Prep time: 15 mins | Set time: 4+ hours | Servings: Approx. 30–40 gumdrops
Ingredients
- The Fruit Base:
- 2 cups fruit juice (grape, orange, or apple).
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- The Sweetener:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the gumdrop mixture).
- The Setting Agent:
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (like Knox).
- The Flavor & Color Boosters:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Optional: Food coloring (to enhance the color).
- The Finish:
- 3 cups granulated sugar (for coating the finished candies).
Instructions
- Combine: In a saucepan, whisk together the fruit juice, lemon juice, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt.
- Bloom: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the liquid and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
- Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the gelatin and sugar are completely dissolved. If using food coloring, add a drop or two now to achieve your desired brightness.
- Mold: Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds or a lightly greased square baking dish.
- Set: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the mixture is firm and bouncy to the touch.
- Shape: If you used a baking dish, cut the set mixture into small squares or circles. If using molds, gently pop the gumdrops out.
- Coat: Place the remaining 3 cups of sugar in a bowl. Toss each gumdrop in the sugar until it is completely and evenly coated.
- Dry: Let the gumdrops sit at room temperature for a few hours to allow the sugar coating to set and the exterior to develop a slight crust.