Let’s make frozen gummy bears
Let’s make frozen gummy bears 🐻🧊 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by biteswithlily on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 15 hrs 1 min | Total: 15 hrs 28 min
Cost: $6.50 total, $1.63 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Gummy Bears (regular fruit‑flavored gummy bears, loosely packed)
- 1 cup Sweet and Sour Gummy Bears (adds a tangy contrast)
- 2 cups Sprite (lemon‑lime soda, chilled)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
Measure out 1 cup regular gummy bears, 1 cup sweet‑and‑sour gummy bears, and 2 cups chilled Sprite.
Time: PT5M
Add Regular Gummy Bears
Place the regular gummy bears into the airtight container.
Time: PT2M
Add Sweet‑and‑Sour Gummy Bears
Add the sweet‑and‑sour gummy bears on top of the regular ones.
Time: PT2M
Pour Sprite
Slowly pour the 2 cups of Sprite over the gummy bears until they are just covered.
Time: PT2M
Seal the Container
Close the lid tightly to create an airtight seal.
Time: PT1M
Refrigerate Overnight
Place the sealed container in the refrigerator (about 4°C) and let it sit undisturbed for at least 12 hours.
Time: PT12H
Temperature: 4°C
Transfer to Freezer
After the overnight chill, move the container to the freezer.
Time: PT1M
Freeze
Freeze for 3 hours at –18°C (standard freezer temperature) until the gummy bears develop a soft, icy texture.
Time: PT3H
Temperature: -18°C
Serve
Remove from the freezer, let sit for 1‑2 minutes to soften slightly, then pop out the frozen gummy bears and enjoy.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 85g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Contains gelatin (non‑vegetarian), Gluten‑Free, Contains added sugar
Allergens: Gelatin, Citric acid, Food coloring
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Gummy Bears: Fruit‑flavored gelatin candies
- Instead of Sweet and Sour Gummy Bears: Sour gummy candies
- Instead of Sprite: 7 Up, Lemon‑lime sparkling water (add a splash of simple syrup for sweetness)
Equipment Needed
- Airtight Container
- Spoon
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seal the container airtight
- Refrigerate overnight (minimum 12 hours)
- Freeze for 3 hours
Chef Tips from the Video
- Swap Sprite for a flavored soda (e.g., orange or cherry) for different taste profiles.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the Sprite before pouring to balance the sweetness.
- Use a silicone ice‑cube tray to create bite‑size frozen gummy cubes.
Troubleshooting
Gummy bears did not expand or stayed the same size.
Make sure the Sprite fully covers the bears and that the container is sealed tightly. A warmer fridge can also slow the absorption; keep the fridge at 4°C or lower.
The frozen gummy bears are too hard and crunchy.
Reduce the freezing time to 2‑2½ hours or remove the container a few minutes earlier. The texture should be soft and icy, not rock‑hard.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, but texture will become soggy.
Freezer: Best stored in the freezer for up to 1 week; keep sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Room temperature: Not recommended; gummy bears will melt and lose texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the gummy‑Sprite mixture a day ahead and keep sealed in the fridge before freezing.
- Portion the mixture into small silicone molds for individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of gummy bears in American snack culture?
Gummy bears were invented in Germany in the 1920s and became a staple candy in the United States during the 1970s, symbolizing playful, bite‑size sweets that are popular at parties, movie nights, and as a nostalgic treat for many Americans.
How did the idea of freezing gummy bears with Sprite originate, and is it a common trend in American candy experiments?
Freezing gummy bears with soda is a recent internet‑driven food hack that gained popularity on TikTok and YouTube for its surprising texture change. It reflects the American love of novelty snacks and DIY experiments that turn everyday candies into new experiences.
What traditional variations of frozen gummy bear snacks exist in other cuisines?
While frozen gummy bears are a modern novelty, other cultures have similar concepts, such as Japanese "ramune‑soaked" gummy candies or Korean "soda‑infused" jelly treats, which use carbonated drinks to alter texture and flavor.
What occasions or celebrations are frozen gummy bears best suited for in American culture?
Frozen gummy bears are perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, movie marathons, or as a quirky dessert at holiday gatherings where a light, refreshing bite is desired.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for frozen gummy bears versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses regular gummy bears, sweet‑and‑sour gummy bears, and a lemon‑lime soda like Sprite. Acceptable substitutes include any fruit‑flavored gummy candy and any clear lemon‑lime carbonated beverage, though flavor and texture may vary.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making frozen gummy bears?
Common mistakes include not sealing the container tightly (which lets air in and prevents expansion), using too little soda so the bears cannot absorb enough liquid, and freezing for too long, which makes the texture rock‑hard.
Why does this frozen gummy bear recipe use a refrigeration step before freezing instead of freezing directly?
Refrigerating overnight allows the gummy bears to fully absorb the Sprite and swell gradually. Skipping this step can cause the bears to burst or become unevenly textured when frozen.
Can I make frozen gummy bears ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the gummy‑Sprite mixture a day ahead, keep it sealed in the refrigerator, then freeze for 3 hours before serving. Store the finished frozen bears in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
What does the YouTube channel biteswithlily specialize in?
The YouTube channel biteswithlily focuses on quick, playful snack experiments, easy desserts, and creative twists on classic candies, often using minimal equipment and everyday ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel biteswithlily's approach to candy experiments differ from other snack channels?
biteswithlily emphasizes ultra‑simple, single‑ingredient transformations with a strong visual focus on texture changes, whereas many other snack channels include more elaborate cooking techniques or multi‑step recipes.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
