Gumdrops Recipe

Who doesn’t love a chewy, fruity candy that brings back memories of childhood? Making gumdrops from scratch is one of those kitchen projects that’s surprisingly easy yet so satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful, colorful treats right at home. Unlike store-bought candies, these homemade gumdrops are customizable in flavor and color, giving you a chance to get creative and make them truly your own.

One of the best parts? They’re perfect for gift-giving, especially around the holidays. Picture a little bag of homemade gumdrops tied up with a ribbon—charming, right? Not to mention, homemade gumdrops are free from all those artificial preservatives and mystery ingredients. Let’s dive into this fun, flavorful recipe that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

this RECIPE

The origin story of gumdrops

Gumdrops has been present since the mid -nineteenth century, which was originally invented in the United States as diabetic and full of spice flavor such as cloves and anise. These days, Gumdrops is often a fruit and color, making it a favorite to decorate ginger baking homes or just enjoy a light meal. Over the years, it has evolved in flavor and texture, with modern recipes often depends on AGAR-Agar to get a friendly version of plants. This recipe puts a development on classic using Jello Fruction flavors for a taste explosion, with Applesauce for this perfect consistency.

Let’s talk ingredients: Fruity, chewy goodness

• Sugar: Not only does sugar provide the sweetness, but it also helps in setting the gumdrops’ texture. You’ll need extra sugar for rolling the gumdrops at the end, which gives them that signature sparkling finish.
• Unsweetened applesauce: This is the secret to achieving a soft, chewy texture in homemade gumdrops. Applesauce acts as a binding agent and keeps the gumdrops moist. If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you could try a very smooth pear sauce, but applesauce is ideal.
• Jello (3 oz boxes): The Jello not only adds vibrant color but also intense fruit flavor. You can pick any flavor you like—strawberry, lime, orange, or even mix two for a unique blend.
• Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon adds a hint of brightness and balances out the sweetness. If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice works too, though it’ll slightly change the flavor profile.
• Unflavored agar-agar powder: agar-agar is plant-based, making these gumdrops vegetarian-friendly. Agar-agar gives a firmer texture, so your gumdrops hold their shape without being overly soft. Make sure you’re using agar-agar powder, as flakes require a different measurement.

Essential kitchen tools for homemade gumdrops

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these gumdrops, but a few basic tools will make the process easier:

• 13×9 pan: This size works well for spreading the mixture evenly, creating a thin layer that’s perfect for cutting into small squares or shapes.
• Saucepan: A medium to large saucepan is essential for heating the mixture and bringing it to a boil. Make sure it’s large enough to prevent the mixture from bubbling over.
• Parchment paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the gumdrop slab once it’s set.
• Spatula: Use this to loosen the sides of the gumdrop slab from the pan before flipping it out onto a cutting board.
• Cookie cutters or a sharp knife: If you want fun shapes, small cookie cutters are perfect. Otherwise, a sharp knife works great for cutting the gumdrops into squares.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for perfect gumdrops

1. Prepare your pan: Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing a little extra to hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This step saves you the headache of trying to remove sticky gumdrops from the pan!
2. Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the sugar, applesauce, Jello powder, lemon juice, and agar-agar. Let it all sit for a minute before you turn on the heat. This helps the agar-agar start to dissolve a bit and ensures an even texture.
3. Bring to a boil: Over medium heat, stir the mixture constantly as it heats. Keep stirring to prevent any sticking or burning on the bottom. Once it reaches a boil, let it boil for exactly one minute. The mixture will start to thicken and bubble up a bit—this is exactly what you want.
4. Pour and chill: Immediately pour the hot mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly, then place it in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, or until the gumdrops are completely firm.
5. Cut and coat: Once set, run a spatula along the sides to loosen the gumdrop slab. Flip it onto a cutting board and peel off the parchment paper. Use a knife dipped in hot water (to prevent sticking) or cookie cutters to cut the gumdrops into your desired shapes. Roll each piece in sugar to give it that classic gumdrop look.
6. Dry and store: Set the sugared gumdrops on wax paper and let them dry for a bit to reduce stickiness. Then, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.

Fun variations to try with your gumdrops

• Flavor twists: Experiment with different Jello flavors! Try a tropical mix of pineapple and mango, or create a citrusy blend with lemon and lime. You can even use grape or berry flavors for a darker, richer hue.
• Vegan option: This recipe already uses agar-agar, making it vegan-friendly, but if you want a natural color boost, try using vegetable-based colorings or natural fruit powders.
• Fruit juice base: Substitute the applesauce with a thick fruit puree, like raspberry or strawberry, for an intense fruity flavor. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid overly sweet gumdrops.

Serving and presentation ideas for your homemade gumdrops

These gumdrops are adorable on their own, but if you’re planning to share them, presentation can add a special touch. Place them in small, clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon, or arrange them in a mason jar with a homemade label. They’re a cute addition to holiday gift baskets, especially for those who appreciate a homemade treat. You can also place the gumdrops in mini candy cups for an elegant touch if you’re serving them at a party or gathering.

Perfect pairings

Homemade gumdrops pair wonderfully with light, fruity drinks. Try serving them alongside a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice (like cranberry or orange) for a bright, bubbly contrast. For a cozy option, a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, complements the sweetness of the gumdrops nicely. If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier, a fruit punch made with pineapple, orange, and a hint of lime is a festive, non-alcoholic option that pairs beautifully with these fruity treats.

Storing and keeping your gumdrops fresh

To keep your gumdrops fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other; instead, place a layer of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Adjusting the recipe for different quantities

This recipe makes a generous batch, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs. For a smaller batch, use a smaller pan, like an 8×8 square, and halve the ingredients. Just be mindful that the boiling time remains the same—about one minute—to achieve the perfect texture. If you’re doubling the recipe, stick to a larger pan or pour the mixture into two pans to avoid overcrowding and ensure even setting.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Gumdrops too sticky: If your gumdrops are sticking together, try letting them dry a bit longer before storing. Rolling them in extra sugar can also help reduce stickiness.
• Gumdrops not firming up: This is usually due to not boiling the mixture long enough. Make sure to bring it to a full boil and let it bubble for at least one minute.
• Cutting issues: If your knife is sticking, dip it in hot water before each cut. This will make slicing much easier and give cleaner edges.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I make these gumdrops without using Jello?
A: Yes, you can! If you want a more natural gumdrop, you can replace the Jello with fruit juice and add extra agar-agar powder to ensure the gumdrops set firmly. You’ll lose the bright colors, but you’ll have a delicious, more natural candy.

Q: Why is my gumdrop mixture not setting properly?
A: If your gumdrops aren’t setting, it could be due to not boiling the mixture long enough or not using enough agar-agar. Agar-agar needs to reach a full boil to activate its gelling properties, so make sure to boil for a full minute.

Q: How do I prevent my gumdrops from getting too sticky?
A: After coating your gumdrops in sugar, let them sit on wax paper for an hour or so to dry out a little. This helps form a slightly dry outer layer. When storing, layer them with wax paper in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together.

Q: Can I freeze homemade gumdrops?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to place wax paper between layers and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw completely at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Q: How can I make my gumdrops extra colorful?
A: To enhance the colors, you can add a few drops of natural food coloring that matches the Jello flavor you’re using. This makes the gumdrops look extra vibrant without changing the taste.

Print