Description
These homemade gumdrops are a sweet, fruity treat made with a mixture of strawberry and lime gelatin combined with applesauce and sugar. Soft and chewy with a sugary coating, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations or whenever you crave a nostalgic candy.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Gumdrops
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/3 cups applesauce
- 2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry jello
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
Lime Gumdrops
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/3 cups applesauce
- 2 packages (3 oz each) lime jello
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
Coating
- 1 cup sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Mixture: In a large saucepan, stir together 2 cups sugar, 1 1/3 cups applesauce, 2 packages of strawberry jello, and 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin until combined.
- Let Stand: Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute to let the gelatin absorb the liquid.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning or clumping.
- Boil for One Minute: Continue boiling the mixture for 1 full minute to activate the gelatin and dissolve the sugar completely.
- Pour into Pan: Immediately pour the hot mixture into a greased 11×7 or 9×13 inch pan to set.
- Repeat with Lime Mixture: Repeat steps 1 through 5 using the remaining 2 cups sugar, 1 1/3 cups applesauce, 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin, and lime jello, pouring into a second greased pan.
- Chill: Place both pans into the refrigerator and chill for 3 hours until the mixtures are firm enough to cut.
- Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the set mixtures into squares. Use a metal spatula to carefully lift the sticky squares onto wax or parchment paper.
- Cut Shapes: Use mini Christmas cookie cutters to cut fun shapes from the squares and place them on a parchment or wax paper-lined tray.
- Dry Candies: Let the cut gumdrops dry at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight to develop a slightly firmer outer texture.
- Coat with Sugar: After drying, dip each gumdrop into the remaining 1 cup sugar, coating completely to prevent sticking and add sweetness.
- Serve: Your homemade gumdrops are now ready to enjoy or gift!
Notes
- The applesauce helps keep the gumdrops moist and chewy.
- Use greased pans to help the gumdrops release easily after setting.
- Allow drying time to enhance texture before coating with sugar.
- Store gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Be careful when boiling the gelatin mixture to avoid overheating or burning.
