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
Scale
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
