Homemade Gumdrops
Perfect for Valentine’s Day treats, these Homemade Gumdrops are super easy, soft and taste great!
Wouldn’t your Valentine love getting some of these Homemade Gumdrops? They also make great gifts for neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc. The gumdrops can also be made in a variety of colors, like the Gumdrops Recipe that I made during the Christmas holiday.
The beauty of this gumdrops recipe is that you can change the flavor simply by changing the flavor of the Jello. To make them special for Valentine’s Day treats, I cut them into heart shapes using the mini cookie cutter from the Romance Set, the same ones I used for the Valentine’s Cupcakes with the Hearts in the center.
After the Gumdrops set up in the refrigerator, loosen sides from pan with a spatula and turn them onto a cutting board. I found it easiest to cut them this way.
I had several comments on the Gumdrops Recipe about them being sticky. Yes, they are sticky and you may need some patience to remove them from the pan. Here are some tips –
- Use parchment paper in the pan, lightly spray it with cooking spray. Be sure to leave a couple inches of parchment paper laying over the edge so you can lift them from the pan easily.
- Use a knife dipped in very hot water to loosen the gumdrops
- If you are using a cookie cutter to make the heart shapes, dip the cookie cutter in hot water
- Do not use wax paper
- These will taste different than store bought, the ingredients are different. However, they are soft and delicious, in my opinion.
Won’t these be perfect for teacher gifts? Or even as classroom treats? I found these little treat boxes in the dollar section at Target, there were maybe 4 or 5 in a package. Another fun classroom treat are the Valentine’s Day Treat Bags that I shared, did you see them? They go together in about 15 minutes and there is a FREE Printable too!
I always loved helping out in the classroom for parties. Are you sending in Valentine’s Day treats with your kiddos? Or maybe the office?
You may also like the different flavors in this Gumdrops Recipe!
Homemade Gumdrops
Soft, chewy and delicious. These Gumdrops can be made in any flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar {plus a little for rolling gum drops}
- 11/3 cups applesauce, unsweetened
- 2 small (3 oz) boxes Jello, any flavor
- 2 envelopes (4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin {like Knox}
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Line 13x9 pan with parchment paper, lightly spray paper with cooking spray
- In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients, let stand 1 minute
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, boil for 1 minute
- Immediately pour into prepared pan
- Place in refrigerator for 3 hours or until firm
- Loosen sides from pan with a spatula
- Life parchment paper from pan and place onto a cutting board
- Cut out gum drops using a knife dipped in hot water to cut squares or use a cookie cutter
- Roll Gum Drops in extra sugar, set onto wax paper until slightly dry
- Store in an airtight container
When you say 3 ounces of Jell-O do you mean 0.3 OZ or just 3 OZ?
The small boxes of jello is what you need. I believe they have changed the weight on them recently.
-Liz
For those wishing to decrease their sugar intake, I used a blend of sugar substitutes. Xylitol and erythritol for the sugars and sugar-free jello. Turned out great. I sprinkled a little sugar on a few to see if I would enjoy the gumdrops more. I liked them just fine without! Thank you for a great recipe!
Thank you for the tip Julie!
-Liz
I wanted to know if these can be made in silicone molds, or is the mixture too thick?
Hi Ann, I have not tried this recipe in a silicone mold. I think it would work though.
-Liz
How long do théy keep?
Hi Christine, the Gumdrops will keep in an airtight container for at least 2 weeks.
Happy Baking!
-Liz
What a great idea!! Holly 🙂
So glad you like them Holly! Thanks for stopping by!
~Liz
I love that you can make various shapes out of this recipe! I’m partial to hearts myself. 😉 Thanks for linking up at delicious dishes recipe party!
OMG I need to make these ASAP! I’m going to pretend the applesauce cancels out the sugar to make it health food 🙂
Wow! I never new these were so simple to make! Trying these this weekend 🙂 just discovered your blog via the Home Work link up!
http://www.hellonancy.co.uk
Oh boy did I get excited to see this post! Love these!! I always raid the stores for the cherry ones, now I cam make my own! Thanks for the recipe! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned & haring on FB! Have a great week!
Kim