Name: Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Gummy Bears: 1 cup; Milk Chocolate: 8 ounces; Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon

Whether you’re miles away from the nearest Trader Joe’s, looking to put a personal twist on your treats, or simply in the mood for a fun and tasty DIY project, join me as we go into the heart of homemade Trader Joe’s chocolate covered gummy bears.

Table of Contents

How to make Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears are a unique snack from Trader Joe’s, a popular grocery store chain known for its innovative and eclectic product selection. These treats consist of chewy, fruit-flavored candies, which consist of gummy bears covered in a layer of chocolate.

Ingredients:

Gummy Bears: 1 cup (use high-quality for the best flavor and chewiness)
Milk Chocolate: 8 ounces (can also use dark chocolate for a richer taste)
Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, helps make the chocolate smoother and easier to work with)

Instructions:

Prepare Gummy Bears: Before you begin, make sure your gummy bears are not stuck together. This will make it easier to coat them evenly with chocolate.
Melt Chocolate: Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the coconut oil to the bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until completely melted and smooth. Remember, chocolate burns easily, so keep a close eye on it.
Coat Gummy Bears: Using a fork or skewer, dip each gummy bear into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Gently tap the fork or skewer on the side of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
Cooling: Place the chocolate-coated gummy bears on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Ensure they’re not touching so they don’t stick together.
Set the Chocolate: Transfer the gummy bears to the refrigerator and set them for at least 30 minutes. This will harden the chocolate and give it a nice snap when bitten into.
Serving:The gummy bears are ready to enjoy once the chocolate has set!

Tips for Success:

Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your gummy bears and chocolate, the more delicious your final product will be. Choose your favorite chocolate type, whether milk, dark, or even white.
Coating Technique: If you find dipping the gummy bears one by one tedious, you can try tossing a small batch of them in the melted chocolate and then fishing them out individually for placing on the parchment paper.
Avoid Moisture: Avoid contacting your chocolate with water, as this can cause it to seize, making it grainy and difficult to work with.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of coatings. A light sprinkle of sea salt can add a wonderful contrast to the sweetness, or drizzling a little white chocolate over the set of chocolate bears can make for a decorative and tasty twist.

What to serve with

Serving Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears can transform an everyday moment into a special occasion. These delightful treats offer a sweet balance of chewy gummy bears encased in smooth, luxurious chocolate, making them incredibly versatile in desserts and snack pairings.

1. Ice Cream: Top a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream with these chocolate-covered gummy bears for a delightful contrast in textures. Vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream can provide a classic base, but don’t be afraid to experiment with more adventurous flavors like salted caramel or pistachio.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears can be fun and creative. Whether it’s due to dietary restrictions, accessibility issues, or simply a desire to experiment with flavors, you might need to substitute certain ingredients.

Gummy Bears:

Vegan/vegetarian option: Traditional gummy bears are made with gelatin derived from animal collagen. For a vegan or vegetarian alternative, look for gelatin-free gummies made with pectin or agar-agar. Brands such as Surf Sweets and YumEarth offer vegan-friendly gummies.
Organic option: Choose organic gummy bears if you prefer ingredients that are free from synthetic additives and pesticides.
For a different flavor profile, Consider using flavored gummies, such as citrus blend or sour versions, to create a tangy contrast with the chocolate.

Chocolate:

Dairy-free or vegan chocolate: Substitute regular chocolate with dairy-free options like those made with almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Brands such as Enjoy Life and Pascha make vegan and allergy-friendly chocolate.
Sugar-free chocolate: For those monitoring sugar intake, use sugar-free chocolate options available in most health food stores. These are often sweetened with maltitol, stevia, or erythritol.
Type of chocolate: While milk chocolate is commonly used, dark chocolate can be a healthier alternative due to its higher antioxidant content and lower sugar level. White chocolate can also be used for a sweeter, creamier coat.

Coating and Finishing:

Cocoa powder: If aiming for a dusted finish, cocoa powder is great for those who prefer a matte look. Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness level.
Confectioner’s varnish (shellac): To achieve a shiny, commercial-looking finish, confectioner’s varnish is typically used. However, for a more natural alternative, you can use a thin layer of coconut oil or skip this step entirely for a simpler version.
Alternative coatings: Consider rolling the chocolate-covered gummy bears in crushed nuts, powdered sugar, or sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal before the chocolate sets.

Final Thoughts

Creating these Trader Joe’s chocolate covered gummy bears at home not only allows you to control the quality of ingredients but also gives you a fun, customizable snack that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them.

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