Homemade Gumdrops

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade gumdrops are simple to make, and the result is a chewy, fruity candy that’s packed with flavor. You can customize the flavors by using your favorite fruit juices and adjust the sweetness to your liking. With no artificial colors or preservatives, these gumdrops are a healthier and fun candy-making project for all ages. Plus, they make the perfect homemade gift or addition to a candy jar!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fruit juice (choose your favorite flavors like orange, grape, cranberry, or a blend)

• 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the gumdrops)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

• 1 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for added tartness)

• A pinch of salt (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Mold: Lightly grease a silicone candy mold or line a baking pan with parchment paper. If you’re using a baking pan, you’ll need to cut the gumdrops into squares later.

2. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, pour 1 cup of fruit juice (from the 2 cups you’re using) and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to “bloom” or absorb the liquid.

3. Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the remaining fruit juice, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt (optional). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, pour the hot mixture into the gelatin, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

4. Add Lemon Juice and Citric Acid: Stir in the lemon juice and citric acid (optional) to add a little tang and balance the sweetness. Mix until everything is well combined.

5. Pour the Mixture into Molds: Pour the liquid gelatin mixture into the prepared molds, filling them about ¾ full. If you don’t have molds, you can pour the mixture into a lined baking pan and cut it into squares once it sets.

6. Set the Gumdrops: Let the gumdrops sit at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or refrigerate them for 2-3 hours, until they are fully set and firm to the touch.

7. Coat with Sugar: Once the gumdrops have set, remove them from the molds or cut them into squares. Roll each gumdrop in granulated sugar to coat. This will give them a slight crunch and help prevent them from sticking together.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Store your homemade gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 20-30 gumdrops (depending on mold size)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Set Time: 4-6 hours (or refrigerate for 2-3 hours)

• Total Time: 5-6 hours

Variations

• Flavor Combinations: You can mix fruit juices to create custom flavors, like orange and pineapple or strawberry and lemon. Use 100% fruit juice for the best natural flavor.

• Add Natural Coloring: If you’d like to add color to your gumdrops, you can use natural food coloring or even beet juice, spinach powder, or turmeric for a natural hue.

• Citrus Twist: Add zest from your favorite citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime) to the gelatin mixture for extra flavor and aroma.

• Sugar-Free Gumdrops: Replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to make a sugar-free version of these gumdrops.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

• Freezing: These gumdrops can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of fruit juice?

Yes, you can use flavored gelatin to create a more vibrant and concentrated flavor. However, using fruit juice gives the gumdrops a more natural taste, and you can experiment with different fruit juice combinations for a healthier, homemade alternative.

Can I make these gumdrops without molds?

If you don’t have silicone molds, you can pour the mixture into a small baking pan lined with parchment paper. After the gumdrops set, cut them into squares or use a knife to make bite-sized pieces.

Are these gumdrops vegan?

To make vegan gumdrops, substitute the unflavored gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based alternative to gelatin. Agar-agar sets much faster and creates a slightly firmer texture.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or coconut flakes?

Yes, you can add small amounts of finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candy sprinkles to the gumdrops for added texture and flavor. Just be careful not to overload the mixture, as it may affect the setting process.

How can I make these gumdrops less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, or adjust the sweetener based on your taste. Using a tart fruit juice like cranberry or grapefruit will also balance out the sweetness.

Conclusion

Homemade gumdrops are a fun, customizable treat that you can make with ease at home. With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious, chewy, and fruity candies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a festive holiday, a party, or just as a special treat, these homemade gumdrops are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face! Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and colors to make these candies your own!

Homemade Gumdrops

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 5-6 hours
• Yield: 20-30 gumdrops
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Homemade gumdrops are a fun, customizable treat made with fruit juice, gelatin, and sugar. These chewy, fruity candies are easy to make and can be flavored with your favorite fruit juices. A healthier, natural alternative to store-bought gummies, homemade gumdrops are perfect for holidays, parties, or as a special homemade gift!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fruit juice (choose your favorite flavors like orange, grape, cranberry, or a blend)

• 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the gumdrops)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

• 1 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for added tartness)

• A pinch of salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Mold:
   Lightly grease a silicone candy mold or line a baking pan with parchment paper. If you’re using a baking pan, you’ll need to cut the gumdrops into squares once set.

2. Bloom the Gelatin:
   Pour 1 cup of fruit juice (from the 2 cups) into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to “bloom” or absorb the liquid.

3. Make the Syrup:
   In a small saucepan, combine the remaining fruit juice, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt (optional). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot mixture into the bloomed gelatin, stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely.

4. Add Lemon Juice and Citric Acid (Optional):
   Stir in the lemon juice and citric acid (optional) for a tart kick, and mix until combined.

5. Pour the Mixture into Molds:
   Pour the liquid gelatin mixture into the prepared molds, filling them about ¾ full. If you don’t have molds, pour into a lined baking pan and cut the gumdrops into squares after they set.

6. Set the Gumdrops:
   Let the gumdrops sit at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or refrigerate them for 2-3 hours until they are firm and set.

7. Coat with Sugar:
   Once the gumdrops have set, remove them from the molds or cut into squares. Roll each gumdrop in granulated sugar to coat, helping to prevent sticking.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Store the gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

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Notes

Variations: Create unique flavor combinations like orange-pineapple or strawberry-lemon. Add natural coloring using beet juice, spinach powder, or turmeric for a vibrant look.Sugar-Free Version: Swap the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free version