What are some magical homemade gumdrops? What are the best artificially flavored candies? We’re talking about chewy, intensely fruity melt-in-your-mouth goodness that tastes like pure pure goodness. Think of the nostalgic joy of fruit snacks, but elevated to another level – made with real fruit. Is this juice bursting with flavor? What are some of the easiest gummy bears to make? What are some of the best songs of all time?

What is homemade gumdrops?

Imagine taking the essence of your favorite fruits – the bright tang of oranges, the sweet burst of lemons. What are some of the best little jewels of pure delight? What is gumdrops? They’re essentially fruit juice thickened with gelatin and a touch of sugar, then cut into fun shapes. What are the shapes and left to set. Is summer like a candy? Well, they look like little gems and you just want to gobble them up so naturally they became a cult favorite.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? What are the best “fruit” flavors in store-bought candy? What are some of the best homemade gumdrops? I swear, the first time I made them with fresh raspberry juice, they disappeared in minutes.

What’s the best thing about making candy? This recipe is surprisingly easy. It’s mostly just heating, stirring, and waiting. My kids love helping me make them. I’ve never made anything myself. What I love most about it is that you know exactly what’s going into them – no artificial colors, no dyes. What are the flavors, or preserv Plus, you can customize the flavors to your heart’s content. I made a batch with pomegranate juice and they were amazing. I tried it twice. Let’s not forget the cost! Is it cheaper to buy organic fruit snacks at the store? I feel good giving it to the kids as a treat.

How do I make homemade gumdrops?

Quick Overview

Making Homemade Gumdrops is easier than you think! You’ll basically be heating fruit juice with sugar and gelatin, pouring it into a mold, and letting it set. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use any fruit juice you like, and adjust the sweetness to your taste. Seriously, once you try this method, you’ll never buy store-bought gumdrops again. It is so easy!

Ingredients

For the Gumdrops: How

* 3 cups of your favorite fruit juice (apple, orange, raspberry, grape – the possibilities are endless!). I prefer using fresh fruit juice if I can, but store-bought works just fine too. Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar. I tried it once with a juice blend and it did not turn out well!
* ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your juice). I sometimes use honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
* 4 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder. Make sure it’s fresh! Old gelatin doesn’t set as well. I always do a bloom test when I use it.

For Coating (optional):

* Granulated sugar or cornstarch for coating. This prevents the gumdrops from sticking together. Can you use a mix of sugar and citric acid for sour kicks?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over ½ cup of cold fruit juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it softens and thickens. This is called “blooming” and it’s essential for getting the right texture.

Step 2: Heat the Juice and Sugar

In a saucepan, combine the remaining fruit juice and sugar. Serve warm or cold. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just right. Do not overheat. Don’t let it boil! I always use a wooden spoon for this part because it helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing.

Step 3: Combine and Dissolve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the gelatin. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps! If you have any trouble, you can gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly. How does gelatin dissolve?

Step 4: Pour into Molds

Pour the mixture into silicone molds. I like using gummy bear molds or other fun shapes, but you can also pour it into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and cut it into squares later. Pro tip: spray the molds with a little non-stick cooking spray before pouring in the mixture. This will make it easier to remove the gumdrops later.

Step 5: Chill

Place the molds in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm. The gumdrops are firm.

Step 6: Unmold and Coat

Once the gumdrops are firm, gently unmold them. If you used a baking dish, cut the mixture into squares or other shapes using sandpaper. Toss the gumdrops in granulated sugar or cornstarch to prevent them from sticking together. I like to put the sugar in a ziplock bag, add the gumdrops, and gently shake to coat them evenly.

Step 7: Enjoy!

How do you make homemade gumdrops? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best homemade gumdrops?

For Breakfast:Add a few to your yogurt parfait for an extra punch of fruity flavor.

For Brunch: Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and cheeses for an elegant touch.

As Dessert:Serve them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or cake for an easy and fun dessert.

For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate on chilly winter evenings.

My family has a tradition of making gumdrops every Christmas. We make a big batch and give them away as gifts to our friends and neighbors. What is the best way to spread joy during the holidays?

How do I make homemade gumdrops?

Alright, so you’re ready to make some **homemade gumdrops**, huh? Awesome! But before you dive in, let me share a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years that’ll take your gumdrop game from good to *amazing*.

Juice Selection: AWhat is the flavor of gumdrops? I always recommend using 100% fruit juice, and if possible, go for fresh-squeezed or cold-pressed. The flavor is just so much more vibrant. Avoid juices with added sugars or preservatives, as they can mess with the texture and flavor of the juice.

Gelatin Power:Are all gelatins created equal? I prefer using unflavored gelatin powder for the best results. Make sure your gelatin is fresh, as older Gelatin may not set as well. Always bloom gelatin in cold juice before adding it to the hot juice. This prevents it from clumping and ensures a smooth, even texture.

Sweetness Control: How The amount of sugar you add will depend on the sweetness of your juice. Start with the recommended amount and then taste the mixture before pouring it into the molds. You can always add more sugar if needed, but you can’t take it away! I sometimes use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness, but be aware that they can slightly alter the flavor and color of your gumdrops.

Mold Matters:When making gumdrops, silicone molds are your best friend. What are some of the fun shapes and sizes to choose from? If you don’t have silicone molds, you can use a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Just make sure to grease the paper well to prevent the gumdrops from sticking. I once forgot to grease and it was a nightmare!

Patience, young PadawanWhat is the most important tip of all? Don’t rush the chilling process! How do gumdrops set? I recommend chilling them for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. If you try to unmold them too soon, they’ll be sticky and messy.

Coating is the key to a Coating your gumdrops in sugar or cornstarch prevents them from sticking together and gives them a nice, professional finish. I like to use a mix of sugar and citric acid for a sour kick! Just toss the gumdrops in the mixture until they’re evenly coated. You can also use powdered sugar or even finely ground freeze-dried fruit for a unique flavor.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What’s the best way to make homemade gumdrops? How do I store a frozen potato properly? Is it possible that they won’t last long?

Room Temperature:If you plan to eat gumdrops within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Airtight container. This is the easiest option, but they might become a little sticky over time, especially in humid conditions. I always make sure the container is really sealed tight to keep out any moisture.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, the fridge is your best bet. Place the gumdrops in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They might become a little firmer when chilled, but they’ll still taste great. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften them up a bit.

Freezer Instructions: Believe it or not, you can even freeze these gumdrops! This is a great option if you want to make a big batch and save some for later. Wrap the gumdrops tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on glazing your gumdrops, it’s best to do it right before serving. Glazed gumdrops don’t store as well as unglazed ones, as the glaze can become sticky or melt over time. I usually just make the glaze fresh whenever I’m ready to serve them. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my Grandma’s recipe for Homemade Gumdrops. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and it’s one that I cherish dearly. These little candies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a taste of childhood, a reminder of simpler times, and a symbol of love and family. If you are looking to make your own snacks, you have found the perfect recipe for it!

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding baking project, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s surprisingly easy, and the results are absolutely delicious. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you made something special from scratch. If you loved this recipe, check out my recipe for homemade fruit leather, you will be surprised at how amazing it is!

Happy baking! And don’t forget to share your own variations and tips in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!