Make Sweet Memories with a Simple Homemade Gumdrops Recipe

Sweet and chewy gumdrops recipe delight brings a burst of childhood nostalgia to your kitchen.

These colorful treats sparkle with pure sugary magic.

Homemade candies always taste better than store-bought versions.

Every bite transports you to memories of candy shops and happy moments.

The simple ingredients create a fun weekend baking project that everyone loves.

Crafting these jewel-toned sweets is easier than you might expect.

Roll up your sleeves and start a delicious candy-making adventure that will make everyone smile.

What Makes Gumdrops So Fun

• Customize your treats by using different Jello flavors, allowing endless color and taste combinations that will excite both kids and adults.
• Craft these delicious candies using basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, spatula, and cutting board, making the recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Engage children in a fun cooking activity where they can help cut shapes, roll in sugar, and enjoy the tasty results of their culinary creativity.

Gumdrops Ingredient List

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that provides the base for the gumdrops.
• Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness to the recipe.
• Jello: Provides fruity flavor and helps with the gumdrop's texture.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a slight tangy note.
• Agar-Agar Powder: A plant-based gelling agent that helps the gumdrops set and hold their shape.

• Granulated Sugar: Used for coating the gumdrops to give them a sweet, crystallized exterior.
• Parchment Paper: Helps in easy removal of the gumdrops from the pan.
• Wax Paper: Provides a surface for the gumdrops to dry after coating.

• Saucepan: Used for mixing and cooking the gumdrop mixture.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the mixture evenly and loosening the edges.
• Knife or Cookie Cutters: Used for cutting the gumdrops into desired shapes.

Steps to Make Gumdrops at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface

Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides for easy removal of the gumdrops later.

Step 2: Create the Gumdrop Base

• Sugar
• Applesauce
• Jello
• Lemon juice
• Agar-agar powder

Allow the mixture to rest for a minute to help the agar-agar absorb moisture and dissolve more effectively.

Step 3: Heat and Blend the Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Continuously stir the contents for one minute to ensure complete blending and full dissolution of the agar-agar.

Step 4: Set and Chill the Mixture

Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.

Refrigerate for approximately 3 hours until the mixture becomes firm and completely set.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Gumdrops

Remove the set mixture from the refrigerator and lift it out of the pan onto a cutting board.

Use a knife dipped in hot water to cut the gumdrops into squares or use cookie cutters for creative shapes.

Roll each piece in sugar to create a delightful coating.

Step 6: Final Touches and Storage

Allow the sugar-coated gumdrops to dry slightly on wax paper.

Transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness and preserve their delicious texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Gumdrops

• Dip your knife in hot water between cuts to create clean, smooth edges for your gumdrops without sticky residue.
• Roll gumdrops in extra sugar while they're still slightly damp to ensure an even, sparkling coating that adds extra sweetness.
• Experiment with different Jello flavors to create unique gumdrop varieties that match your taste preferences or special occasions.
• Allow gumdrops to dry for about 30 minutes after coating to develop a slightly firmer exterior while maintaining a chewy interior.
• Keep gumdrops in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming too sticky or losing their shape.

Keep Gumdrops Fresh and Chewy

• Place gumdrops in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they stay cool and maintain their texture.
• Wrap individual gumdrops in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or quality. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep gumdrops in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Ensure the space is cool and dry to prevent sugar coating from becoming sticky or melting.
• Gumdrops do not require reheating. Let frozen or refrigerated pieces sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften and restore their original chewy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Gumdrops

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling to complement the gumdrops' fruity Jello base. The wine's light acidity and subtle sweetness will enhance the candy's vibrant flavor profile without overpowering its delicate texture.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Brew a chilled herbal tea like chamomile or mint to serve alongside these gumdrops. The clean, soothing tea notes will beautifully balance the sugary treat and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Dessert Companion Suggestion: Create a light fruit platter with fresh berries and citrus slices to accompany the gumdrops. The natural fruit flavors will echo the lemon juice and Jello components, creating a harmonious and palate-cleansing experience.
• Unexpected Flavor Partner: Serve gumdrops with a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato. The creamy, smooth ice cream will provide a luxurious counterpoint to the chewy, sugary candy texture.

Fun Flavor Combos for Gumdrops

• Vegan Fruity Delight: Replace Jello with agar-agar and natural fruit juice for a plant-based version that's free from animal gelatin.
• Keto-Friendly Treat: Swap sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use sugar-free gelatin to create a low-carb alternative suitable for ketogenic diets.
• Allergy-Safe Option: Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar and choose hypoallergenic fruit powders to create a version safe for those with common food allergies.
• Herbal Wellness Drops: Infuse the mixture with herbal tea or medicinal extracts like chamomile or elderberry for added health benefits and unique flavor profiles.

FAQs

• What is agar-agar, and why is it used in this recipe?

Agar-agar is a plant-based gelatin alternative derived from seaweed. It helps the gumdrops set firmly and provides a stable, vegetarian-friendly gelling agent that works similarly to traditional gelatin.

• Can I use different flavors of Jello for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with various Jello flavors to create different colored and flavored gumdrops. Just make sure to use the same amount called for in the original recipe.

• How long will these homemade gumdrops stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these gumdrops will typically stay fresh for about 5-7 days. Keep them away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain their texture.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these gumdrops?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a saucepan, a 13×9-inch pan, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools like a spatula and knife.

Gumdrops Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Gumdrops dazzle sweet tooths with their jewel-like colors and sugary charm. Rich fruit flavors and crystal sugar coating make these classic treats irresistible for home bakers seeking nostalgic candy magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.13 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 small boxes of Jello (3 ounces each, any flavor)

Thickening Agents:

• 2 envelopes (4 teaspoons) unflavored agar-agar powder

Flavor and Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Additional sugar for rolling gumdrops

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are fully covered for easy removal.
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, applesauce, Jello, lemon juice, and agar-agar powder. Allow ingredients to meld for one minute, enabling agar-agar to absorb moisture.
3. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, bringing to a rolling boil while continuously stirring. Maintain boiling for precisely 1 minute to guarantee complete ingredient integration and agar-agar dissolution.
4. Rapidly transfer the molten mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface. Refrigerate for approximately 3 hours until completely solidified.
5. After chilling, gently release edges with a spatula and transfer to a cutting surface. Slice into uniform squares using a knife dipped in hot water, or create decorative shapes with cookie cutters. Coat each piece thoroughly with granulated sugar, positioning on wax paper to air dry.
6. Once slightly dried and sugar-crusted, transfer gumdrops into an hermetic container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.

Notes

• Ensure parchment paper extends beyond pan edges for easy removal, preventing sticky gumdrop mishaps.
• Allow agar-agar to absorb moisture before heating to guarantee smooth, consistent texture throughout the mixture.
• Use hot water when cutting to create clean, precise edges without gumdrop sticking to the knife.
• Roll gumdrops in alternative coatings like finely ground coconut or sugar-free sweetener for dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 88
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg