The Easiest Homemade Elderberry Gummies Recipe

Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Nico

Elderberries are packed with vitamin C and are a staple in our winter wellness routine. This elderberry gummies recipe is super simple to make and makes consuming elderberry syrup easier for younger ones. 

Consuming elderberry syrup is one our my favourite ways to help stave off coughs and colds during the fall and winter months. Elderberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which make them a natural powerhouse for fighting seasonal bugs!

Research has even shown that consuming elderberry can help shorten the duration of sickness and reduce the severity of seasonal colds and flus. 

We like to consume it during cold and flu season, and elderberry gummies make it easier for younger members of the family to enjoy it!

(If you already have a cold, you could try this simple thyme syrup for coughs and colds or this fire cider recipe!)

These homemade gummies are a fun and delicious way to consume all the benefits of elderberries and are an easy way for the whole family to get a boost of immune support. 

Elderberry gummy recipe

Tools

Silicon molds – I like these ones because they make homemade gummy bears

Small saucepan

Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth – I like this unbleached cheesecloth

Funnel

A small bowl

Ingredients

Bulk organic dried elderberries – Here’s an organic source

Raw honey or maple syrup – It’s best to find a local source! Avoid using honey in these gummies if you’re planning to give them to a child under 1 year old.

Cinnamon sticks

Fresh ginger

Cloves

Grass-fed gelatin powder (or agar agar for a vegan option)

Fresh lemon juice

Rose hips (optional) – can provide additional vitamin C – here’s a bulk source.

Hot water

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

Step 1: Make elderberry syrup 

Add all the elderberries, water, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan and turn the stove to a medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by nearly half.

Once half the liquid has evaporated, remove the pan from the heat. Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the elderberries to release all juices.

Pour the mixture through cheesecloth into a glass bowl or measuring cup. Elderberries have tiny seeds that can irritate your stomach and they can fit through my strainer so I use cheesecloth instead.

Let the liquid cool down slightly and then mix in raw honey or maple syrup until it’s dissolved. Avoid using honey if you’re planning to give the syrup or gummies to a baby under 1 year old.

Pour the syrup into a glass jar or bottle with a lid and store in the fridge for up to two months.

Step 2: Make the elderberry gummies

Add the elderberry syrup into a small saucepan and set it to a low heat. Try not to boil it – just warm enough to comfortably dissolve gelatin (around 90–100°F / 32–37°C).

Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the syrup and let it “bloom” for 1–2 minutes. Then whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and the gelatin is fully dissolved.

Pour the liquid into silicone gummy molds or a glass baking dish. I like to use gummy bear molds because they’re fun for the kids but I usually just use a shallow baking dish and knife to cut out the gummies! If you use a mold, it’s best to use a dropper to avoid spilling syrup everywhere!

Transfer molds to the fridge and let them set for 1–2 hours, or until firm.

Pop gummies out of molds and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How long do elderberry gummies last?

They should last in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to a year. They are not shelf-stable so always keep them chilled and not at room temperature.

Can you freeze the gummies?

Yes! Freezing elderberry gummies helps them last longer while maintaining their immune-boosting properties.

How many gummies should I take?

For adults and children over two years old, we typically take 1-2 gummies per day. However, dosage may vary based on the size of the mold and personal health needs. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice before making dietary changes.

Elderberry side effects

Elderberries are high in fibre, and consuming large amounts may cause bloating. However, when taken in a reasonable amount, elderberry gummies are safe for most people.

Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication. 

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you make your own homemade elderberry gummies and like them, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!

Nico

The Easiest Homemade Elderberry Gummies Recipe

This elderberry gummies recipe makes consuming elderberry syrup super simple. Made from organic elderberry syrup, this recipe helps to prevent colds and flus while providing immune support naturally.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Additional Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 50 gummies

Course: Homegrown Eats

Calories: 9

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

To make the elderberry syrup

• 1 cup dried elderberries or 2 cups fresh
• 3 cups filtered water
• 1 –2 tbsp fresh ginger grated or sliced
• 1 tsp whole cloves optional
• 1 tsp cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup raw honey or adjust to taste, added after cooling

To make the elderberry gummies

• 1 cup elderberry syrup homemade or store-bought
• ¼ cup gelatin powder grass-fed if desired; about 4 tbsp
• 2 tbsp raw honey optional, or to taste
• 1 tsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
• Silicone molds or a glass dish

Equipment

• Silicon molds – I like these ones because they make homemade gummy bears
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth – I like this unbleached cheesecloth
• Small saucepan
• Funnel
• A small bowl

Method

 

Step 1: Make elderberry syrup

1. Add all the elderberries, water, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan and turn the stove to a medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by nearly half.
2. Once half the liquid has evaporated, remove the pan from the heat. Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the elderberries to release all juices.
3. Pour the mixture through cheesecloth into a glass bowl or measuring cup. Elderberries have tiny seeds that can irritate your stomach and they can fit through my strainer so I use cheesecloth instead.
4. Let the liquid cool down slightly and then mix in raw honey or maple syrup until it’s dissolved. Avoid using honey if you’re planning to give the syrup or gummies to a baby under 1 year old.
5. Pour the syrup into a glass jar or bottle with a lid and store in the fridge for up to two months.

Step 2: Make the elderberry gummies

1. Add the elderberry syrup into a small saucepan and set it to a low heat. Try not to boil it – just warm enough to comfortably dissolve gelatin (around 90–100°F / 32–37°C).
2. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the syrup and let it “bloom” for 1–2 minutes. Then whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and the gelatin is fully dissolved.
3. Pour the liquid into silicone gummy molds or a glass baking dish. I like to use gummy bear molds because they’re fun for the kids but I usually just use a shallow baking dish and knife to cut out the gummies! If you use a mold, it’s best to use a dropper to avoid spilling syrup everywhere!
4. Transfer molds to the fridge and let them set for 1–2 hours, or until firm.
5. Pop gummies out of molds and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 9kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gSodium: 4mgFiber: 1g

Video

Notes

How long do elderberry gummies last?

They should last in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to a year. They are not shelf-stable so always keep them chilled and not at room temperature.

Can you freeze the gummies?

Yes! Freezing elderberry gummies helps them last longer while maintaining their immune-boosting properties.

How many gummies should I take?

For adults and children over two years old, we typically take 1-2 gummies per day. However, dosage may vary based on the size of the mold and personal health needs. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice before making dietary changes.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!