There’s something magically nostalgic about the chewy, sugary delight of gumdrops that just brightens up any snack time. That’s why my Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe is such a treat to share — it’s wonderfully simple, totally customizable, and gives you that perfect homemade texture that store-bought just can’t match!
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Why You'll Love This Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe
I’ve made many gummy candies before, but this Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe holds a special place because it’s straightforward and yields those classic gumdrop vibes—soft, chewy, and sugary all at once. I’m excited to walk you through it so you can enjoy a batch fresh from your kitchen!
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of items you probably already have or are easy to grab at the store.
- Fun to Customize: Choose your favorite jello flavors for colorful, tasty variations—perfect for holidays or just mixing it up.
- Perfect Texture: Soft but firm enough to hold fun shapes that kids and adults alike will adore.
- Great Activity: Making these is a fun project to share—plus, rolling them in sugar feels like a little sweet spa treatment!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe plays a vital role in creating that just-right texture and flavor, so don’t skip the details! The applesauce adds natural sweetness and body, gelatin brings the signature chew, and jello contributes both flavor and color.
- Granulated Sugar: Aside from sweetening, the sugar is also used for coating, giving the gumdrops their classic sparkling finish.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: It acts like a natural pectin to help set the candies and keeps them moist without extra jelly additives.
- Jello Mix: Provides flavor, color, and a bit of acid that balances the sweetness—lime and cherry are my favorites for vibrant colors.
- Unflavored Gelatin: The real MVP for gumdrop chewiness; Knox gelatin works great because it sets nicely without being too rubbery.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Whether you want to change the flavors or make festive colors, it’s all approachable—and totally fun.
- Variation: For Christmas, I like doing red cherry and bright green lime jello batches separately, then mixing the gumdrops for a festive look that’s always a hit.
- Dietary Tip: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made without any artificial colors if you pick natural gelatins and jellos.
- Texture Tweaks: If you want softer gumdrops, reduce the gelatin slightly; for firmer ones, use a bit extra gelatin—but be cautious or they get rubbery fast.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Like a Pro
Spray an 11×7 or 9×13 baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray. I’ve learned it’s the key to get those candies out cleanly without any sticky mess. Set it aside while you work on the mixture.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
Grab a large saucepan and combine 2 cups of the sugar with the applesauce, gelatin envelopes, and your choice of jello mix. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about a minute. This resting helps the gelatin bloom and makes your gumdrops scorch-free during cooking.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Pour
Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly—this part’s important to avoid clumps or burning. Once it starts to boil, keep stirring and let it bubble for exactly one minute before pulling it off the heat. Then, quickly pour the hot mixture into your greased dish. Timing matters here to get a smooth set.
Step 4: Cool and Set
Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes—it will thicken a bit—and then pop it in the fridge for at least 3 hours or until fully firm. I usually refrigerate it overnight because I find it’s easier to work with next day.
Step 5: Cut and Sugar-Coat the Gumdrops
Line a large cutting board with parchment paper and sprinkle a generous layer of sugar on top while you work. Using a metal spatula, gently loosen the edges of your set gumdrop sheet. You can either transfer it whole to the sugar-lined board or cut into 6-8 large pieces first for easier handling.
Next, use mini cookie cutters dipped in hot water to cut your shapes without sticking. Don’t have cutters? A pizza wheel or sharp knife works perfectly, too. Let the shapes sit at room temp for 8+ hours or overnight to develop the classic chewy texture.
Finally, roll each gumdrop in the remaining sugar to coat—this step feels so satisfying and gives that signature sparkle and a little extra crunch!
Top Tip
After making this Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe a few times, I’ve picked up key tips that help you get perfectly shaped gumdrops without frustration. Getting the timing and sugar coating down makes all the difference for that classic texture and appearance.
- Warm Cookie Cutters: Warm your cutters in hot water before each use to slide through the sticky gumdrop sheet effortlessly.
- Patience is Key: Letting the cut gumdrops sit overnight is the secret to their chewy, not sticky, texture.
- Don’t Skip Sugar Coating: That last rolling in sugar adds both flavor and a non-sticky finish.
- Metal Spatula Magic: A thin metal spatula helps you gently pry the gumdrops from the pan without tearing.
How to Serve Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling some extra colored sanding sugar or rolling a few pieces in finely shredded coconut for a fun twist when I gift these gumdrops. It gives a festive touch and makes them look extra special on candy platters.
Side Dishes
Pair your homemade gumdrops with tea or coffee for a cozy treat, or include them alongside homemade chocolate truffles or marshmallows for an indulgent party snack table. They make a wonderful contrast when served with nutty cheese or crackers, too!
Creative Ways to Present
I once put together a holiday candy bouquet using colorful gumdrops stuck onto skewers wrapped in cellophane—it was a huge hit with kids at the party! For birthdays, you can arrange assorted flavors in little gift boxes lined with parchment paper or layer them in clear jars with pretty ribbons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for about a week, staying soft and fresh without any fridge chill that can dry them out.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t usually necessary, but if you want to save a large batch, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and they’ll soften up nicely without losing texture.
Reheating
Since my gumdrops are meant to be enjoyed chewy and cool, I don’t usually reheat them. But if they firm up too much, letting them rest at room temperature for a bit loosens them back up perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
For best results, use unflavored gelatin powder like Knox brand. It sets firm but remains chewy. Avoid gelatin sheets or alternatives that may alter the texture.
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of gelatin dessert mix you like—lime, cherry, orange, or even mixed berry. Just stick to powdered jello for the best consistency.
Rolling the gumdrops generously in granulated sugar once they’re cut and set helps create a protective coating so they don’t clump. Storing them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers is also helpful.
Traditional gelatin isn’t vegan, but you can experiment with agar-agar as a plant-based substitute. Keep in mind the texture and setting times might vary, so some trial may be needed to perfect it.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that brings a smile every time I make it. Whether it’s sharing with friends, gifting, or just sneaking a few from the jar, they feel like little bursts of happiness. So grab your ingredients, get your cutters ready, and have some fun making these cheerful treats—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Homemade Jelly Gumdrops Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 11 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 60 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade gumdrops are a chewy, fruity candy made with gelatin and jello for vibrant flavors and a sweet sugar coating. This easy recipe yields colorful and fun gummy treats perfect for snacking or decorating desserts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened applesauce
- 6 ounces jello, such as lime or cherry
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin, such as Knox
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Spray an 11×7 or 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar, unsweetened applesauce, jello, and unflavored gelatin. Stir well and let the mixture stand for 1 minute.
- Cook the mixture: Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. Allow the gelatin mixture to boil for 1 minute, then immediately pour into the greased baking dish.
- Cool and refrigerate: Let the mixture cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate uncovered for 3 hours or until firm.
- Transfer and cut: Line a large cutting board with parchment paper and generously sprinkle with sugar. Use a metal spatula to loosen the gumdrop mixture from the edges and bottom of the dish. Transfer the whole sheet or cut into 6-8 large pieces and move to the lined board. Cut out shapes using mini cookie cutters or slice into small pieces.
- Dry the gumdrops: Let the cut gumdrops sit at room temperature overnight or at least 8 hours to firm up and dry slightly.
- Coat with sugar: Place the remaining granulated sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each gumdrop in sugar until well coated.
Notes
- Store gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To make red and green gumdrops, prepare the recipe twice, once with lime jello and once with cherry jello.
- Heat cookie cutters in hot water before cutting to make slicing easier and prevent sticking.
- If you don't have cookie cutters, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the gumdrops into neat small pieces.
- The gelatin mixture will be very sticky; use a metal spatula and gently slide it under the mixture to remove it without tearing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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