3-Ingredient Watermelon Gummies

When summer hits and juicy red watermelons start popping up everywhere, it’s impossible not to crave something cool, fresh, and a little bit nostalgic. These Homemade Watermelon Gummies capture all that sunny sweetness in a chewy, fruity bite that both kids and adults adore. They’re made from real fruit—no artificial colors, no corn syrup, and no mystery ingredients—just pure, wholesome flavor that melts right into your summer memories.

Whether you’re looking for a fun kitchen project, a healthier candy option for the kids, or an edible gift idea for picnics and pool parties, these watermelon gummies deliver big on flavor and joy.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Watermelon Gummies

1. Real fruit, real flavor.
   Every gummy starts with fresh watermelon and lemon juice—no Jell-O packets or fake coloring here. The result is a candy that tastes like biting into a ripe watermelon on a warm day.
2. Clean ingredients.
   With just three simple ingredients—watermelon, lemon juice, and grass-fed gelatin—you know exactly what’s in every bite. You can even skip added sweeteners for a 100% fruit-based treat.
3. Fun for the whole family.
   These gummies are a perfect weekend activity for kids. They’ll love helping pour the mixture into molds and watching them set into bouncy, jiggly candies.
4. Endlessly customizable.
   Try shaping them into hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for the 4th of July, or classic cubes for snackable everyday treats. You can even use cookie cutters for extra fun.
5. Portable and long-lasting.
   Unlike fresh fruit, these gummies are easy to pack for road trips, lunchboxes, or gym snacks—and they keep beautifully in the fridge all week.

Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions

Fresh Watermelon

You’ll need about 4 cups of fresh watermelon, cut into chunks. Choose seedless if you can, or remove seeds before blending. Frozen watermelon works too—just thaw completely and drain excess water before blending.

Substitution tip: Cantaloupe, strawberries, or honeydew can replace watermelon for fruity variations.

Fresh Lemon Juice

The brightness of lemon balances watermelon’s natural sweetness and helps the gummies set with a refreshing tang. Freshly squeezed juice is ideal, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

Substitution tip: Lime juice adds a tropical flair, especially paired with a sprinkle of Tajín or chili-lime seasoning.

Grass-Fed Gelatin

The key ingredient that gives your gummies that perfect chewy bounce. Use grass-fed gelatin for a cleaner, protein-rich candy that also supports healthy joints and skin.

Substitution tip: To make these vegetarian, experiment with agar-agar powder (though texture will be firmer and less elastic).

Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Watermelon Gummies

Step 1: Blend the Fruit

Add your fresh watermelon chunks and lemon juice to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and liquid. You should have a beautifully vibrant pink purée.

💡 Pro tip

The fresher the watermelon, the brighter your gummies will be—look for deep red flesh and a sweet, fruity aroma.

Step 2: Strain the Juice

Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Press gently with a spoon to extract every drop, leaving the pulp behind. Discard the pulp—you only need the clear juice for smooth gummies.

Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin

Divide the strained juice into two equal parts. Pour half into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle 5 tablespoons of gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to bloom—it’ll absorb the liquid and thicken slightly.

Why this matters: Blooming prevents clumps and ensures your gelatin dissolves smoothly later.

Step 4: Warm the Juice

Pour the remaining half of the juice into a small saucepan. Gently heat over low heat until it’s warm (not hot!). Do not boil or simmer, as high heat can damage gelatin’s setting power.

Step 5: Combine and Whisk

Pour the bloomed gelatin mixture into the warm watermelon juice, whisking constantly until smooth and fully dissolved. The mixture should look glossy and uniform, with no visible lumps.

Step 6: Pour into Molds

Carefully pour the liquid into silicone molds or a shallow baking dish. Silicone molds in fun shapes—hearts, bears, stars—make these extra special. You can also line a loaf pan with parchment and cut gummies into cubes once set.

Step 7: Chill to Set

Refrigerate the molds for about 30 minutes or until the gummies are firm and springy to the touch. Once set, pop them out gently or slice into bite-sized squares if using a pan.

Optional finish: Lightly roll them in sugar for a sparkly candy look—but they’re plenty sweet without it.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days for the best texture. They can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, making them great for parties or travel.

Variations, Serving & Storage Ideas

• Fruit Blends: Mix watermelon with strawberry, kiwi, or pineapple for layered gummies in different colors.
• Natural Color Boosts: Add beet powder for a deeper red or blue spirulina for a whimsical summer twist.
• Sweet-and-Spicy: Sprinkle Tajín or chili powder before setting for Mexican-inspired “spicy watermelon” bites.
• Cocktail Version: Add a splash of rosé or sparkling water before setting for adult-friendly gummy treats.
• Freezer Tip: Freeze gummy cubes on a tray, then transfer to bags—they make adorable ice-cube alternatives for lemonade or sparkling water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I make these watermelon gummies without gelatin?

Yes—use agar-agar powder for a vegetarian version. Start with about one-third the amount of gelatin called for. Expect a firmer, less chewy texture compared to gelatin-based gummies.

2) How long do homemade gummies last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying. Avoid long room-temperature storage so they keep their bounce.

3) Can I add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup?

Absolutely. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple to the warm juice before dissolving the gelatin. Taste first—ripe watermelon may be sweet enough on its own.

4) Why did my gummies turn sticky or soft?

Extra moisture or humidity is usually the cause. Make sure the juice isn’t too watery, bloom and dissolve gelatin fully, and chill the gummies. Store refrigerated for the best texture.

A Taste of Summer in Every Bite

Making your own watermelon gummies feels like bottling sunshine. They’re fun, simple, and deliciously natural—no unpronounceable ingredients, just sweet watermelon turned into candy magic. Whether you’re making them for your kids, prepping a healthy snack for yourself, or creating edible party favors, these gummies will add a little sparkle to your day.

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king for more fruity inspiration? Explore more creative homemade treats on My Flavor Recipes, like our playful

Ghost Linzer Cookies

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cozy Pumpkin Blondies.

Don’t miss our fall favorites too—Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears, and Italian Cheese Loaf.

For seasonal inspiration and kitchen fun, join our foodie community on Pinterest and Facebook.

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