Save Pin The first time I brought these to a potluck my friend Sarah actually laughed out loud. She said they looked like something a fifth grader would make but then ate three in a row and took the recipe home. There is something unexpectedly charming about candy rolled into candy like a colorful edible pinwheel.
I made these for my nieces birthday party last summer and set them on a platter between all the elaborately decorated cupcakes and fancy cookies. Guess what disappeared first. The kids went nuts over the rainbow colors but the adults were even worse sneaking them when they thought no one was watching.
Ingredients
- 4 fruit flavored roll ups: The assorted colors matter here because they create that rainbow effect look for brands without too many artificial dyes if that bothers you
- 1 cup assorted gummy candies: Bears worms or fruit shapes all work just try to vary the textures and colors for visual interest
Instructions
- Prep the candy canvas:
- Lay each fruit roll up flat on parchment paper or a clean cutting board the smoother the surface the easier everything will roll later
- Build the filling:
- Line up your gummy candies along one edge like little soldiers not too thick or they will fall out when you roll
- Roll it up:
- Start from the candy edge and roll slowly pressing gently so everything sticks together like a colorful edible sleeping bag
- Create the pinwheels:
- Use a sharp knife to slice into one inch rounds letting them fall naturally onto your serving surface
- Serve or store:
- These shine right away but popping them in the fridge for an hour makes them pleasantly firm and easier to handle
Save Pin My roommate walked in while I was rolling these and stood there watching like I was performing surgery. Then she grabbed a knife and started helping and we ended up with the most imperfect lopsided batch but they were gone by morning anyway.
Flavor Combinations That Work
Mix sour gummy worms with strawberry roll ups for that sweet tart contrast that makes your mouth happy. Or pair peach roll ups with soft peach gummy rings for concentrated stone fruit vibes. The possibilities are basically endless once you start experimenting.
Serving Suggestions
These shine on dessert boards alongside cookies and brownies but also work surprisingly well as movie night snacks. They look stunning arranged in a rainbow pattern on a white platter where all those vibrant colors really pop.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can roll and slice these a day before an event but they do get stickier over time. Store between layers of wax paper in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Let them come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so they are not rock hard
- Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of citric acid right before serving for extra zing
- Work in small batches if making a large amount to prevent everything from melting together
Save Pin Sometimes the simplest silliest ideas are the ones that bring the most joy. These candy roll ups never fail to make people smile and really isnt that what cooking should be about?
Recipe FAQs
- → What candies work best for filling?
Assorted gummy bears, worms, or fruit-shaped gummies work well, adding color and chewiness.
- → How long can these be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I mix different fruit roll-up flavors?
Yes, mixing flavors and colors enhances variety and visual appeal.
- → Is any special equipment needed?
A sharp knife for slicing and optionally parchment paper for easier rolling are helpful tools.
- → Can these be made vegan?
Use vegetarian or vegan gummy candies to suit dietary preferences.
- → How can I add a tangy twist?
Sprinkle citric acid or sour sugar on the gummies before rolling for a tangy flavor boost.