Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears Recipe

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You’ve likely enjoyed Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears more than once—and maybe even stashed a bag away for “emergencies” (no judgment here!). But what happens when your local Trader Joe’s runs out, or you’re craving that chewy-chocolatey goodness but prefer a homemade touch?

How to make Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears

Trader Joe’s Milk Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears are a sweet treat where classic fruit‑flavored gummy bears are dipped in creamy milk chocolate—offering a chewy gummy center wrapped in a rich shell.

Ingredients

• Gummy Bears (1 cup)
• Milk Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Bars (1 cup, roughly chopped)
• Coconut Oil or Butter (1 teaspoon, optional)
• Sprinkles or Sea Salt (Optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the gummy bears from sticking when cooling.

Step 2: Place your milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or use a double boiler. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 15-20 second intervals, stirring after each interval to ensure the chocolate melts evenly. If using a double boiler, stir continuously until the chocolate becomes smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (if desired) for a more fluid texture.

Step 3: Using a fork, skewers, or dipping tool, carefully dunk each gummy bear into the melted chocolate. Ensure the gummy bear is fully coated. Gently lift the gummy bear out of the chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.

Step 4: Arrange the chocolate-dipped gummy bears on the parchment-lined tray. Keep them spaced to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Place the tray in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes (or until the chocolate hardens completely).

Step 6: Once set, you can drizzle additional chocolate, add sprinkles, or lightly sprinkle sea salt for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the final product. Opt for a brand you enjoy eating straight out of the bag, as its quality will shine through.
• Be Quick When Dipping: Gummies can become sticky when exposed to heat for long periods. Dip them quickly to avoid messiness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix things up! Try dark or white chocolate for contrasting flavors, or dip gummies in different batches of chocolate for variety.
• Use Silicone Molds: If you want uniform shapes or extra creativity, you can use silicone molds to reshape your gummy bears after dipping them in chocolate.
• Storage: Store your homemade chocolate-covered gummy bears in an airtight container in a cool place or the refrigerator for up to a week.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears are already a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with complementary snacks and drinks can take your dessert or snack game to the next level.

1. Pair With Other Candies or Chocolates

Create a fun candy platter or dessert board by pairing your chocolate-covered gummy bears with:

• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels contrasts beautifully with the sweet chewiness of gummy bears.
• Fruit Gummies: Add more variety by serving plain gummy bears or other fruit-flavored gummies for guests to enjoy a mix of textures and flavors.
• Chocolate Truffles or Fudge: These rich options enhance the sweetness of the gummy bears while offering a more luxurious bite.

2. Incorporate Into a Dessert Board

For a more sophisticated presentation, include chocolate-covered gummy bears as part of a themed dessert platter:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve sliced strawberries, bananas, or grapes alongside gummy bears to balance the sweetness with bright, natural flavors.
• Cookies: Pair with soft cookies like chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or shortbread for a crowd-pleasing combination.
• Nut Mixes: Include candied or roasted nuts (like almonds or cashews) for that satisfying crunch to complement the chewiness of the Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears.

3. Serve With Ice Cream

• Add a playful twist to your dessert by using chocolate-covered gummy bears as an ice cream topping:
• Scoop creamy vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream into bowls and sprinkle the Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears over them for a colorful, fun presentation.
• Create sundaes with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and other toppings like crushed Oreos and sprinkles to pair with the gummies.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving the sweet and chewy goodness of Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears but you’re missing some of the ingredients—or simply want to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or creative ideas—there are plenty of substitutes you can use.

Substituting Gummy Bears

The gummy bears are the centerpiece of this recipe, but there’s room to experiment with similar chewy candies or healthier alternatives:

• Other Gummy Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to bears! Substitute with gummy worms, gummy fruits, or gummy rings for a fun twist. The flavors will remain just as fruity and satisfying.
• Vegan Gummy Candy: Regular gummy bears often contain gelatin, which isn’t suitable for vegans. Swap them with gelatin-free, plant-based gummies made from pectin or agar-agar. Many brands offer vegan gummies in fruity or sour varieties.
• Fruit Snacks: If you don’t have gummy bears on hand, soft fruit snacks (like chewy fruit chews or fruit roll-ups cut into bite-sized pieces) work just as well for coating in chocolate.
• Dried Fruits: For a healthier alternative, try chewy dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, mango slices, or raisins instead of gummy bears. Dip them in chocolate for a naturally sweet touch.

Substituting Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate is the go-to choice in the Trader Joe’s version of this treat, but substitutions can add new dimensions of flavor:

• Dark Chocolate: Prefer less sweetness? Switch to dark chocolate with 70–80% cacao. It offers a bold flavor that complements the fruity gummies.
• White Chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier option, white chocolate makes a great substitute. Its mild flavor pairs well with bright and tangy gummies.
• Ruby Chocolate: Ruby chocolate, made from ruby cocoa beans, has a natural pink hue and fruity notes that pair harmoniously with gummy candies.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate: For a vegan or lactose-free alternative, use dairy-free chocolate made from cacao combined with coconut milk or almond milk. Brands like Enjoy Life or Hu Kitchen offer excellent options.
• Flavored Chocolate: Get creative with flavored chocolate bars (like orange, mint, or salted caramel). Melt them down and coat your gummy bears for an elevated flavor experience.

Substituting Coconut Oil or Butter

Coconut oil or butter is commonly added to melted chocolate to improve texture and provide a glossy finish. If you’re out of these ingredients or prefer a substitute, here are your options:

• Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral vegetable oil, like canola or sunflower oil, to thin out the chocolate. Stick to just a teaspoon to avoid overpowering the flavor.
• Flavor-Free Shortening: Shortening works well for smoothing melted chocolate, particularly if you’re looking for a neutral taste.
• Cream or Milk: Add a splash of heavy cream or plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) for a silkier melted chocolate. This won’t give the same gloss as oil but still improves texture.
• Skip It: You can skip the oil or butter altogether if you prefer a more solid chocolate coating. The dipping process may be slightly thicker, but it works!

Final Thoughts

Making your own Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears isn’t just about enjoying delicious candy—it’s also a chance to put a personal spin on a snack you love. Play around with flavors, toppings, and even packaging if you’re considering gifting these sweet creations.

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Copycat IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes Recipe