Description
Sweet Homemade Gumdrops bring a playful splash of fruity delight to dessert tables everywhere. Sparkling with sugary charm and bursting with nostalgic flavor, these tiny treats will charm guests and create memorable moments of pure confectionery joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup fruit juice
Sweeteners and Thickeners:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 packet (0.25 oz) unflavored gelatin
Coating and Finishing:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for dusting)
Instructions
- Combine mixed berries and fruit juice in a saucepan, gently mashing the fruits to release their natural flavors and create a vibrant puree.
- Heat the berry mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it reaches a smooth, consistent texture, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle gelatin over the warm fruit mixture, whisking thoroughly to ensure complete dissolution without any lumps.
- Add granulated sugar and corn syrup to the fruit base, stirring constantly to create a harmonious blend that prevents sugar crystallization.
- Continue cooking the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reaches a soft-set consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and begin setting.
- Pour the warm gumdrop mixture into a lightly greased 8×8 inch pan, ensuring an even distribution and smooth surface.
- Refrigerate the pan for 3-4 hours or overnight until the mixture is completely set and firm to the touch.
- Combine remaining granulated sugar and cornstarch in a shallow dish for coating.
- Cut the set gumdrop mixture into small cubes or use shaped cookie cutters for variety.
- Roll each gumdrop in the sugar-cornstarch mixture, thoroughly coating all sides to prevent sticking and add a delightful sugary exterior.
- Allow gumdrops to air dry for 1-2 hours, which helps them develop a slightly firmer texture and prevents excessive moisture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their shape and prevent clumping.
Notes
- Choose ripe, seasonal berries for the most intense and natural flavor profile in your gumdrops.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations like strawberry-raspberry or blueberry-blackberry to create unique taste variations.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to ensure perfect gumdrop consistency and prevent overcooking.
- Substitute gelatin with agar-agar or pectin for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the same chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-27 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 124
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg