Making Homemade Gumdrops is a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy this sweet treat, and they’re easier to make than you might think! With just a few basic ingredients, you can make chewy, flavorful gumdrops in any color and flavor you like. They’re perfect for holiday gifting or just as a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the year.
Here’s a simple recipe for Homemade Gumdrops:
Homemade Gumdrops Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup fruit juice (choose your favorite flavor, such as orange, grape, cranberry, or lemon)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (you’ll need 2 packets of gelatin)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for tartness; you can find this in the canning section of most stores or online)
- Food coloring (optional, if you want colored gumdrops)
- Cornstarch or powdered sugar for coating (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mold:
- Coat the mold: Lightly grease a silicone candy mold, mini muffin tin, or a small baking dish with a bit of non-stick spray. You can also use an ice cube tray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don’t have a mold, you can simply spread the mixture in a thin layer and cut it into squares or diamonds after it sets.
2. Combine the Juice and Gelatin:
- In a small saucepan, pour the fruit juice and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the juice. Let the gelatin bloom for about 5 minutes (this means letting it sit on the surface of the liquid to hydrate).
- After 5 minutes, turn on the heat to medium-low and stir the mixture until the gelatin has dissolved completely. This will only take about 1-2 minutes. Add corn syrup and stir until everything is well combined.
3. Make the Gumdrop Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and citric acid (if using). This will be the base for your gumdrops. Once the gelatin mixture is fully dissolved and hot, add the sugar mixture and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and thick.
- Optional: If you’d like to add food coloring, you can do so now, stirring in a few drops until you reach the desired shade.
4. Set the Gumdrop Mixture:
- Pour the gumdrop mixture into your prepared molds, filling each mold cavity almost to the top. If you used a baking dish, pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
5. Unmold and Coat the Gumdrops:
- Once set, carefully pop the gumdrops out of the mold. If you used a baking dish, cut the gumdrop sheet into squares or diamonds with a sharp knife.
- To give your gumdrops that classic sugary finish, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with cornstarch or powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each gumdrop in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
6. Store the Gumdrops:
- Store the gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for about 2 weeks. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve homemade gumdrops at parties, holidays, or as a sweet snack. They also make a great gift when placed in a jar or decorative bag!
- You can also use them for cake decorations, adding a colorful and festive touch to birthday cakes or cupcakes.
Tips & Variations:
- Flavors: You can make a variety of flavors by using different types of fruit juices (such as apple, pineapple, or pomegranate) or even adding a small amount of extracts (like vanilla, lemon, or orange) to the mixture.
- Tartness: If you love tart flavors, increase the amount of citric acid. This gives the gumdrops a tangy, sour coating similar to some store-bought versions.
- Sugar Coating: Instead of using cornstarch or powdered sugar, you can also coat your gumdrops in colored sanding sugar for a sparkly, decorative effect.
- Vegan Option: You can substitute agar-agar for the gelatin to make a vegan version of gumdrops. Use the same amount of agar-agar powder as the gelatin in the recipe, but be sure to dissolve it in hot water before adding it to the juice.
Homemade gumdrops are chewy, fruity, and customizable with endless flavor combinations. With this easy recipe, you can make your own delicious gumdrops right at home! Enjoy!
