Homemade Gumdrops

Name: Homemade Gumdrops
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: About 1-3/4 pounds.
Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups sugar, divided; 1-1/3 cups applesauce; 2 packages (3 ounces each) red or green gelatin; 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Your friends and family will remember these chewy, fruity candies long after they've licked the last bit of sugar off their fingers! They're a great gift any time of year. —Christin Holt, Kingsburg, California

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1-1/3 cups applesauce
2 packages (3 ounces each) red or green gelatin
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, applesauce, red or green gelatin, unflavored gelatin and lemon juice; let stand for 1 minute. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Immediately pour into a cold 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm.
With a spatula, loosen gelatin from sides of pan. To remove, invert onto waxed paper. Using kitchen scissors or small sharp cookie cutters dipped on hot water, cut into 1-in. squares or shapes.
Place on waxed paper. Dry at room temperature for about 8 hours or until slightly sticky. Roll in remaining sugar. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 35 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Originally published as Homemade Gumdrops in Country Woman Christmas 2004

Reviews

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Average Rating:

dwojdyla4

Dec 19, 2018

I made a batch of these gumdrops and really liked the results. They were so good. The only problem I encountered was that a pink film formed on the surface of the jello when I poured it into the prepared pan. I followed directions exactly. Has anyone else had this happen? Thanks
katbyter

Dec 14, 2017

Can you use silicon mods with this recipe?
hchambers

Dec 9, 2017

I was surprised at how easy these were to make. They turned out great, I did a batch of green and a batch of red. My kids loved them, I am sure I will be making these every Christmas.
jmbullock

Dec 3, 2015

These were excellent! And easier to make than I expected. Careful, though, they're really easy to "sample" before taking to their intended gathering :)
cohnbj

Dec 1, 2015

I can't believe I just came upon this recipe. I have been making these since I was in high school. (Graduated in 82 ) Love this candy. You can use any flavor of jello. My 28 year old son asks for them every year!
funf00d

Dec 18, 2014

I thought they were too sweet so I increased the lemon and decreased the sugar, better for me. I also turned out my second batch onto a sugar lined board and sprinkled sugar on top before I cut them. Soooo much easier to handle second batch.
FLbaker

Dec 23, 2013

Very good recipe. These are not chewy corn syrup gumdrops... these are more like a soft fruit gel. I halved the recipe because I only bought one box each of two flavors. It worked great. I used black cherry and for green I used "Jolly Rancher Green Apple gelatin" that I found at Wal-Mart. The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star is because they really remind me of Jello jigglers rolled in sugar. The flavors are good but very jello-artificial if you know what I mean Kids loved them.
SusieTR1

Dec 19, 2013

Yummy! I Just Made some Cherry Gumdrops that have turned out wonderul!! Will be making the Lime/ Green ones tonight! Very Easy, the hardest part is cutting them up, and that is NOT heard at all.
csublet

Feb 21, 2013

These were delicious but too soft. I think I will add another package of unflavored gelatin next time. Also I had to dry them some more after sugar coating them and after a day they were still quite soft. Maybe my humidity was too high.
debs951

Feb 3, 2013

Thanks for the info! I have a few diabetics in the family who will no longer be left without these tasty little trats! *treats*