Kool-Aid Gummy Treats Recipe
Brace yourself for a candy adventure that’ll make your inner child do cartwheels! Kool-Aid Gummy Treats are the homemade sweet you never knew you needed: vibrant, bouncy, and bursting with fruity flavor, all while being delightfully easy to make. Picture chewy little gems you can customize with your favorite flavors and colors, perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you want something a bit nostalgic. If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or a house bustling with kids), you’ll fall in love with how fun and simple these are to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Kool-Aid Gummy Treats is remarkably simple, but every item counts. Each component brings something unique to the party—whether it’s the fun color, irresistible flavor, or perfect chewy texture.
- Cold Water: The base for everything; it allows the gelatin to bloom properly and gives the gummies their classic bounce.
- Unflavored Gelatin (2 envelopes, about 2 tablespoons): The magic behind that gummy texture; essential for turning juice into candy.
- Kool-Aid Unsweetened Drink Mix (1 box, any flavor): This is where the color and tangy fruit punch personality comes from—pick your favorite flavor or mix and match!
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and balances the tart punch from the Kool-Aid, giving that classic candy taste kids (and grownups) love.
- Corn Syrup (optional, 1 tablespoon): Gives the gummies a smoother, silkier bite and helps prevent crystallization, but you can skip it if you prefer.
- Nonstick Spray or Oil (for molds): Essential for getting those cheerful, bouncy gummies out of the mold in one piece—don’t skip this step!
How to Make Kool-Aid Gummy Treats
Step 1: Prep Your Molds
Start by lightly spraying your silicone candy molds or a small baking dish with nonstick spray or brushing them with a neutral oil. This makes removing your Kool-Aid Gummy Treats later a total breeze, ensuring every shape and detail comes out perfectly.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
Pour the cold water into a medium saucepan, then sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes—this lets the gelatin “bloom,” meaning it absorbs water and softens. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks thick and somewhat grainy.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Sweetness
Once the gelatin has bloomed, stir in your Kool-Aid drink mix, granulated sugar, and, if you want a softer chew, the corn syrup. Give it all a quick stir to combine before turning on the heat.
Step 4: Heat to Dissolve
Turn your stovetop to medium-low heat. Stir the mixture constantly, but don’t let it boil. You want everything to dissolve gently—the gelatin, sugar, and Kool-Aid powder should disappear, and the liquid should become smooth and slightly thickened. This takes just a few minutes, and the aroma will have your tastebuds tingling!
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Working carefully (the mixture will be warm), pour it into your prepared molds or baking dish. Gently tap the molds to release any bubbles, then slide them into the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour, or until fully set. The waiting might be the hardest part!
Step 6: Unmold and Enjoy
Once your Kool-Aid Gummy Treats are nice and firm, pop them out of the molds (or cut into bite-sized pieces if you used a dish). Bask in the rainbow of fruity treats you just made at home and try not to eat the whole batch immediately!
How to Serve Kool-Aid Gummy Treats
Garnishes
If you want to take your gummies over the top, lightly toss them with a little extra sugar or a blend of sugar and citric acid for a tangy, sour finish. Arrange them on a pretty plate, and watch them vanish before your eyes!
Side Dishes
Pair Kool-Aid Gummy Treats with bowls of fresh fruit, popcorn, or pretzels for a fun party snack platter. They’re also a whimsical addition to a dessert spread—with ice cream, frosted cupcakes, or even stirred into a bowl of vanilla yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Pack the gummies in cellophane treat bags for party favors, layer different Kool-Aid flavors in clear jars for a rainbow effect, or use themed molds for holidays and birthdays. Try popping them on skewers for silly gummy kabobs—the kids will go wild for it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Kool-Aid Gummy Treats keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They won’t last that long with hungry snackers around, but if you do end up with leftovers, just pop them straight in the fridge and they’ll stay delightfully chewy.
Freezing
Believe it or not, these gummies freeze really well! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They keep that sweet-tart chew for up to 2 months; you can enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them thaw for a few minutes.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t really necessary with Kool-Aid Gummy Treats—they’re perfect cold from the fridge. If they become a little too firm, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften up. Resist microwaving, as that will melt them into candy soup!
FAQs
Can I mix different flavors in one batch?
Absolutely! Swirl in two or three Kool-Aid packets (using only half of each for fun color stripes), or make separate batches with different flavors and layer them in your molds for a rainbow effect. The possibilities are endless, so have fun playing with colors!
How do I make the gummies more sour?
For a tangy punch, add 1 teaspoon of citric acid to the mixture along with the sugar. You can also toss finished gummies in a blend of sugar and citric acid for that classic sour candy finish.
What molds work best?
Silicone candy molds are a dream—they make it easy to pop the gummies out with no fuss. If you don’t have molds, use a greased baking dish and cut the set gummies into cubes or shapes with mini cookie cutters.
Are these safe for people with allergies?
Kool-Aid Gummy Treats are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but make sure to check the ingredient labels for cross-contamination if you have sensitivities. You can also use plant-based gelatin for a vegetarian version!
Can I reduce the sugar or use alternatives?
You can swap out some or all of the granulated sugar for a cup-for-cup sugar substitute, though the flavor and texture might change slightly. Liquid sweeteners aren’t recommended, as they can affect the gummies’ ability to set firmly.
Final Thoughts
It’s almost magic how a handful of pantry staples can transform into something as irresistibly fun and flavorful as Kool-Aid Gummy Treats. Whether you’re making them for a family movie night, packing them in lunchboxes, or sharing with friends just because—the smiles are guaranteed. Why not give them a try and spread a little sweet, colorful joy?
Print
Kool-Aid Gummy Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: About 50 small gummies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Kool-Aid Gummy Treats are a fun and easy way to make your own fruity gummy candies at home. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a colorful and tasty snack that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Candy:
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 box (0.13 oz) Kool-Aid unsweetened drink mix (any flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon corn syrup (for a smoother texture)
Coating:
- Nonstick spray or oil (for molds)
Instructions
- Prepare Molds: Lightly spray silicone candy molds or a small baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, bloom gelatin in cold water. Add Kool-Aid mix, sugar, and corn syrup. Heat on medium-low, stirring until smooth.
- Pour and Chill: Pour mixture into molds or dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until set.
- Serve: Pop out gummies from molds or cut into pieces. Store in the fridge.
Notes
- You can mix and match Kool-Aid flavors for fun color combos.
- For a more sour gummy, add 1 teaspoon citric acid to the mixture.
- Great for kids’ treats or party favors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 gummies
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
