Homemade Brach’s Jelly Beans Recipe

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You’ve probably grown up with the unmistakable taste of Brach’s Jelly Beans—those sweet, chewy candies bursting with vibrant flavors that bring back memories of Easter mornings and family gatherings.

How to make Brach’s Jelly Beans

Brach’s Jelly Beans are a popular type of chewy, bean-shaped candy made by the Brach’s company. They’re especially associated with Easter, when they’re commonly used in candy bowls, baskets, and egg hunts.

Ingredients

For the Jelly Bean Centers

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin (about 2.5 teaspoons)
• ¼ cup fruit juice or flavored extract (to add flavor) – cherry, orange, lemon, etc.
• Gel food coloring (to match your flavors)
• ½ teaspoon citric acid (optional, for tangy varieties)

For the Outer Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for tossing and coating the jelly beans)
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting between layers)

Instructions

Making jelly beans involves two major steps: creating the jelly bean centers and adding the sugar coating.

Step 1: Make the Jelly Bean Centers

1. Prepare the Gelatin Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the packet of unflavored gelatin with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir lightly and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. It should become thick and jelly-like.
2. Heat the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Incorporate Gelatin: Once the sugar syrup heats up thoroughly (about 240°F on a candy thermometer), remove it from the heat. Quickly stir in the bloomed gelatin until it’s fully dissolved.
4. Add Flavor and Color: Stir in your chosen fruit juice or flavored extract and a drop or two of gel food coloring. Mix well until the color and flavor are fully incorporated.
5. Form the Jelly Bean Centers: Spoon the mixture into a candy mold with small, bean-shaped cavities (silicone molds work best). If you don’t have a mold, you can drop small blobs onto parchment paper using a spoon or piping bag.
6. Allow to Set: Let the jelly bean centers sit at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) until they firm up and become chewy.

Step 2: Add the Sugar Coating

1. Prepare the Coating Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the syrup to cool slightly—it should still be liquid but not scalding hot.
2. Coat the Centers: Remove the jelly bean centers from the mold or parchment. Drop a few centers at a time into the coating syrup, ensuring they’re well covered.
3. Toss in Sugar: Using a slotted spoon, remove the coated jelly bean centers and immediately toss them in granulated sugar to create the classic jelly bean finish. You can use a large bowl of sugar and toss the beans by gently shaking the bowl.
4. Let Dry: Place the coated jelly beans on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Let them sit at room temperature until the coating hardens (this can take 24 hours). Repeat the coating process 1-2 more times for an even, glossy shell.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Flavors: Experiment with different extracts (like lemon, strawberry, or peppermint) or fruit juices for variety. You can create a rainbow of flavors and colors similar to Brach’s!
• Food Coloring: Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant hues. Mix colors to match the flavor of your jelly beans (e.g., red for cherry, yellow for lemon).
• Patience is Key: Jelly beans take time to set and dry between coating layers. Don’t rush the process!
• Citric Acid for Tanginess: Adding citric acid gives your jelly beans that slight tart kick that some Brach’s flavors are known for.
• Candy Molds: If you want perfectly shaped jelly beans, investing in a candy mold is highly recommended. Look for bean-shaped silicone molds online.

What to serve with

Brach’s Jelly Beans aren’t just a candy—they’re a versatile treat that can bring color, fun, and flavor to both casual and fancy occasions. While they are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary foods, drinks, or even decorative desserts can elevate their charm even further.

• With Coffee or Tea: Offer jelly beans alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea as a sugary treat to snack on. The sweetness complements strong coffee flavors, like espresso, or teas such as Earl Grey or chamomile.
• With Cocktails: Jelly beans make great cocktail garnishes! Serve them on skewers alongside fruity drinks like margaritas, sangrias, or cosmopolitans to match their bright colors and flavors.
• With Mocktails: Create kid-friendly drinks by serving jelly beans alongside sparkling waters, lemonades, or colorful punches. A sparkling grape juice with Brach’s Jelly Beans at the bottom of the glass is a hit for kids during parties.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making homemade jelly beans requires specific ingredients to achieve the right flavor, texture, and appearance. However, you might find some of the ingredients unavailable, or you may prefer alternatives for dietary or preference reasons.

1. Granulated Sugar

Sugar is the main ingredient for creating the sweetness and structure of jelly beans. Substituting granulated sugar is possible but may impact texture slightly.

Alternative:

• Caster Sugar (Superfine sugar): If you want smoother textures, use caster sugar instead. It dissolves more easily and creates a softer result.
• Coconut Sugar: For a healthier alternative or deeper flavor, coconut sugar works, though it will give a caramel-like taste and a darker color.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweeteners: For lower-sugar jelly beans, you can use stevia or monk fruit, but keep in mind that they don’t caramelize like regular sugar and may affect the shell texture.
• Maple Syrup/Agave Syrup: Can work as a liquid sweetener but will result in softer jelly centers. Reduce water in the recipe if using a liquid sweetener.

2. Corn Syrup

Corn syrup provides chewiness and stabilizes the jelly mixture, ensuring no crystallization occurs during the candy-making process. It’s essential for texture, but there are alternatives.

Alternative:

• Honey: Works well as a natural sweetener substitute and provides moisture in the candy mixture. Honey adds a unique flavor, so choose lighter varieties like clover honey for less noticeable taste.
• Agave Syrup: A plant-based option for vegans. Agave syrup is slightly thinner than corn syrup but still prevents crystallization and adds sweetness.
• Golden Syrup: A thicker, caramel-flavored substitution that works similarly to corn syrup. It may give your jelly beans a richer taste.
• Brown Rice Syrup: A less sweet replacement that still provides the sticky texture needed for the jelly center.
• Sugar + Water Mixture: Combine extra sugar with a small amount of water to create a syrup. You’ll lose the thick stability, but it works in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

While making your own Brach’s Jelly Beans at home is a bit of a labor of love, the end result is so worth it! Not only do you get to create a nostalgic treat, but you also have the freedom to get creative with flavors, colors, and even shapes. 

More Jelly Beans Recipes

• Homemade Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans Recipe
• Homemade KFC Jelly Beans Recipe