Magical Homemade Gumdrops Recipe: Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Sweet and chewy gumdrops can bring instant joy to any dessert table.

Crafting these colorful treats transforms simple ingredients into delightful gems.

Kids absolutely adore helping in the kitchen during this fun project.

Soft, sugary squares sparkle with fruity flavors that dance across your palate.

Vibrant colors make these homemade candies look like precious jewels.

Gathering just a few pantry staples lets you create something magical.

Come explore this delightful recipe that will spark pure happiness in every bite.

Sweet Reasons to Make Homemade Gumdrops

• Craft Sweet Memories: Homemade gumdrops offer a delightful way to create lasting family traditions and bond over a fun cooking project together.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different Jell-O flavors and cookie cutter shapes to personalize these treats for holidays, parties, or special celebrations.
• Beginner-Friendly Delight: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want to impress friends and family with a simple yet impressive dessert.
• Budget-Friendly Treat: Using basic pantry ingredients like sugar, applesauce, and gelatin means you can whip up these colorful candies without breaking the bank.

Peanut Butter Balls (Old-Fashioned) Ingredients

• Sugar: Base sweetener for the gumdrop texture.
• Applesauce: Provides moisture and natural sweetness.
• Jell-O: Adds flavor and helps with gelatin structure.
• Unflavored Gelatin: Creates the chewy gumdrop consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Helps balance and enhance flavors.

• Sugar: Used for rolling and finishing the gumdrops.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during cutting and drying.
• Cooking Spray: Helps release the gumdrop mixture from the baking dish.

• Cookie Cutters: Shapes the gumdrops into fun designs.

Guide to Making Homemade Gumdrops

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the gumdrops later.

Step 2: Mix Gumdrop Base

• Sugar
• Applesauce
• Jell-O powder
• Unflavored gelatin
• Lemon juice

Stir everything together and let the mixture sit for a minute to allow ingredients to meld.

Step 3: Bring to Boiling Point

Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously. Once it reaches a full boil, continue cooking for exactly one minute to activate the gelatin and create the perfect gumdrop texture.

Step 4: Set and Chill

Pour the hot mixture into the prepared baking dish. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it set completely. This will take approximately 3 hours, though overnight chilling works best for optimal firmness.

Step 5: Prepare Cutting Surface

Cover a cutting board with parchment paper. Sprinkle a generous layer of sugar across the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Release and Cut Gumdrops

Gently loosen the edges of the set gelatin using a spatula. Carefully invert the entire mixture onto the sugar-coated parchment paper. Use festive cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, hearts, or holiday-themed designs.

Step 7: Dry and Develop Texture

Allow the cut gumdrops to air dry for about 8 hours. They should develop a slightly tacky surface during this time.

Step 8: Final Sugar Coating

Roll each gumdrop in additional sugar to create a sparkling, sweet exterior. Store the completed treats in an airtight container to maintain their delightful texture.

Candy Tips That Get Homemade Gumdrops Just Right

• Select Gelatin Carefully: Use high-quality, unflavored gelatin for the best texture and consistency in your homemade gumdrops.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously coat your cutting board and work surface with sugar to ensure easy cutting and handling of the gumdrops.
• Master Timing: Watch the boiling process closely and stir constantly for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect gumdrop consistency.
• Control Drying Process: Let gumdrops air dry for 8 hours to develop the ideal slightly sticky exterior that helps sugar coating adhere perfectly.
• Store Smartly: Keep gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out completely.

Store Homemade Gumdrops Without Sticking

• Keep gumdrops in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 1 week, preventing them from sticking together.
• Seal gumdrops in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 3 months.
• Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat, lasting 3-4 days at cool room temperature.
• Do not reheat gumdrops, as they are meant to be enjoyed cold and will lose texture if warmed.

Brie Rolls with Cranberries Pairings

Pair Festive Gumdrops with Complementary Flavors

• Match with Hot Cocoa: Enjoy the warm, rich chocolate drink alongside these sweet, fruity gumdrops for a delightful holiday contrast.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange gumdrops with shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles, and a sprinkle of festive nuts for a beautiful holiday treat spread.
• Sparkling Wine Companion: Serve chilled prosecco or champagne to enhance the gumdrops' fruity flavor and add a celebratory touch to your dessert experience.

Peanut Butter Ball Classic Variants

• Low-Sugar Gumdrop Option: Replace regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories.
• Vegan Fruit Gummies: Substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder and use plant-based fruit juices like pomegranate or cherry for natural coloring and flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Gummy Treats: Use sugar-free Jell-O, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate MCT oil for added healthy fats while maintaining a chewy texture.
• Allergy-Friendly Alternative: Create gluten-free gumdrops by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and using alternative fruit pectin instead of gelatin for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• Are these gumdrops suitable for kids?

Yes, homemade gumdrops are kid-friendly and fun to make together. They can help cut shapes and roll in sugar, making it a great family activity.

• Can I use different flavors of Jell-O?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various Jell-O flavors like strawberry, orange, grape, or lime to create different colored and flavored gumdrops.

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

You just need basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, 9×13 baking dish, parchment paper, and cookie cutters. No specialized candy-making equipment is required.

• How long will these gumdrops last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade gumdrops typically stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks.

Homemade Gumdrops Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet, chewy Homemade Gumdrops bring nostalgic candy shop magic right into home kitchens with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Fruity, sugar-coated gems will delight friends and family, offering a playful twist on classic confectionery you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups applesauce (no sugar added)

Gelling Agents:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) Jell-O (any flavor, such as cherry, lime, or orange)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) unflavored gelatin (2 envelopes)

Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by thoroughly coating it with cooking spray, creating a non-stick surface for the gumdrop mixture.
2. In a large saucepan, blend sugar, applesauce, Jell-O, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice, allowing the ingredients to meld together for one minute.
3. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, continuously stirring to prevent scorching, and bring to a rolling boil for exactly one minute.
4. Transfer the liquid mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly, and refrigerate until completely set and firm, which may take 3-4 hours or ideally overnight.
5. Create a work surface by laying parchment paper on a cutting board and generously dusting with sugar to prevent sticking.
6. Carefully loosen the gelatin edges using a flexible spatula and gently invert the entire sheet onto the sugared parchment paper.
7. Use decorative cookie cutters to slice the gumdrop mixture into whimsical shapes, ensuring clean cuts.
8. Allow the freshly cut gumdrops to air-dry for approximately 8 hours, creating a slightly tacky exterior.
9. Roll each gumdrop in additional sugar, ensuring complete coverage and a sparkling finish.
10. Store the completed treats in an airtight container to maintain their texture and prevent moisture absorption.

Notes

• Select high-quality Jell-O flavors to create vibrant, delicious gumdrops that pop with color and taste.
• Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile of your homemade treats.
• Ensure precise timing when boiling the mixture to achieve the perfect texture – one minute is crucial for setting the gumdrops correctly.
• Let gumdrops dry completely to develop a slightly tacky exterior that holds the sugar coating beautifully, creating a professional-looking candy.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 99
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg