Print

Homemade Elderberry Gummies: Easy Immune Support

homemade elderberry gummies - featured image

These homemade elderberry gummies are a simple, kid-friendly way to support the immune system using real ingredients like elderberries, honey, and gelatin. Perfect for busy families during cold and flu season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup dried elderberries
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • ¼ cup raw honey (plus more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) grass-fed beef gelatin

Instructions

  1. Simmer the Elderberries: In a saucepan, combine ½ cup dried elderberries and 2 cups filtered water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until liquid reduces by about half and turns deep purple.
  2. Strain the Liquid: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a glass measuring cup. Pour the hot elderberry mixture through the strainer, pressing on the berries with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the berries. You should have about 1 cup of concentrated liquid.
  3. Sweeten and Acidify: While the liquid is still warm (not boiling), whisk in ¼ cup raw honey and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Taste and add more honey if desired. Let cool until just warm to the touch (about 100°F/38°C).
  4. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) grass-fed beef gelatin over ½ cup of the warm elderberry liquid. Let sit for 5 minutes without stirring until it becomes a thick, spongy mass.
  5. Combine and Whisk: Pour the remaining elderberry liquid into the bowl with the bloomed gelatin. Whisk gently until completely dissolved and smooth. If lumps remain, warm over a double boiler while whisking.
  6. Fill the Molds: Place silicone molds on a baking sheet. Use a dropper or small spouted pitcher to fill each cavity, leaving a tiny space at the top. Alternatively, pour into an 8×8-inch glass dish.
  7. Set in the Refrigerator: Transfer the baking sheet or dish to the refrigerator. Let set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
  8. Unmold and Store: Gently pop gummies out of molds. If they stick, let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Do not use fresh elderberries—they must be cooked. Ensure liquid is not above 120°F when adding gelatin to avoid weakening the set. For vegan option, use 2 teaspoons agar agar powder instead of gelatin (texture will be more like firm jelly). Gummies last up to 3 weeks in the fridge; do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: elderberry gummies, immune support, homemade gummies, elderberry recipe, kid-friendly, natural remedy, honey gummies