Candy Gumdrops (Fat Free)
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade Candy Gumdrops, a sweet treat that harkens back to childhood memories, perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially during festive seasons or as thoughtful gifts. This recipe is not only simple and fun to make, but it also offers a healthier alternative to the sugary store-bought varieties, ensuring that your candy is both delicious and guilt-free. With a variety of flavors at your disposal, you can easily customize these gumdrops to suit your palate or the preferences of those you wish to gift them to.
Recipe Details
Recipe Name | Candy Gumdrops (Fat Free) |
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Prep Time | 24 hours (includes chilling time) |
Cook Time | N/A |
Total Time | 24 hours |
Category | Candy |
Servings | Approximately 100 pieces |
Estimated Yield | Varies based on size of pieces |
Description | These delightful gumdrops resemble the classic candy, offering a soft and chewy texture with vibrant flavors. They make perfect homemade gifts! |
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
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Calories | 22.2 |
Total Fat | 0 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 5.5 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 5.5 g |
Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
Sugars | 4.7 g |
Protein | 0.3 g |
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
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1 1/3 cups | Applesauce |
2 tablespoons | Unflavored gelatin |
1 packet | Jello gelatin (any flavor) |
2 tablespoons | Sugar |
1 teaspoon | Bottled lemon juice |
To taste | Additional sugar for coating |
Instructions
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Prepare the Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the applesauce, unflavored gelatin, Jello powder of your choice, sugar, and the bottled lemon juice. Over medium heat, bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to ensure that everything dissolves evenly. Allow it to boil for one minute, continuing to stir to prevent any sticking or burning.
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Set Up the Pan: Take a loaf pan and fill it with very cold water; then pour the water out, leaving the pan slightly damp. This step is crucial as it helps the gelatin mixture release easily later on.
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Pour the Gelatin Mixture: Immediately pour the hot gelatin mixture into the prepared loaf pan. The residual moisture from the damp pan will help in releasing the candy once set.
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Chill Until Firm: Let the loaf pan cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for approximately 3 hours or until the gelatin is fully set and firm.
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Unmold the Gumdrops: To release the candy from the pan, turn it upside down over a clean surface. Gently lay a warm, damp towel over the pan; the warmth will help slightly melt the sugar, allowing the gumdrop loaf to pop out smoothly.
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Cutting the Gumdrops: If you prefer, you can return the loaf to the refrigerator for a brief time to firm it up even more, making it easier to cut. Once ready, remove it from the fridge and cut the candy into small squares. To avoid sticking, dip a knife into warm water between cuts.
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Transfer and Dry: Carefully transfer the small gumdrop pieces onto an ungreased cookie sheet, making sure they are spaced apart. Allow them to dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours. This drying period is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
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Coat with Sugar: After the candy has dried completely, pour some sugar into a bowl. Take each piece of gumdrop and coat it in the sugar, giving it a nice, sweet finish and preventing them from sticking together.
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Store and Enjoy: Once coated, these gumdrops can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy them yourself or share them as delightful homemade gifts with family and friends.
Tips for Flavor Variations
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Jello to create a rainbow of gumdrops. You can also mix and match flavors to create unique combinations.
- Consider adding a few drops of food coloring to enhance the appearance of your gumdrops, especially if you want them to stand out as gifts.
These Candy Gumdrops are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a charming and thoughtful way to share sweetness with others, evoking fond memories while creating new ones. Enjoy the process and the delightful rewards that follow!