Description
Louisiana’s classic gumdrops delight weaves Southern charm into a sweet celebration of culinary tradition. Chewy, sugar-crusted treats melt with fruity richness, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of homemade comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups sugar
- 4 tablespoons gelatin powder
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup cold water
Additional Flavoring:
- Lemon or vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Hydrate unflavored gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water in a small bowl, stirring until completely dissolved without any visible granules, which ensures a smooth candy texture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water (1 or 360 milliliters) and granulated sugar, placing over medium heat and stirring consistently while monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer.
- Cook the sugar syrup until it reaches precisely 230°F (110°C), the soft ball stage, which creates the ideal consistency for gumdrop formation.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly incorporate the fully dissolved gelatin mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform liquid base.
- For enhanced flavor, add lemon extract or vanilla extract at this stage, mixing gently to distribute the flavoring evenly throughout the mixture.
- Separate the liquid into multiple small containers if desired, adding food coloring to each batch to create a variety of vibrant gumdrop colors.
- Carefully pour the colored mixtures into silicone molds or lightly greased candy molds, ensuring even distribution and minimal air bubbles.
- Allow the gumdrops to set at room temperature for approximately 4 to 6 hours, or until they achieve a firm, gelatin-like consistency.
- Gently remove the set gumdrops from their molds, then roll each piece in granulated sugar to prevent sticking and add a sparkling, sweet exterior.
- Store the finished gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will maintain their texture for up to one week.
Notes
- Precise temperature control is critical when making gumdrops, using a candy thermometer ensures perfect sugar syrup consistency.
- Dissolving gelatin completely prevents lumpy textures, creating smooth and professional-looking candies.
- Experiment with different food coloring and flavor extracts to personalize your gumdrops and make unique combinations.
- Allow gumdrops to set naturally at room temperature for the best chewy texture and optimal shape retention.
- Rolling gumdrops in extra sugar provides a delightful coating that prevents sticking and adds a sweet crunch.
- Clean and dry molds thoroughly before pouring mixture to ensure easy removal and perfect gumdrop shapes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg