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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are fully covered for easy removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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