Elderberry gummies are great for fighting off or preventing a cold Recipe in description box
Elderberry gummies are great for fighting off or preventing a cold💜Recipe in description box is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 15 calories per serving. Recipe by GoodFoodBaddie on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 52 min
Cost: $31.80 total, $2.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Elderberries (rinsed)
- 2 cups Water (filtered or tap)
- 1 piece Cinnamon Stick (whole)
- 2 pieces Star Anise (whole)
- 4 pieces Whole Cloves (whole)
- 1/2 cup Honey (raw, preferably local)
- 2 tablespoons Unflavored Gelatin (about 14 g, 2 packets)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (optional, adds brightness)
Instructions
Measure and Prepare Ingredients
Measure all ingredients, rinse the dried elderberries, and set spices and honey aside.
Time: PT5M
Make Elderberry Syrup
Combine the dried elderberries and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium‑high heat, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: low simmer
Add Warm Spices
Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and whole cloves to the simmering liquid and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low simmer
Cool and Strain
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing the berries to extract as much liquid as possible.
Time: PT10M
Sweeten the Syrup
Stir in the honey (and optional lemon juice) until fully dissolved. The syrup should be smooth and slightly thick.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: room temperature
Bloom Gelatin
Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of the warm elderberry syrup in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb liquid and swell.
Time: PT5M
Combine Gelatin and Syrup
Return the gelatin‑syrup mixture to the saucepan with the remaining elderberry syrup. Warm over low heat for 2‑3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Do not let the mixture boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low heat
Fill Molds
Pour the warm gelatin mixture into the silicone gummy mold using a small ladle or a measuring cup. Tap the mold gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
Time: PT5M
Chill to Set
Place the filled mold in the refrigerator and let the gummies set for at least 2 hours before unmolding.
Time: PT0M
Temperature: 4°C
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 15
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 4 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0.2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Honey, Gelatin (animal derived)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Elderberries: Frozen elderberries, Fresh elderberries (use 2 cups)
- Instead of Cinnamon Stick: Ground cinnamon (1 tsp)
- Instead of Star Anise: Anise seed (1 tsp)
- Instead of Whole Cloves: Ground cloves (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Unflavored Gelatin: Agar‑agar (use 1 tsp, adjust liquid), Pectin (requires sugar)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Silicone Gummy Mold
- Spatula
- Small Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmering the elderberries long enough to extract color and flavor
- Blooming the gelatin without overheating
- Ensuring the gelatin fully dissolves before pouring into molds
- Refrigerating until fully set (minimum 2 hours)
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a clearer syrup, strain the elderberry liquid twice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Use a silicone mold with fun shapes to make the gummies more appealing for kids.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute agar‑agar (1 tsp per cup) but note the texture will be firmer and less chewy.
Troubleshooting
Gummies are too soft or never set
Increase gelatin by ½ Tbsp per cup of liquid and ensure the mixture was fully dissolved before chilling.
Gummies are grainy or have a chalky texture
Make sure the gelatin is fully bloomed and dissolved; avoid boiling the mixture.
Strong spice flavor is overwhelming
Reduce the amount of whole spices or steep for a shorter time; you can also strain the spices out before adding honey.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before eating.
Room temperature: Not recommended; gummies may become sticky and lose texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare a larger batch and store in the fridge for quick grab‑and‑go snacks
- Add a pinch of vitamin C powder to the syrup for extra immune support
- If you need a firmer texture, increase gelatin to 3 Tbsp per cup of liquid
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of elderberry gummies in American folk medicine?
Elderberries have been used by Native American tribes and early European settlers for their antiviral and anti‑inflammatory properties. Turning the berry syrup into portable gummies is a modern twist that makes the traditional remedy convenient for today’s busy lifestyles.
What are the traditional regional variations of elderberry preparations in North American cuisine?
In the Appalachian region, elderberries are commonly made into jams, pies, and syrups. Some Southern families add bourbon or apple cider for flavor. Gummies are a contemporary adaptation that retains the health benefits while offering a snackable form.
How is elderberry syrup traditionally served in Eastern European cultures?
In Eastern Europe, especially in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, elderberry syrup is mixed with sparkling water as a refreshing drink or used to sweeten desserts. It is also served warm with honey during winter to soothe colds.
What occasions or celebrations are elderberry gummies associated with in modern wellness culture?
Elderberry gummies have become popular during cold‑and‑flu season, as a pre‑flight immunity boost, and at wellness retreats where natural immune support is emphasized. They’re also given as thoughtful gifts for friends recovering from illness.
What makes elderberry gummies special compared to other fruit‑based gummies in American snack culture?
They combine the high antioxidant content of elderberries with a low‑sugar honey sweetener and warm spice notes, offering both flavor and a genuine immune‑supporting profile that most commercial gummies lack.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for elderberry gummies versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include dried elderberries, honey, and unflavored gelatin. Acceptable substitutes are frozen or fresh elderberries (adjust water), maple syrup or agave for honey, and agar‑agar for a vegan version, though texture will differ.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making elderberry gummies?
Common errors include under‑cooking the elderberries (resulting in weak flavor), not fully blooming or dissolving the gelatin, and allowing the mixture to boil, which destroys the gelatin’s setting ability. Also, using too much honey can make the gummies overly sticky.
Why does this elderberry gummy recipe use gelatin instead of agar‑agar?
Gelatin provides the classic soft, chewy texture that most people expect from gummies. Agar‑agar sets firmer and more brittle, which changes the mouthfeel. The recipe opts for gelatin to achieve a familiar gummy consistency while keeping the preparation simple.
Can I make elderberry gummies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can make them up to a week in advance. Store the unmolded gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag and thaw in the fridge before serving.
What does the YouTube channel GoodFoodBaddie specialize in?
The YouTube channel GoodFoodBaddie focuses on easy‑to‑make, health‑focused recipes that blend classic comfort foods with functional ingredients, often highlighting immune‑boosting or nutrient‑dense twists.
How does the YouTube channel GoodFoodBaddie's approach to wellness cooking differ from other health‑food channels?
GoodFoodBaddie emphasizes quick, ingredient‑minimal recipes that use everyday pantry items, whereas many other channels rely on specialty ingredients or lengthy prep. The channel also integrates short educational segments about the science behind each ingredient.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
