I love cake, but frosting? Not so much. It’s usually way too sweet for my taste, which is why I prefer making my own. Homemade frosting lets me control the sweetness and create a smoother, more balanced flavor. That’s why I’m so excited about a new frosting method I just discovered! It’s made using gummy bears or gummy candy, and it looks like a fun, colorful twist on classic buttercream.
Chef and content creator Andrea Buckett Cooks (@andreabuckettcooks) shared this recipe on Instagram and I can’t wait to try it. My guess is that my kids will be excited about it too.
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How to Make Gummy Candy Frosting
If you love fun, colorful desserts, making frosting with gummy candy is a must-try! This playful, sweet frosting is easy to make and the texture is great—super smooth and glossy and very stable, thanks to the gelatin in the candy.
You only need three ingredients to whip up this colorful frosting. You can get the full recipe on Andrea’s Instagram, but you’ll need gummy bears or any gummy candy of your choice, citric acid (or lemon or lime juice) and heavy whipping cream.
In her video, Andrea warmed the heavy cream in a pot on the stove. Once it was hot, she put in the gummy candies and stirred until they were melted. Then she added the citric acid to amplify the fruity flavor of the candy.
She poured the cream mixture into a container and let it cool in the fridge until it was set. Once it reached the consistency of tofu, she placed the frosting in a stand mixer and mixed until she had fluffy, thick frosting.
If it feels too stiff, you can add a little extra cream. This frosting sets faster than regular buttercream, so pipe or spread it right away for the best results!
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Why This Frosting is So Fun and Versatile
The options for this frosting are as wide as the candy aisle. You can use your favorite gummy candy—peach rings, sour gummies, those delicious berry-flavored candies—to create the flavor that goes best with whatever treat you’re making.
This frosting is especially fun for kids’ birthday parties because they can help choose the candy and then you can decorate the cake with the candies too or include the candy as party favors to keep the theme going.
Unlike traditional buttercream, this frosting holds its shape well, making it perfect for decorative swirls and details.
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Texture & Flavor: What to Expect
As we said, this frosting is thicker than regular buttercream, with a smooth, glossy finish. It firms up as it sits, almost like a cross between buttercream and marshmallow fluff.
It tastes fruity, sweet and slightly chewy, depending on the gummy candy you use. If you love gummy candies, you’ll love how their distinct flavors shine through!
Making frosting with gummy candy is a fun, creative way to switch up classic cake frosting. Whether you’re making cupcakes for a party, decorating cookies, or just experimenting in the kitchen, this candy-based frosting is sure to be a hit and I can’t wait to try it!
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