Homemade Gumdrops

Homemade gumdrops are a delightful treat that can bring a splash of joy to any occasion. These chewy, fruity candies are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fruit juices and colors. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or use them in baking, homemade gumdrops are sure to please!

Why Make This Recipe

Making gumdrops at home is not only fun but also allows you to control the ingredients. You can choose natural fruit juices, avoid artificial flavors, and even make them colorful with food coloring. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a creative gift!

How to Make Homemade Gumdrops

Ingredients

2 cups fruit juice (grape, orange, or apple)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the gumdrop mixture)
3 cups granulated sugar (for coating)
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: Food coloring

Directions

In a medium saucepan, mix together your choice of fruit juice with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring until dissolved.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin over the juice mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture is warm and the gelatin has dissolved (do not let it boil!).
Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or silicone molds.
Chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours, or until firm.
Carefully remove the gumdrops and cut them into squares or creative shapes.
Roll each gumdrop in 3 cups of granulated sugar to coat, then shake off excess.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to Serve Homemade Gumdrops

You can enjoy homemade gumdrops by themselves or use them as a fun decoration on cakes and cupcakes. They can also be added to gift bags for parties or given as a sweet treat to brighten someone’s day.

How to Store Homemade Gumdrops

Store your homemade gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about two weeks. To keep them from sticking together, ensure they are well-coated in sugar before storing.

Tips to Make Homemade Gumdrops

Experiment with different fruit juices to find your favorite flavors.
If you want colorful gumdrops, add a few drops of food coloring to the juice mixture before heating.
Make sure to keep stirring the mixture while heating to prevent any lumps.

Variation

You can make gumdrops using different types of juices, such as mixed berry or pomegranate. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon or ginger for a unique flavor twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled juice for gumdrops?
Yes, you can use bottled juice, but try to choose 100% fruit juice without added sugars or preservatives for the best taste.

2. Can I make gumdrops without gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin, but you may need to adjust the amounts and method.

3. How do I prevent my gumdrops from sticking together?
Coating the gumdrops in granulated sugar helps prevent them from sticking. Ensure they are coated well before storing.

Making homemade gumdrops is an enjoyable activity that results in delicious treats. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create your own fruity delights! Enjoy making, serving, and sharing these sweet candies!