homemade gumdrops

Okay, you guys, buckle up because we’re about to dive headfirst into a recipe that’s pure magic. Remember those chewy, fruity gumdrops you devoured as a kid? The ones that tasted like pure joy and sunshine? Well, get ready to recreate that feeling at home with these homemade gumdrops. And honestly? Once you try these, you might just forget about those store-bought gummy bears! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a trip down memory lane, and it’s way easier to make than you might think.

What is gumdrops?

Homemade gumdrops are, at their heart, a chewy, gelatin-based candy. What are the benefits of a homemade, gourmet version of store-bought candy? Think of it as a blank canvas for flavor! How can I make homemade gumdrops? what goes in, from the fruit juice to the level of sweetness. How do they get their signature chewiness from gelatin? What happens when you bite into them? What is essentially a simple combination of fruit flavor, sugar, and gelatin transformed into something else? Is it irres

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Seriously, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. You can customize it to your heart’s content! I’ve made these with everything from fresh raspberry puree to pineapple juice, and each batch is a unique adventure. Secondly, this recipe is surprisingly simple. Don’t let the idea of making candy scare you; it’s mostly just stirring and waiting! Third, it’s so much cheaper than buying gourmet gumdrops from the store. And let’s be honest, you often get more for your money.
What I love most about these homemade gumdrops is how versatile they are. I make them for holidays, birthdays, and sometimes, just because! My kids think I’m a rockstar when I pull out a batch of these, and seeing their faces light up makes it all worth it. If you’re looking for a fun, rewarding, and totally delicious project, this is it. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free (just double-check your ingredients!), making them a great treat for those with dietary restrictions.

How do I make homemade gumdrops?

Quick Overview

How do you make homemade gumdrops? If you’re using fruit juice for flavoring, combine it with sugar and bring it to a simmer. After that, you gently mix everything together and pour it into a mold. What’s the best part about a little chill time in the fridge? It’s mostly hands-off time, so you can whip these up while you’re doing other things around the house.

Ingredients

For the Main Mixture:
* 1/2 cup cold water (for blooming the gelatin)
* 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder (I use Knox brand)
* 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
* 1 cup fruit juice or puree (see flavor options below! ) * One cup water. * This is not a recipe for fruit.
* 1/4 cup light corn syrup (optional, adds shine and chewiness)

For the Flavor:
* Raspberry: 1 cup fresh raspberries, pureed and strained.
* Orange: 1 cup fresh orange juice
* Lemon: 1 cup fresh lemon juice
* Pineapple: 1 cup canned pineapple juice, drained.
* Grape: 1 cup grape juice

For Coating:
* Granulated sugar (for coating the finished gumdrops) (from the granules of

How do I follow

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, pour the cold water over the gelatin powder. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. How does gelatin absorb water and become a thick paste? What is the best way to get a perfect chewy texture?

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, fruit juice or puree, and corn syrup (if using). Stir over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Make sure there are no sugar crystals left. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Heat

Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat immediately. Now, gently stir in the bloomed gelatin until it’s completely dissolved. How do you stir air bubbles?

Step 4: Strain (Optional)

If you used fruit puree, you might want to strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Any seeds or pulp. What is the best way to make a smoother product? I usually do this for raspberry and blackberry gumdrops.

Step 5: Pour into Molds

I love using small, fun-shaped molds for a playful touch. Pour the mixture into silicone moulds. If you don’t have molds, you can pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8×8 inch baking dish. The thickness of candy depends on the dimensions of the container.

Step 6: Chill

How do you make gumdrops? Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or preferably overnight. What is the hardest part of waiting?

Step 7: Unmold and Coat

Once the gumdrops are firm, gently unmold them from the silicone molds. If you used a baking dish, cut the gumdrops into small squares. Roll each gumdrop in granulated sugar to coat evenly. How do I stop them from sticking together?

Step 8: Enjoy!

How do you store homemade gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature? Is it safe to eat them for a week?

What should I serve it with?

Homemade gumdrops are great on their own, but they’re also surprisingly versatile!For a Party:What are the best flavors to serve at your next party? What are some of the best kids toys ever?
As a Gift:What are some cute little jars to give as a homemade gift? What is the best edible gift?
With tea or coffee?How do you enjoy a cup of gumdrops with your morning tea?
In Lunchboxes:What are some fun ways to give your kids gumdrops for lunch?
As a decoration: Use them to decorate cakes or cupcakes. They add a colorful and playful touch.

What’s your favorite thing to do with gumdrops? “Platet” for friends and family. What is a fun way to experiment with flavor combinations and get creative with your candy making?

How do I make homemade gumdrops?

Okay, so I’ve made *a lot* of gumdrops in my day, and I have definitely learned a few things along the way. How do I make homemade gumdrops?

Gelatin Quality: GeWhat is the best gelatin powder? I prefer Knox brand, but any unflavored gelatin will work. Make sure it’s fresh, too! Old gelatin can lose its gelling power.

Sugar Ratio: The sugar ratio is important for achieving the right texture. If you use too little sugar, the gumdrops might be too soft. If you use too much, they might be too hard. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your liking.

Fruit Juice: Fresh fruit juice will give you the most vibrant flavor, but store-bought juice works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice and doesn’t contain any added sugar or artificial flavors.

Corn Syrup: The corn syrup is optional, but it adds a nice shine and chewiness to the gumdrops. If you don’t want to use corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but it will slightly alter the flavor.

Mold Matters: Silicone molds are the easiest to use because the gumdrops release easily. If you’re using a baking dish, make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.

Chill Time: Don’t rush the chill time! The gumdrops need at least 3-4 hours to set properly. I find that overnight is best.

Coating: Coating the gumdrops in sugar prevents them from sticking together. You can also use powdered sugar or cornstarch.

Flavor Combinations: Get creative with your flavor combinations! Try mixing different fruit juices or adding extracts and spices. Some of my favorite combinations are raspberry-lemon, orange-ginger, and pineapple-coconut. Vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor, especially with berries.

I remember one time I tried to speed up the chilling process by putting the gumdrops in the freezer. Big mistake! They ended up being rock solid and not chewy at all. So, patience is key!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade gumdrops fresh and delicious. Here’s what you need to know:

Room Temperature: Store the gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: You can also store the gumdrops in the refrigerator, but they might become a little harder. If you do refrigerate them, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften them up.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing gumdrops, as they can become quite hard and lose some of their chewy texture upon thawing. The texture really changes when frozen.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since these are gumdrops and not glazed like pastries, there’s no special timing advice related to glaze.

I usually store my gumdrops in a glass jar on the counter because they look so pretty and inviting! But if you live in a hot or humid climate, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

Yes, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor and texture slightly. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking. Honey and maple syrup are sweeter than granulated sugar, so you might need to reduce the liquid in the recipe. The flavor will also be different, imparting the distinct flavor of the honey/maple syrup.

Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?

Yes, you can, but agar-agar has a different gelling strength than gelatin. You’ll need to experiment with the amount to get the right texture. The resulting texture is also different; agar-agar results in a firmer, more brittle texture than gelatin does.

My gumdrops are too soft. What did I do wrong?

The most common cause is not using enough gelatin or not letting the gumdrops chill long enough. Make sure you’re using fresh gelatin and let them chill for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. Humidity can also affect the texture, so if you live in a humid climate, you might need to add a little more gelatin.

My gumdrops are too hard. What did I do wrong?

The most common cause is using too much sugar or cooking the mixture for too long. Make sure you’re using the correct amount of sugar and remove the mixture from the heat as soon as the sugar is dissolved. Also, make sure your gelatin hasn’t expired!

Can I add food coloring?

Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture to enhance the color. I prefer using natural food coloring, but any food coloring will work. Add it after the gelatin has been dissolved.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: my all-time favorite homemade gumdrop recipe! It’s a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart, not just because it tastes amazing, but because it brings back so many wonderful memories of my childhood. I truly hope you’ll give it a try. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll never go back to store-bought gumdrops again. And if you’re looking for more fun candy recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! Happy candy-making, everyone! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and let me know what flavors you tried. And if you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends!

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Homemade Gumdrops

A simple recipe for homemade gumdrops, perfect for a sweet treat. These chewy candies are easy to customize with your favorite flavors and colors.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
0.5 cup water
2 tablespoons gelatin
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 cup food coloring

Instructions

Preparation Steps

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
In a separate bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
Once the sugar mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer, remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved.
Stir in vanilla extract and food coloring. Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8 inch pan.
Let cool completely, then cut into squares.