Description
This Homemade Gumdrops recipe yields soft, chewy, fruity candies that are easy to make and perfect for snacking or gifting. Combining granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, flavored gelatin, and unflavored gelatin, these gumdrops offer a delightful texture and vibrant color that can be customized with your favorite jello flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Gumdrops
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 6 ounces flavored gelatin (such as lime or cherry)
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (such as Knox)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray an 11×7 or 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking; set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, stir together 2 cups of granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, flavored gelatin, and unflavored gelatin. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to allow the gelatin to begin dissolving.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 1 full minute to fully activate the gelatin and dissolve the sugar.
- Pour into Dish: Immediately pour the hot gelatin mixture into the prepared greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Let the dish cool at room temperature for 15 minutes to set slightly, then refrigerate it for 3 hours or until the gumdrops are firm.
- Prepare Surface for Cutting: Line a large cutting board with parchment paper and sprinkle generously with the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
- Transfer Gelatin Sheet: Use a metal spatula to loosen the gelatin from the sides and bottom of the dish. Transfer the entire sheet or cut into 6-8 large pieces and transfer them onto the parchment-lined board.
- Cut Gumdrop Shapes: Use mini cookie cutters to cut the gelatin into shapes. Place the cut shapes back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Dry Gumdrops: Allow the gumdrops to sit at room temperature overnight or for at least 8 hours to form a slight crust, enhancing the texture.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll each gumdrop in the remaining granulated sugar to coat evenly before storing or serving.
Notes
- You can customize the color and flavor of your gumdrops by choosing different flavors of gelatin jello.
- Ensure constant stirring during boiling to prevent burning or uneven gelatin activation.
- The drying step overnight is crucial for achieving the signature chewy texture and exterior crust.
- Store finished gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Use mini cookie cutters to create fun, uniform shapes or simply cut into squares if cutters aren’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gumdrop
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
