Homemade Gumdrops

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Looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with fruity flavors and irresistible chewiness? Look no further than these delightful Homemade Gumdrops! Crafted with a blend of sugar, applesauce, and flavored gelatin, these candies are not only easy to make but also perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or gifting during the festive season. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create your own batch of these delectable goodies.

Ingredients:

  • 5 cups sugar, divided
  • 2 ⅔ cups applesauce, divided
  • 2 3-ounce packages strawberry-flavored gelatin
  • 2 3-ounce packages lime-flavored gelatin
  • 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin, divided

Directions:

  1. Begin by gathering your ingredients and preparing a large saucepan.
  2. In the saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar, 1 ⅓ cups of applesauce, 2 packages of strawberry-flavored gelatin, and 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin.
  3. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute to ensure the gelatin hydrates properly.
  4. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
  5. Once boiling, continue to cook the mixture for one minute, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  6. Immediately pour the hot mixture into a greased 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly.
  7. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, using lime-flavored gelatin instead.
  8. Place both pans into the refrigerator and allow them to set for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
  9. Once set, carefully remove the gelatin mixture from the pans onto a surface lined with wax or parchment paper.
  10. Using mini Christmas cookie cutters, cut out gumdrop shapes from the gelatin mixture and place them on a parchment or wax paper-lined tray.
  11. Allow the gumdrops to dry at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight, ensuring they are fully set and firm to the touch.
  12. After the drying period, gently coat each gumdrop candy in the remaining 1 cup of sugar, rolling them until fully coated.
  13. Your homemade gumdrops are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

 

Serving Tips:

  1. Presentation Matters: Arrange your homemade gumdrops on a decorative platter or in colorful candy bowls for a visually appealing display.
  2. Mix and Match: Experiment with different shapes and sizes of gumdrops using various cookie cutters to add a fun twist to your presentation.
  3. Pairing Suggestions: Serve your gumdrops alongside other sweet treats like chocolate-covered fruits or cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
  4. Holiday Touch: Incorporate seasonal decorations or themed serving dishes to enhance the festive charm of your gumdrop presentation, perfect for holiday gatherings or parties.

Storage Tips:

  1. Airtight Container: Store your homemade gumdrops in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
  2. Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container of gumdrops in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve their texture and flavor.
  3. Layering: If stacking gumdrops in a container, place wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
  4. Refrigeration: While not necessary, storing gumdrops in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life, especially in warmer climates or during humid weather conditions.
  5. Enjoy Within Weeks: Homemade gumdrops are best enjoyed within a few weeks of making them to ensure optimal taste and texture. However, they can typically last for up to a month when stored properly.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your homemade gumdrops remain fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes or when sharing with friends and family.

 

Variations:

  1. Citrus Burst: Experiment with different flavors of gelatin such as orange, lemon, or grapefruit to create a citrus-infused batch of gumdrops. Add a zest of citrus peel for an extra burst of flavor.
  2. Tropical Twist: Use pineapple or coconut-flavored gelatin to give your gumdrops a tropical flair. Consider adding shredded coconut or diced pineapple to the mixture for added texture and taste.
  3. Berry Bonanza: Mix and match berry-flavored gelatins such as raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry for a colorful assortment of gumdrops. Add fresh or dried berries to the mixture for an extra fruity punch.
  4. Spiced Sensation: Infuse your gumdrops with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a cozy, seasonal twist. Consider rolling the finished gumdrops in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for added sweetness and spice.
  5. Minty Fresh: Incorporate mint extract or peppermint oil into the gelatin mixture for a refreshing minty flavor. Add crushed candy canes or mint candies to the coating for a festive touch.
  6. Chocolate Dipped: After drying, dip the bottom of each gumdrop in melted chocolate and allow it to set for a decadent chocolate-covered treat. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles for added decoration.
  7. Alcoholic Infusion: For adult indulgence, substitute part of the applesauce with flavored liqueurs like raspberry, orange, or cherry to create boozy gumdrops. Ensure proper labeling if sharing with those who avoid alcohol.

With these creative variations, you can customize your homemade gumdrops to suit your taste preferences or add a unique twist for special occasions. Get creative in the kitchen and let your imagination run wild with flavor combinations and decorations!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of applesauce in the recipe? While applesauce provides moisture and flavor to the gumdrops, you can experiment with other fruit purees such as mashed berries or cooked fruit purees. However, the texture and sweetness may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
  2. How long do homemade gumdrops last? When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade gumdrops can last for up to several weeks. However, for optimal freshness and flavor, it’s best to consume them within a few weeks of making.
  3. Can I use vegetarian or vegan gelatin substitutes? Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan gelatin alternatives available, such as agar-agar or pectin. Follow the package instructions for substitution ratios, as they may differ from traditional gelatin.
  4. Can I make sugar-free gumdrops? Yes, you can substitute sugar with a sugar-free sweetener, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Additionally, consider using sugar-free flavored gelatin to maintain the fruity taste.
  5. How can I prevent my gumdrops from sticking together? To prevent gumdrops from sticking together during storage, ensure they are fully dried before coating them in sugar. Additionally, layering them with wax or parchment paper in an airtight container can help prevent sticking.
  6. Can I freeze homemade gumdrops? While it’s possible to freeze gumdrops, it’s not recommended as freezing may affect the texture and consistency of the candies. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place for optimal freshness.
  7. Are homemade gumdrops gluten-free? Yes, this recipe for homemade gumdrops is gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any ingredients with gluten. However, always check the labels of your gelatin products to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.
  8. Can I make larger batches of gumdrops? Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make larger batches of gumdrops. Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly and use additional pans for setting the mixture.
  9. How do I store leftover sugar coating? If you have leftover sugar coating after coating your gumdrops, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for future use. Use it to coat other candies or sprinkle it over baked goods for added sweetness.
  10. Can I customize the shapes of my gumdrops? Absolutely! Feel free to use different cookie cutters or silicone molds to create unique shapes for your gumdrops. Just ensure that the molds are well-greased to prevent sticking.

 

With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create your own batch of Homemade Gumdrops that are sure to impress. Whether you’re indulging in a sweet snack or gifting them to loved ones, these chewy, fruity candies are guaranteed to delight. So why wait? Get creative in the kitchen and treat yourself to a taste of sweet bliss with these delightful homemade treats!