Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making gumdrops at home is incredibly rewarding because you can customize the flavor and shape to your liking. You can experiment with different fruit juices or even add in your own favorite extracts. Plus, homemade gumdrops have a much fresher taste than store-bought versions, and they’re free from artificial colors and preservatives. With a firm but chewy texture, they’re perfect for candy lovers of all ages.

Homemade Gumdrops

Ingredients

2 cups fruit juice (such as orange, grape, or lemon)
4 tbsp gelatin powder
1 ½ cups sugar (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)
1 tsp citric acid (optional, for a tangy flavor)
Cornstarch (for dusting)

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

Directions

Prepare Your Molds: Begin by lightly greasing silicone candy molds or an ice cube tray. Set aside.
Combine Juice and Gelatin: In a saucepan, pour the fruit juice. Sprinkle the gelatin over the juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom (absorb moisture).
Dissolve the Gelatin: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the gelatin has fully dissolved and the juice is warm but not boiling.
Add Sugar and Citric Acid: Stir in 1 cup of sugar and citric acid (if using), and continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved completely.
Fill the Molds: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared molds. Allow the gumdrops to cool to room temperature.
Chill: Transfer the molds to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the gumdrops to firm up.
Coat the Gumdrops: Once the gumdrops have set, remove them from the molds. Toss each gumdrop in the remaining ½ cup of sugar to coat them thoroughly.
Store: Store the gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 30-40 gumdrops (depending on the size of your molds).
Time: Approximately 30 minutes of prep time, plus 2 hours of chilling time.

Variations

Flavors: Experiment with different juices like pomegranate, blueberry, or mixed berries to create a variety of flavors.
Sugar Coating: For a different texture, roll the gumdrops in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Add-ins: Add a small amount of food coloring to make the gumdrops more vibrant or stir in some chopped dried fruit or zest for an extra flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

Store your homemade gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them for a firmer texture, though they’re perfectly fine at room temperature. To prevent the gumdrops from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between layers in the container.

Reheating is not necessary, as the gumdrops should be enjoyed as they are.

FAQs

How long do homemade gumdrops last?

Homemade gumdrops will last about a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge.

Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?

Yes, you can use agar-agar if you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian alternative. Follow the package instructions for the correct ratio.

How do I prevent my gumdrops from sticking together?

Coating the gumdrops in sugar and storing them with parchment paper between layers will help prevent them from sticking together.

Can I make these gumdrops without sugar?

You can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or erythritol, but the texture and flavor may change slightly.

What type of molds should I use?

Silicone candy molds or an ice cube tray work best for making gumdrops, as they allow easy removal from the molds.

Can I add different flavors to the gumdrops?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various fruit juices or extracts to create your own custom gumdrop flavors.

Do I need citric acid?

Citric acid is optional, but it adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the gumdrops. You can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

How do I make the gumdrops firmer?

If you want firmer gumdrops, simply refrigerate them longer or add a little extra gelatin to the recipe.

Can I use fresh fruit juice instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use fresh juice, but ensure it is strained to remove pulp or seeds for the smoothest texture.

What if I don’t have silicone molds?

If you don’t have silicone molds, you can pour the mixture into a shallow pan, then cut the gumdrops into squares or desired shapes once they have set.

Conclusion

Homemade gumdrops are a fun and customizable treat that are sure to impress friends and family. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious candy that’s fresh, flavorful, and free of artificial additives. Experiment with different flavors, coatings, and shapes to make these gumdrops your own.