Homemade Bubble Gum Recipe

Making homemade bubble gum is a fun and creative activity that lets you enjoy a personalized, chewy treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create bubble gum in your favorite flavors and colors. This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a nostalgic and interactive kitchen project.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fun and Interactive: A hands-on project that’s great for kids and families.
  • Customizable: Choose your favorite flavors, colors, and even shapes.
  • Nostalgic Treat: Brings back the joy of classic bubble gum.
  • Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and no special equipment.
  • Great for Gifting: Package your homemade gum for unique party favors or gifts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Gum base (available online or in specialty stores)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Food-grade flavoring (e.g., fruit, mint, or bubble gum)
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Cornstarch (for rolling)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Work Surface:
    • Sprinkle a clean countertop or cutting board with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt the Gum Base:
    • Place the gum base in a microwave-safe bowl. Add corn syrup.
    • Microwave in 10-15 second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
  3. Add Flavor and Color:
    • Stir in the food-grade flavoring and food coloring. Adjust the amount based on the intensity of flavor and color desired.
  4. Mix in Powdered Sugar:
    • Gradually add powdered sugar to the melted gum base, stirring with a spatula or spoon until it becomes difficult to mix.
  5. Knead the Gum:
    • Transfer the mixture to the cornstarch-dusted surface. Knead the dough, incorporating more powdered sugar as needed, until it becomes smooth and pliable.
  6. Shape the Gum:
    • Roll the gum into small balls, ropes, or flatten it into sheets to cut into desired shapes.
  7. Cool and Store:
    • Allow the gum to cool and firm up for about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container or wrap individual pieces in wax paper.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 15-20 pieces of gum
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Tropical Gum: Use pineapple or mango flavoring and add yellow or orange food coloring.
  • Minty Fresh Gum: Opt for peppermint or spearmint flavoring and a drop of green coloring.
  • Berry Blast: Combine strawberry and blueberry flavorings with a swirl of pink and blue colors.
  • Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar-free powdered sweetener in place of powdered sugar.

Storage

  • Storage: Keep the gum in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Where can I find gum base?

Gum base is available online or at specialty baking and candy supply stores.

Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?

Corn syrup helps provide the stretchy, chewy texture. You can try honey or glucose syrup as a substitute, but results may vary.

How do I prevent the gum from sticking?

Dust your hands and work surface with cornstarch or powdered sugar during kneading.

Can I make multi-flavored gum?

Yes, divide the mixture after melting the gum base and add different flavorings and colors to each portion.

How do I achieve vibrant colors?

Use gel or liquid food coloring and add it gradually to achieve your desired shade.

Can I use natural flavorings?

Yes, natural food-grade extracts like vanilla, citrus, or mint work well.

Is this gum safe for kids?

Yes, but ensure young children understand not to swallow the gum.

How can I make the gum softer?

Reduce the amount of powdered sugar during kneading for a softer texture.

Can I add other ingredients like sprinkles?

Yes, fold in small, edible decorations like sprinkles during the kneading stage.

How do I make it last longer?

Chewing the gum slower and evenly helps it retain its flavor and elasticity.

Conclusion

Homemade bubble gum is a fun and delicious way to create a unique, personalized treat. With its customizable flavors, colors, and shapes, this recipe is perfect for crafting with kids or adding a nostalgic touch to any event. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, homemade bubble gum is sure to bring smiles to everyone who chews it!

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Homemade Bubble Gum Recipe

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Making your own bubble gum at home is a fun and creative activity for kids and adults alike! This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a chewy, flavorful gum that’s perfect for blowing bubbles and enjoying nostalgic fun.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 1215 pieces 1x
  • Category: Snack, DIY
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bubble Gum Base:

  • 1/3 cup (75 g) gum base (available online or in specialty stores)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon glycerin (optional, for chewiness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for a tangy flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon flavoring extract (e.g., bubble gum, mint, fruit, or vanilla)
  • Food coloring (optional, for color)

Instructions

  1. Melt the Gum Base:
    • Place the gum base, corn syrup, and glycerin (if using) into a microwave-safe bowl.
    • Heat in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. (Alternatively, melt over low heat in a double boiler.)
  2. Add Flavor and Color:
    • Stir in the citric acid, flavoring extract, and food coloring. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavor and color.
  3. Add the Powdered Sugar:
    • Gradually add the powdered sugar to the melted mixture, stirring with a spatula until it becomes too stiff to mix.
  4. Knead the Gum:
    • Dust a clean surface or silicone mat with powdered sugar. Wearing gloves, transfer the gum mixture to the surface and knead it like dough.
    • Continue kneading, adding small amounts of powdered sugar, until the gum is no longer sticky and has a smooth, pliable texture.
  5. Shape the Gum:
    • Roll the gum into a log and cut it into small pieces, or shape it into balls or sticks. Place the pieces on wax paper or a silicone mat to cool and set.
  6. Store and Enjoy:
    • Once cool, store the gum in an airtight container or wrap individual pieces in wax paper. Chew and enjoy your homemade bubble gum!

Notes

  • Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different extracts and food colorings to create custom flavors and colors.
  • Storage: Keep gum in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and chewiness.
  • Caution: Gum base can be very sticky when melted—handle with care.

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