Mama on the Homestead participates in the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program. This allows me to make a small commission on goods you purchase through my links. Thank you!

Elderberry syrup is a sweet natural remedy that packs a powerful antiviral punch! It is perfect for cold & flu season and it isn’t difficult to make. Despite all of this, my kids won’t take it. They equate the syrup to an icky medication since it is taken with the same method. This is why I decided to turn that immune-boosting goodness into homemade elderberry gummies!

Homemade Elderberry Gummies Recipe

Elderberry gummies are made using elderberry syrup, filtered water, and gelatin. Turning the syrup into kid-friendly gummies is a simple process that you can complete in just over an hour (that includes refrigeration time for setting).

Benefits of Elderberry Syrup Gummies

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the benefits of homemade elderberry gummies.

Elderberries, Sambucus nigra, have some pretty amazing health benefits ranging from immune support during cold & flu season to relieving constipation!

Antiviral Properties

Studies show that elderberries inhibit viral replication inside cells so it is effective at reducing the severity of colds and flu symptoms.

Vitamin Rich

Elderberries contain high levels of vitamins A, B, and C. One cup of elderberries is said to contain 40% of your daily recommended Vitamin C! This is incredible for the immune system!

Digestive Aid

Elderberries are packed with digestive fiber so they can help to ease digestive upset.

Antioxidant Properties

Elderberries contain a significant number of flavonoids, most notably Quercetin, Rutin, and Anthocyanins. These antioxidants help to boost the immune system and lessen cold & flu symptoms.

Anthocyanin is the compound that gives elderberries their color. It is also known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Potential Side-Effects of Elderberries

Elderberries do contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide, similar to apple seeds and the pit of stone fruits. This isn’t an issue in this homemade elderberry gummies recipe because the elderberries are dried and they go through a high heat processing that renders the cyanide compounds harmless. If you use fresh elderberries without heating them, you may experience stomach upset.

Here are some articles and studies that go more into detail about the health benefits of elderberries:

Ingredients

1 cup Elderberry Syrup
2/3 cup Filtered Hot Water
¼ cup Unflavored Gelatin (4 packs of Knox)

You will need some gummy molds for this recipe. I prefer the gummy bear molds for kids and the small square molds for adults.

Steps

STEP 1: Make Elderberry Syrup

Make the homemade elderberry syrup. My favorite elderberry syrup recipe adds ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and raw honey. If you make a full batch of syrup, reserve one cup to make the homemade gummies. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

reserved elderberry syrup for homemade elderberry gummies

STEP 2: Support the Molds

Place your homemade elderberry gummy molds on a baking sheet or another sturdy pan/cooling rack. Just make sure that whatever you use will fit into the refrigerator.

STEP 3: Add Gelatin

Add ¼ cup of the reserved elderberry syrup into a bowl and pour the gelatin powder on top. Mix the gelatin and syrup together. It will thicken up.

Elderberry syrup being mixed with gelatin in a mason jar

STEP 4: Add Hot Water + Remaining Syrup

Now, pour in the hot water and stir until the elderberry/gelatin mix dissolves. Mix in the remaining elderberry syrup.

STEP 5: Pour into Molds

Pour the mixture into the gummy molds. I like to use a small dropper or a baster to make this step a little easier and less messy.

Homemade elderberry gummies going into the gummy molds

STEP 6: Refrigerate

Place the baking sheet with the gummy molds into the refrigerator for an hour (or until the gummies are firm).

STEP 7: Store & Enjoy!

Pop the homemade elderberry gummies out and get them ready for storage (see storage instructions below).

Elderberry gummies being popped out of the molds

How to Store Homemade Elderberry Gummies

Elderberry gummies are easy to store. Simply keep them in an airtight container (like a mason jar with a lid) in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. A ½ pint mason jar will hold around 150-200 gummies.

How to Use Elderberry Gummies

Kids ages 2 years and up can take 2-3 gummies each day (from a small mold) for an immune system boost! Adults can take 4-5 small gummies per day. This dose can be doubled when you are sick.

Homemade Elderberry Gummies on a white plate

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. I am not a doctor. Do not use this syrup if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. This recipe is based on personal experience and research. Please do your own research as well.