Description
Learn how to make homemade bubble gum from scratch with this easy recipe. Combining sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavorings, you’ll create chewy and colorful gum perfect for fun and chewing. Customize flavors and colors to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Sweet Base
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup clean water
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 tablespoon plain, unflavored gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup water (for blooming gelatin)
Flavor and Coloring
- Food coloring (optional)
- Flavor extracts (cherry, lemon, peppermint, etc., optional)
For Kneading
- Powdered sugar (for dusting and kneading)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup of water. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to hydrate fully, ensuring a chewy texture in the final gum.
- Cook the Sweet Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and remaining water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture turns clear. This forms the smooth, sweet base for your gum.
- Bring to the Right Temperature: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, cook until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage). This high temperature is crucial for achieving the right gum consistency.
- Incorporate Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the hydrated gelatin, salt, a few drops of food coloring (if desired), and your chosen flavor extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly colored and flavored.
- Cool and Thicken: Pour the mixture into a heatproof bowl or silicone mat. Allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes until it thickens to a honey-like consistency, suitable for kneading into gum.
- Knead and Shape: Dust a surface with powdered sugar. Knead the cooled, thickened gum until smooth, adding more powdered sugar if necessary. Shape into sticks or balls, then wrap in wax paper for storage.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of food coloring and flavor extracts to customize your gum’s appearance and taste.
- Be cautious while boiling to avoid burns. The mixture will be very hot.
- For best results, work quickly when mixing in the gelatin after reaching 300°F.
- Store the finished bubble gum in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.
- This homemade gum is best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1 inch diameter)
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: <1 g
- Saturated Fat: <1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Protein: <1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
