Frozen Gummy Bears: 3 Easy Steps for a Viral Snack

These frozen gummy bears are the ultimate icy-chewy treat: soak, freeze, enjoy. They puff up, get a frosty shell, and keep a bouncy center—perfect for hot days, parties, or quick dessert cravings. Love playful recipes? Try our Natural “Mounjaro” Drink, Onion Ring Chips (Low-Carb), or the airy Cloud Bread Magic.

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Frozen gummy bears with frosty texture on a white plate, colorful and glossy

Why this works

  • Hydration & expansion: Soaking lets liquid penetrate the gummy matrix so candies swell before freezing.
  • Frosty shell, chewy center: Freezing creates a crisp, icy exterior while the core stays pleasantly bouncy.
  • Temperature contrast: Cold dulls sweetness slightly, making each bite bright and refreshing.
  • Zero-cook method: No stovetop—just soak, drain, freeze.

Curious about the base ingredient? Gelatin gives gummies their springy bite. See Healthline’s overview of gelatin’s nutrition and uses here.

Ingredients & substitutions

  • Gummy bears — any brand or mixed flavors.
  • Soda — ginger ale or lemonade are classic; use lemon-lime or flavored seltzer for lighter sweetness.
  • Optional add-ins: a splash of citrus juice for tartness; a few mint leaves (remove before freezing).

Note: Sugar-free gummies don’t always swell the same way—check package warnings and expect less expansion.

Step-by-step (3 steps)

  1. Soak (overnight): Place gummies in a bowl and cover with soda; refrigerate 8–12 hours until plumped.
  2. Drain & arrange: Strain well. Spread gummies on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer.
  3. Freeze: Freeze at least 4 hours (or until surface looks frosty). Serve straight from the freezer.
Gummy bears soaking in ginger ale soda with bubbles forming in a glass bowl
Bubbles help drive liquid around each candy for even swelling.
Gummy bears spread on a tray before freezing, condensation and ice crystals forming
Single layer = faster freezing and better frosty texture.

Variations / Flavors

  • Citrus pop: Soak in lemon-lime soda; finish with a quick toss in lemon zest (post-freeze).
  • Tropical chill: Use pineapple soda; serve with coconut flakes (add just before serving).
  • Berry blast: Soak in berry seltzer for lighter sweetness and bright aroma.
  • Color themes: Sort candies for single-color bowls (great for parties or holidays).

Serving ideas

Serve in chilled bowls alongside fizzy drinks, or use as a fun topping for yogurt parfaits and fruit plates. For a playful snacking trio, pair with Cloud Bread Magic and our crunchy Onion Ring Chips. Need a refreshing sip? Mix a batch of the Natural “Mounjaro” Drink.

Pro tips & troubleshooting

  • Too sticky? Drain thoroughly and pat dry before freezing. Humidity can make surfaces tacky.
  • Not swelling? Extend soak time; ensure gummies are fully submerged and refrigerated.
  • Hard as ice? Let stand 2–3 minutes at room temp for a gentler bite.
  • Flavor fade? Choose sodas with distinct flavors; sparkling water gives a subtler result.

Make-ahead & storage

  • Freezer: Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks; layer with parchment to prevent clumping.
  • Fridge (pre-freeze): Soaked gummies hold 12–18 hours; drain before freezing to avoid dilution.

Nutrition (estimate)

Per ~20 gummies (varies by brand): ~140–170 kcal • Carbs 33–40 g • Protein ~2 g • Fat 0 g. Sugar-free versions may change totals and texture.

FAQs

Do I have to use soda?

No—flavored seltzer or lightly sweetened lemonade works. Soda yields the boldest flavor.

Why do gummies expand?

Water and dissolved gases move into the gelatin network. Longer soak = more swelling (up to a point).

Can I refreeze leftovers?

Yes, but texture slowly degrades. Freeze in small batches to minimize thaw-refreeze cycles.

Frozen gummy bears tripled in size with icy coating served in a glass bowl
Frosty outside, chewy inside—serve straight from the freezer.

Frozen Gummy Bears (3-Step Method)

Colorful gummy bears soaked and frozen for an icy shell and chewy center—fun, quick, and party-ready.

  • Prep (soak): + overnight soak
  • Freeze:
  • Total:
  • Yield: Varies (party bowl)

Ingredients

  • Gummy bears (any brand or flavors)
  • Ginger ale or lemonade (enough to cover)
  • (Optional) lemon zest for finishing; mint leaves (discard before freezing)

Instructions

  1. Cover gummy bears with soda in a bowl; refrigerate 8–12 hours until plumped.
  2. Drain very well; spread on a parchment-lined tray.
  3. Freeze 4+ hours until frosty; serve immediately.

Credits & Pinterest

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