.

Sugar

Sugar is added to the gelatin mixture to give the jelly beans their sweetness. Granulated sugar is the best option to use when making jelly beans.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is used as a binding agent and to enhance the chewy texture of the jelly beans. Light corn syrup is the most commonly used syrup for making jelly beans.

Food Coloring

Food coloring is added to the jelly bean mixture to give them their vibrant colors. Use gel-based food coloring to prevent the mixture from becoming too runny.

Flavorings

To give the jelly beans their unique flavor, a variety of flavorings can be added. These can range from fruity flavors like strawberry and raspberry to more exotic flavors like watermelon and bubblegum.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is added to the jelly bean mixture to give it a tangy flavor. It also helps to create a balance between the sweetness and sourness of the jelly beans.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to coat the surface of the jelly beans to prevent them from sticking together. It also adds a silky texture to the surface of the jelly beans.

Confectioner’s Sugar

Confectioner’s sugar is used to dust the surface of the jelly beans, giving them a smooth and polished finish.

Water

Water is used to dissolve the gelatin and to mix all the ingredients together. Make sure to use room temperature water as hot water can compromise the quality of the jelly beans.

Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax is used to give the jelly beans their shiny and glossy finish. It is a natural wax that is obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree.

In conclusion, the list of ingredients needed to make jelly beans is relatively simple. By using the right ingredients and following the proper process, you can have a sweet and delicious batch of jelly beans that are sure to please any candy lover.

Ingredients for Making Jelly Beans

Jelly beans are sweet, colorful and tasty treats that are loved by people of all ages. They make wonderful additions to parties, weddings, and other celebratory events. The good news is, making these rainbow delights is easy and fun. To help you make your own jelly beans, we’ve listed down below the ingredients that you’ll need.

Gelatin

Gelatin is an essential ingredient in making jelly beans. It’s what gives jelly beans that chewy texture that we all love. You can find gelatin powder in any supermarket or online stores. Make sure to choose unflavored gelatin powder. Gelatin comes in different strength grades, and the most commonly used strength for jelly beans is a 250 bloom.

Corn Starch

Corn starch helps provide structure to the jelly beans, making them less sticky and more chewy. It also works as a thickener for the syrup mixture. Make sure to use only corn starch and not corn flour or cornmeal.

Sugar and Corn Syrup

The sugar and corn syrup mixture is the most important ingredient in making jelly beans. It determines the texture, flavor and sweetness of the beans. You can adjust the amount of sugar and corn syrup you use according to your preferences, but remember that too much of either can make the beans too hard or too soft.

Flavor Extracts and Food Coloring (Optional)

The flavor extracts and food coloring give jelly beans their unique taste and colors. You can use any flavor extract you like, such as strawberry, grape, orange, lemon, lime, blueberry, raspberry, or pretty much any other flavor you can think of. Food coloring is optional but adds visual appeal to the jelly beans.

Coating Sugar

Coating sugar is used to dust the jelly beans and prevent them from sticking together. It also adds a sweet and crunchy layer to the beans. You can use regular granulated sugar or a special kind of sugar called sanding sugar, which is coarser and less likely to dissolve.

Time to Enjoy Your Homemade Jelly Beans!

Now that you know how to make jelly beans, it’s time to put your candy-making skills to good use! Experiment with new flavors, colors, and shapes to create your own unique treats. Don’t forget to share your creations with your friends and family – they’re sure to be impressed! Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon for more delicious recipes and fun DIY projects.