How To: Turn Gummy Bears into Popsicles... And 9 Other Crazy Ways to Eat 'Em

The iconic, lovable gummy bear originated in Germany, where it goes by the name Gummibär— but that's not what makes it so much fun. The base of gummy bears is made up of gelatin, which gives them the signature elasticity that makes you feel like a kid again. But the fun doesn't have to stop there.

These sweet, yummy gummies can be made into something even better with a little creativity. And to help give you some ideas, we present to you the 10 best ways we could find for turning those lovable, fruity snacks into amazing things.

1. Make Gummy Bear Bark

Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice has the right idea: make gummy bear bark! Throw some bright sprinkles atop your white chocolate creation and get your bears and tastebuds dancing. And believe it or not, this is a bark is a really simple thing to make, no matter how good you are in the kitchen.

2. Freeze Them in Popsicles

Fruity gummy bears are a great snack on their own, but in the summer, the best thing you can do with them is turn them into popsicles. Just freeze those bear babies in a popsicle mold ¾ of the way full with Sprite and wait until they become the perfect accompaniment to a day spent lounging poolside. If you want to go the more adult-friendly route, use sparkling wine and lemonade instead of Sprite.

3. Make Homemade Muddy Bears

A concessions stand, movie time favorite of ours were Muddy Bears. But you can make them yourself at home by dipping gummy bears in melted chocolate and placing them into the freezer to set. Even better, add the end result to your popcorn for a salty and sublime treat.

4. Go Boozy with Rummy Bears

Get your gummies a little drunky by emptying the bag into a bowl or vessel, covering them in booze, and letting them infuse for 3 or 4 days. For help on finding that sweet spot time, head to Serious Eats. Be forewarned, they state, for these buzzed bears are strong. If you're not a fan of rum, you can use vodka, tequila, whiskey, or pretty much any other liquor you want.

Tip: these are perfect for sneaking booze into events, or even getting your "drink" on in public on the sly.

5. Create a Gummy Bear Piñata Cake

And this, friends, is what we call the gummy bear piñata cake: the true life of the party. Heavenly Cake Pops layers her cake and stuffs it with bear surprises in the center for all to find. She then arranges her bears like soldiers along the sides and the end result is stunning. Sure, we'll take a slice or two.

6. Bake Up Some Gummy Bear Thumbprint Cookies

Why put jam in those thumbprint cookies when you've got bears?! The ladies from A Beautiful Mess make their bears into hearts which quite literally has our own hearts soaring. To pair with rummy bears, or not to pair with rummy bears? That is our only question.

7. Build a Bear Beach Party

Now this is absolute gummy genius, Kraft. Create your own bear beach party with Jello pudding, graham crackers, Teddy Grahams, and circular gummies for life saving devices (LifeSavers gummies work great, of course). But, take it a step further and bring the true bears (the gummy bears) to the party.

8. Turn Them into Ice Cubes

Another way to momentarily immortalize your bears, is to turn them into ice cubes. Turn them into polar bears, if you will. This is a fun addition to kids' beverages or adults' cocktails. Or, if you desire, you can eat them on their own. The bears won't judge.

9. Construct Surfing Gummy Bears

Put your bear architecture skills to use by constructing surfing gummy bears. The fine folks of Babble use chocolate dipped potato chips to erect their surfboards, then simply place the gummies atop. Surf's up and shaka, bear brahs.

10. Gummy Bear Sangria!

If you were digging on the rummy gummies, allow us to introduce you to the more sophisticated of the drunken bears, the gummy bear sangria. My Name Is Yeh adds her drunky bears to a pitcher with white wine, apple juice, fizzy water, apples, and limes. OMG.

So, there you have it. 10 entirely new reasons to get excited over the existence of gummy bears. Life is complete. You can now move forward into gummy-induced happiness.

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