Gummy candy kabobs make the most adorable treat for ANY celebration or occasion. They’re delightful anytime of year, but the bright colors and fruity flavors make them extra perfect for summer-y beach parties, picnics, parades, camping trips, or the Fourth of July. Use them as a favor, a decoration, a dessert, or all three! They’re sure to be a hit.
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth!
We made gummy kabobs at our recent family Fourth-of-July trip to Bear Lake. The kids loved selecting their favorite candies and assembling their own masterpieces. The finished sticks looked so fun and festive in a vase on the table, and EVERYONE loved eating the leftovers!
I learned a few things that I’ll do differently next time—they’re easy to make—but maybe not quite as easy as simply sliding a gummy candy on a skewer. So here are my most helpful tips and ideas for crafting your own candy kabobs.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Assorted candies — Choose 8–10 pieces of candy per skewer. (Read below for more details and suggestions.)
Wooden skewers — These are the base for your candy kabobs so make sure they’re long and strong enough to hold all your candies. The ones I used were 12 inches long. I bought two packs, one was wider in diameter which made it much more difficult to slide the candy on—definitely opt for skinnier ones if possible.
Wet cloth or paper towel — As you assemble your kabobs, you’ll need a wet cloth to clean the sticky residue off the sticks.
Metal skewer or pick — This is to pre-punch your candies and make them easier to slide onto your wooden sticks. I used a sterilized candy thermometer with a sharp point
Cellophane bags — Once your candy kabobs are assembled, put them into cellophane bags or plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
Ribbon, twist ties & tags — Finish the kabobs with a twist tie to help the bag stay closed, then customize with colorful ribbons and tags.
What kind of candy should I use?
Choose a variety of candies with different shapes, colors, textures, and flavors. Gummy kabobs look the best with lots of variation. Remember, bright, vibrant colors and chunky, bold shapes will give you the most visual impact.
Opt for a mix of candy that’s soft enough to put a stick through, but firm enough to hold its shape. There are so many fun shapes & sizes of gummies out there, but you can use marshmallows, licorice, gumdrops, or anything else you desire.
Also, make sure your candy is fresh. If it’s gotten a little dry, it tends to crack on the skewer—and nobody wants stale candy anyway. (Unless it’s Peeps—stale Peeps are the best!)
How much candy will I need?
The amount of candy you’ll need will depend on how many skewers you’re making, the size of your candy, and the length of your skewers. Most kabobs hold about 8–10 pieces of candy, so plan on 10 candies per skewer to be on the safe side.
Where can I find good candy?
- Grocery stores — Along with the candy aisle, be sure to check the bulk food section. (If you’re in Utah, like me, we found lots of great options in the bulk section at Winco.)
- Dollar stores — Dollar Tree almost always has a selection of unique gummy-candy options.
- Gas stations / convenience stores— I picked up my gummy frogs and gummy cherries at the gas station. They had several options that I didn’t see in my grocery store.
- Specialty shops — If you’re looking for something specific, check local and online candy shops, party stores, and specialty boutiques. (You might have to pay a little more, but it’ll be worth it to add the perfect touch to your event or celebration!)
Step by step instructions
Prep the skewers
I found that if I dampened the skewers by holding them under running water for a few seconds, it really helped the candy slide on without sticking to the wood. You don’t want them dripping wet—that’d be a sticky mess! Just wet them, then wipe them dry before you begin.
Plan your pattern
Lay out your candy designs before sliding them onto the skewer. This will help you visualize the finished kabob, and save you the frustration of swapping the order if you change your mind once everything’s on the stick. Make sure everything looks balanced and you’re happy with the mix of color and shapes.
Skewer the candies
Start with the bottom piece of candy and slide it about two thirds of the way onto the skewer— leave the bottom third for a handle. If your candies are extra large or gummy, use a metal skewer or pick to pre-punch a hole. If your candy leaves any sticky residue on the stick, use a damp cloth to wipe it off before your next piece. Continue sliding candies onto the skewer until you get to the top.
Package and personalize
Package your gummy kabobs in cellophane bags, or plastic wrap and secure them with a twist tie. If you plan to use them as decorations or gifts, tie a ribbon on the bottom, then decorate with tags, punch-outs, and stickers to match your theme.
Store your wrapped candy kabobs in a cool, dry spot. The fresher the candy is, the better it will taste, so enjoy them within a few days.
Creative tips and variations
Tailor your kabobs to match ANY theme or occasion. Just use candy in the specific colors and shapes to fit your festive vibe.
Think cinnamon hearts for Valentines Day, all green for St. Patrick’s Day, Peeps and pastels for Easter, team colors for the big game, pink & blue for a gender reveal… you get the idea.
It would also be fun to set up a DIY gummy kabob station at your party, so guests can select their favorite candies and assemble their own creations. It definitely adds a delicious & fun detail to any celebration!
