Gumdrops Recipe

There’s something about homemade candy that just feels magical, isn’t there? These DIY gumdrops bring that old-fashioned candy shop vibe right into your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make these chewy, colorful treats at home – perfect for holiday gifts, party favors, or just a fun project with the kids. The best part? You can customize the flavors and colors to your heart’s content!

Making gumdrops at home is surprisingly easy, and they taste so much better than store-bought versions. Plus, they’re made without any artificial preservatives or colorings if you choose natural flavors. The process does require a little patience, but the reward is worth every minute. So let’s dive in and make some irresistibly chewy gumdrops together!

this RECIPE

A little story behind my love for homemade gumdrops 🍬

I first attempted homemade gumdrops as part of a holiday gift project a few years ago. I’d been looking for something unique to add to my gift baskets, and homemade candy seemed like the perfect idea. After a bit of trial and error (and a couple of sticky messes), I found a recipe that worked beautifully. The gumdrops turned out perfectly: soft, chewy, and just the right level of sweetness with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice. My friends and family were thrilled, and now it’s become a holiday tradition for me to make these!

One of the best parts of making gumdrops is choosing the flavors. I love using cherry or raspberry Jello, but lime and orange are always crowd-pleasers too. And every time I make these, the house fills with that sweet, fruity aroma that takes me back to childhood. There’s a certain nostalgia in homemade candy, and these gumdrops are like little bites of happiness.

What makes gumdrops so special?

Gumdrops have a rich history, with roots tracing back to the early 19th century when they became a popular type of candy in America. Originally, they were made with natural fruit juices and had a firmer, jellied texture. Over time, they evolved into the chewy, sugar-coated candies we know today. Gumdrops are particularly popular around the holidays, often used in decorating gingerbread houses, wreaths, and other festive treats.

Unlike the commercial ones, homemade gumdrops don’t contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. You can control exactly what goes in them, making them a healthier (and tastier!) option. Using agar-agar also makes these suitable for vegetarians, which is a nice bonus for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of our recipe

Each ingredient in these gumdrops has a specific role to play in creating that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you need and a few tips on selecting the best:

• Sugar: This is what gives the gumdrops their sweetness and helps achieve that signature sugary coating. For a slight variation, you can use superfine sugar, which gives a more delicate crunch when coating the gumdrops.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce adds a natural sweetness and smooth texture to the gumdrops. It also helps keep them moist without overpowering the flavor. Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce, as sweetened varieties may make the candy too sweet.
• Flavored Jello (3 oz boxes): The Jello adds both flavor and color to the gumdrops. You can pick any flavor you like – cherry, lime, orange, and grape are all great options. For a more natural option, look for Jello without artificial colors or dyes.
• Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon of lemon juice balances out the sweetness with a bit of tartness. It enhances the fruity flavors, making the gumdrops taste even fresher.
• Agar-agar powder: It gives the gumdrops their chewy texture and helps them set. Make sure to buy the powder form rather than flakes for the best results, as the flakes require a different preparation method.

Essential kitchen tools for perfect gumdrops

• 13×9-inch pan: This size is ideal for creating evenly thick gumdrops. If you don’t have a 13×9 pan, a smaller one will work, but the gumdrops will be thicker and may need extra time to set.
• Parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper ensures that the gumdrops won’t stick, making them much easier to remove once they’ve set.
• Saucepan: Use a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan to heat and mix the ingredients evenly. A nonstick pan works well here, as it prevents the sugar mixture from sticking.
• Spatula: A heat-resistant spatula is perfect for stirring the mixture as it cooks. It also helps with loosening the edges of the gumdrops once they’ve set.
• Sharp knife or cookie cutters: For cutting the gumdrops into fun shapes! A knife dipped in hot water makes it easier to slice through the sticky candy.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for making gumdrops

1. Prepare the pan: Start by lining your 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Make sure the paper comes up the sides, as this will make it easier to lift the gumdrops out later.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix together the sugar, applesauce, Jello, lemon juice, and agar-agar powder. Let the mixture stand for about a minute – this allows the agar-agar to start absorbing some moisture, which will help it dissolve more easily.
3. Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Keep stirring as it boils for about 1 minute to ensure everything is well-combined and the agar-agar is fully dissolved.
4. Pour and chill: Immediately pour the hot mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly if needed. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, or until the mixture is firm and fully set.
5. Cut and coat: Once the gumdrops have set, loosen the edges with a spatula and carefully lift them out onto a cutting board. Use a knife dipped in hot water to cut the gumdrops into squares, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Roll each piece in extra sugar, then set them on wax paper to dry slightly.
6. Store: Once the gumdrops have dried a bit, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Fun variations to try!

• Different flavors: Try experimenting with different Jello flavors to create unique combinations. Mix lime and lemon for a citrusy blend, or combine cherry and orange for a “fruit punch” flavor.
• Sugar-free option: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using a sugar-free Jello and a sugar substitute like erythritol for the coating. Just note that this may change the texture slightly.
• Spiced gumdrops: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, holiday twist. This works especially well with apple-flavored Jello or a mix of apple and cranberry.
• Vegan option: If you want a fully vegan version, double-check that your Jello is plant-based. Agar-agar is already a vegan gelling agent, so you’re good to go there!

Serving and presentation ideas

Homemade gumdrops look adorable in small glass jars or clear treat bags, tied with a colorful ribbon – perfect for gifting! For a more elegant touch, arrange them on a small tray lined with a paper doily, or display them in a candy dish for a party. They’re also fun to use as edible decorations on cakes or cookies.

Drink pairings

These sweet, fruity gumdrops pair perfectly with a variety of beverages. For a refreshing contrast, serve them with a chilled sparkling water flavored with a hint of citrus. They’re also delightful alongside a fruity herbal tea like hibiscus or berry blend, which enhances the fruit flavors. Or, if you’re serving them as a holiday treat, consider pairing them with hot apple cider – the warmth and spice make a cozy combination with the chewy, sugary candy.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your gumdrops fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid area, you may want to add a small sachet of food-safe silica gel to the container to prevent them from getting sticky. Avoid refrigerating them after the initial setting, as this can cause them to become overly firm.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe fills a 13×9-inch pan, which yields a nice batch of gumdrops – perfect for sharing. If you want to make a smaller amount, you can easily halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan. Just note that they may set a little faster in a smaller pan, so keep an eye on them.

Potential pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Sticky gumdrops: If your gumdrops are too sticky, let them dry on wax paper for an additional hour or so before storing. Rolling them in a bit more sugar also helps.
• Too firm or too soft: If your gumdrops turn out too firm, try reducing the cooking time slightly next time. If they’re too soft, make sure you’re boiling the mixture for a full minute and measure the agar-agar carefully.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make homemade gumdrops without Jello? Yes, you can make gumdrops without Jello by using fruit juice and natural flavorings. However, Jello adds both color and flavor, so if you skip it, you may want to add food coloring and extra flavor extracts.
2. How long do homemade gumdrops last? Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about two weeks.
3. Can I use fruit juice instead of applesauce? Applesauce helps with texture, but you could try a thick fruit puree. The consistency might change slightly.
4. What’s the best way to cut them without sticking? Dip your knife in hot water between cuts, or use cookie cutters sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
5. Can I skip the sugar coating? Yes, but the gumdrops may be a bit sticky. The sugar helps them stay dry and adds a nice texture.

Now you’re all set to make your very own homemade gumdrops! I hope this recipe brings a bit of joy (and lots of flavor) to your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors, and don’t forget to share them – though I won’t blame you if you keep a few extra for yourself!

Print