Gumdrops Recipe

Making homemade gumdrops is one of those little kitchen projects that’s just plain fun. These colorful, chewy candies are perfect for holidays, parties, or just adding a sweet, nostalgic treat to your day. Unlike store-bought versions, these have a fresh fruitiness and a soft, satisfying texture, thanks to the unsweetened applesauce and agar-agar. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at candy-making without the fuss of a candy thermometer, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Grab your favorite flavor of Jello, and let’s make some gumdrops!

this RECIPE

A fun memory with gumdrops 🍭

I’ll never forget the first time I made gumdrops with my nieces. I thought they’d be more interested in baking cookies, but as soon as I suggested candy-making, their eyes lit up. We picked out two brightly colored Jello flavors—cherry and lime—and got to work. The kitchen smelled amazing as the mixture bubbled away on the stove, and the anticipation only grew as we waited for the gumdrops to set in the fridge. After what felt like forever (three hours, in reality), we cut them into cute little squares and rolled them in sugar. The girls were so excited to taste their creation, and I was thrilled to have created such a simple yet magical memory with them.

The backstory of gumdrops

Gumdrops have been around for well over a century, and they’re a classic in the world of chewy candies. Originally, they were likely flavored with more traditional spices like clove, cinnamon, or anise—something that’s still popular in old-fashioned varieties. Over time, though, fruit flavors became more common, and the candy developed into the brightly colored, sugar-coated treat we know today. Although there’s a lot of variation across cultures and candy-making techniques, homemade fruit-flavored gumdrops have a charm all their own. They’re easy to make, wonderfully customizable, and perfect for anyone who loves a nostalgic, fruity candy.

Let’s talk ingredients: the secrets behind the chewiness

• Sugar: This is the primary sweetener and also helps with that signature, slightly grainy texture on the outside. Rolling the gumdrops in extra sugar at the end adds a bit of crunch and keeps them from sticking together. If you’re cutting back on sugar, this might not be the recipe to adjust, as sugar is pretty crucial here.
• Unsweetened applesauce: This is one of the secret ingredients that gives the gumdrops a soft chew. It also adds a subtle fruitiness without overpowering the Jello flavors. If you’re out of applesauce, you could try pear puree, but applesauce really does work best for texture.
• Jello: This is where the fun begins! You can use any flavor of Jello, so feel free to get creative. Cherry, lime, and orange are classic choices, but you could go for something unique like pineapple or blue raspberry. Just make sure you’re using the regular, not sugar-free, kind.
• Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon, but it helps balance the sweetness and gives the flavors a bit of brightness. Fresh or bottled works fine here, so use whatever you have on hand.
• Agar-agar powder: This is the gelling agent that makes the candy firm. Agar agar is a plant-based substitute, making this dessert suitable for vegans. If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry — it’s easy to find in the baking aisle or online. Agar agar has a firmer consistency and is perfect for desserts.

Kitchen gear you’ll need

For this recipe, you don’t need any fancy candy-making equipment, which is a big plus! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large saucepan: Make sure it’s big enough to hold all your ingredients, and be prepared to stir constantly as everything heats up.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift the gumdrops out of the pan later.
• 13×9 pan: This size works well for getting the right thickness. If you don’t have a 13×9, you could use an 8×8 pan, but your gumdrops will be thicker.
• Spatula: For loosening the edges of the gumdrops from the pan.
• Sharp knife or cookie cutters: A sharp knife dipped in hot water will cut the gumdrops cleanly, but you can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
• Wax paper: After you roll the gumdrops in sugar, let them sit on wax paper to dry out a little.

Step-by-step: how to make these delightful gumdrops

1. Prepare your pan: Line a 13×9 pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s some overhang so you can lift the gumdrops out easily later.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the sugar, applesauce, Jello, lemon juice, and agar-agar powder. Let it sit for about a minute—this helps the agar-agar start to activate.
3. Bring to a boil: Set the saucepan over medium heat and begin stirring constantly. It’s important to keep stirring so the sugar doesn’t burn. Once the mixture starts bubbling, let it boil for one minute. Don’t let it go any longer than that, or the texture will get too firm.
4. Pour and chill: Quickly pour the hot mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop the pan in the fridge for about three hours, or until the gumdrops are fully set and firm.
5. Cut and roll: Use a spatula to loosen the edges, then turn the gumdrops onto a cutting board. Use a hot knife (just dip it in hot water) to cut squares or use a cookie cutter for shapes. Roll each piece in extra sugar, then set them on wax paper to dry a little.
6. Store: Once they’re slightly dry, store the gumdrops in an airtight container. They’ll keep for about a week at room temperature.

Fun variations to try with these gumdrops

• Flavor mix-and-match: Try using two different flavors of Jello in one batch for a unique blend. Strawberry-lime, orange-cherry, or even blueberry-lemon can make for tasty combinations.
• Sour gumdrops: If you’re a fan of tangy candy, add a little citric acid to the sugar coating. Just a teaspoon mixed with the sugar will give the gumdrops a nice sour kick!
• Vegan twist: Agar-agar powder is already plant-based, so these gumdrops are naturally vegan.
• Spiced gumdrops: For a holiday twist, add a small pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the mixture. This gives the gumdrops a cozy, warming flavor perfect for winter.

How to serve these homemade gumdrops

These gumdrops look beautiful in a clear glass jar or a festive bowl, especially if you’ve used a variety of colors. For a little extra flair, try arranging them in a layered candy jar with a ribbon for gifting. They also make fun toppers for cakes or cupcakes—just stick a few on with toothpicks for a cute, whimsical decoration. And if you’re making a candy buffet, gumdrops are a great addition to bring a pop of color!

Drink pairings

Since gumdrops are so sweet and fruity, they pair wonderfully with a light, refreshing drink. Try them with:

• Sparkling water with a twist of lime: The bubbles and slight tanginess balance the sweetness of the gumdrops.
• Iced herbal tea: A fruity or floral tea like hibiscus or chamomile complements the candy’s flavors without overpowering them.
• Homemade lemonade: The acidity of the lemonade cuts through the gumdrops’ sweetness, making for a refreshing combination.
• Mint-infused iced green tea: If you want something a little different, the minty freshness and subtle bitterness of green tea provide a nice contrast.

Storage and reheating tips (well, sort of)

These gumdrops don’t require reheating, but they do need proper storage. Once they’re coated in sugar and a bit dried out, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature, and they should last up to a week. If they start to lose their sugary coating, you can always roll them in a little more sugar to freshen them up. Try not to refrigerate them once cut, as the moisture can make them sticky.

Scaling the recipe for more (or fewer) gumdrops

This recipe fills a 13×9 pan, which makes quite a few gumdrops, especially if you cut them into small squares. If you want a smaller batch, you can halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 pan. The set time in the fridge will remain about the same. If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure you have enough room in your fridge for two pans, or use a larger tray with the same thickness.

Potential issues and helpful tips

• If your gumdrops are too soft: This might mean the agar-agar didn’t fully activate. Make sure to bring the mixture to a full boil and keep stirring for that full minute.
• Sticky gumdrops: If they’re sticking together, they may need more time drying after rolling in sugar. Let them sit on the wax paper for a bit longer.
• Cutting difficulties: If the gumdrops are too sticky to cut cleanly, dip your knife in hot water between cuts. This will make it easier to slice through.

Ready to try these gumdrops?

Once you’ve made these homemade gumdrops, you’ll see just how easy and fun candy-making can be. They’re chewy, colorful, and full of fruity flavor—the perfect little treats for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors, shapes, and even a sour twist if that’s your thing. Enjoy, and happy candy-making!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sugar-free Jello?
Sugar-free Jello won’t set the same way, and the texture won’t be as chewy. For best results, stick with regular Jello.

2 How long do these gumdrops last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll last about a week at room temperature.

3. Can I freeze homemade gumdrops?
Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture and make them sticky once thawed.

4. What flavors work best?
It’s all about personal preference! Cherry, lime, orange, and berry flavors are popular, but you can mix and match for unique combinations.

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