These blue raspberry Gushers are a homemade take on the nostalgic candy—made with real fruit, gelatin, and natural coloring for a bright, fun treat you can feel good about serving.
Why you’ll love these blue raspberry gushers
Gushers were beloved for their soft gummy shell and jammy center that burst in your mouth. This homemade version captures that same playful texture using simple, wholesome ingredients: apple juice and gelatin for the gummy exterior, and a genuine raspberry filling made with fresh or frozen berries. I enjoy recreating childhood favorites with cleaner ingredients, and this recipe gives you the nostalgic experience with fewer artificial additives.
They’re quick to make, visually delightful, and the raspberry center adds a genuine fruit flavor that really sets these apart.
- Made with natural dye. The blue color comes from blue spirulina, a natural pigment that creates that iconic blue-raspberry hue without artificial food coloring.
- Real raspberry filling. The center is a small, jam-like raspberry filling made from mashed berries, honey, and arrowroot for thickening, giving a bright, fruity burst when you bite in.
Table of contents
- Why you’ll love these blue raspberry gushers
- Recipe Ingredients
- How to make homemade blue raspberry gushers
- Michelle’s Tips & Tricks
- Storage Instructions
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe section below for exact quantities.
- Apple juice. A neutral, sweet base that sets to a clear gummy when combined with gelatin.
- Blue spirulina. A natural blue powder used to color the gummy base without synthetic dyes.
- Gelatin. Provides the gummy texture for the shells.
- Raspberries. Fresh or frozen raspberries make the filling. Frozen berries may release more liquid—adjust thickener as needed.
- Honey or maple syrup. A touch of sweetener for the filling.
- Arrowroot starch. Thickens the raspberry filling to a jam-like consistency.
- Lemon juice and water. Brighten the filling and adjust consistency.
How to make homemade blue raspberry gushers
Below is an overview of the steps. Follow the full instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card for best results.
Step One. Whisk apple juice and blue spirulina together in a pot, sprinkle gelatin over the surface and let it bloom for a few minutes. Heat gently on the stove until the gelatin dissolves and the mixture returns to liquid.
Step Two. Use a dropper or small spoon to fill silicone molds halfway with the blue gummy liquid. Reserve the remaining liquid, then place the molds in the freezer briefly so the base firms up.
Step Three. Meanwhile, simmer raspberries, honey, and water over medium-low heat. Mash the berries until mostly liquid. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, then stir in lemon juice.
Mix arrowroot with a teaspoon of water, whisk until smooth, then stir into the strained raspberry juice. Heat briefly if needed until the filling thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Step Four. Remove molds from the freezer and add a small dollop of raspberry filling to the center of each gummy base using a piping bag, dropper, or small spoon.
Step Five. Rewarm any set gummy liquid if needed until it’s pourable, then top each filled cavity so the gummy is sealed.
Step Six. Chill the molds in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours until fully set. Pop the gummies from the molds and enjoy.
Michelle’s Tips & Tricks
- Thicken the filling if needed. If the arrowroot-thickened filling cools and seems too thin, heat it briefly in the microwave or on the stove for 10–20 seconds to activate the starch and tighten the texture.
- Expect color changes. Because the filling relies on natural raspberry pigments, it may darken or fade slightly over a couple of days in the fridge.
- Shortcuts are okay. The filling resembles a simple jam—if you’re short on time, a small spoonful of store-bought jam can substitute in a pinch.
- Save the pulp. The strained raspberry solids are perfect to freeze or stir into yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.
Storage Instructions
Store the finished Gushers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Refrigeration preserves their texture, though the natural filling will gradually lose some brightness over time.
If you try these Blue Raspberry Gushers, please leave a star rating and share how they turned out in the comments. Happy candy making!
Recipe (serves 6)
For the gummies
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/2 tsp blue spirulina
- 2 1/2 tbsp gelatin
For the filling
- 6 oz raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp arrowroot starch
Instructions
- Combine the apple juice and blue spirulina in a small pot and whisk. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
- Warm the mixture over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, whisking, until the gelatin dissolves and the liquid becomes smooth.
- Using a dropper or small spoon, fill silicone molds halfway with the blue gummy liquid. Freeze briefly until the base firms.
- Simmer raspberries, honey, and water over medium-low heat, mashing until mostly liquid. Remove from heat and press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Stir in lemon juice.
- Whisk the arrowroot with 1 teaspoon water until smooth, then stir into the raspberry juice. Heat briefly if needed until the filling thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Pipe or spoon a small dot of raspberry filling into the center of each gummy base. Top with the remaining gummy liquid to seal.
- Refrigerate the filled molds for 3–4 hours until fully set. Remove from molds and store in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.