Homemade Patriotic Gumdrops
Add Preferred SourceHoliday celebrations can be expensive; that’s why I’m always on the lookout for budget-friendly ways of creating delicious treats and Homemade Patriotic Gumdrops. They’re tasty, they’re chewy, and they always look so festive on the big day. Oh, and my family can’t get enough of them!
Making these Patriotic Gumdrops is easy because you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry, you don’t need any special cooking skills, and even the kids can get involved. I always make more than I think I need because people can’t seem to stop at a couple, and they always disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Homemade Patriotic Gumdrops with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making these patriotic gumdrops is a fun, budget-friendly way to add a festive touch to your celebrations. Here’s how you can do it, with some handy tips along the way.
Prepare the Baking Dishes
Grease two 9×13 baking dishes and one 8×8 baking dish. This ensures your gumdrops will release easily and maintain their shape.
Make the Red Gumdrops
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, applesauce, cherry Jello, and unflavored gelatin.
Let the mixture stand for 1 minute to allow the gelatin to bloom, which helps achieve a smooth texture.
Over medium heat, stir constantly until the mixture boils. Boil for 1 minute, then pour into one greased 9×13 pan.
Tip: Stirring constantly prevents sticking and ensures even heating.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
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Make the Blue Gumdrops
Repeat the process with sugar, applesauce, blueberry Jello, and unflavored gelatin.
Pour the mixture into the second greased 9×13 pan.
Tip: Experimenting with different Jello flavors can add a fun variety to your gumdrops.
Cutting and Coating
Allow the gumdrops to set at room temperature until firm. This usually takes a few hours.
Use a mini star cutter to cut the gumdrops into stars.
Roll each star in the remaining sugar until well-coated. This not only adds sweetness but also prevents the gumdrops from sticking together.
Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups sugar
- 2 ⅔ cups applesauce divided
- 2 packages cherry jello 3-ounce each
- 2 packages blue berry jello 3-ounce each
- 7 envelopes unflavored gelatin divided
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup water
- 1 ½ cups sugar divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 cups sugar for coating
Instructions
- Grease two 9×13 baking dishes and one 8×8 baking dish.
For the Red and Blue Gumdrops:
- In a large saucepan, mix 2 cups sugar, 1 ⅓ cups applesauce, 2 packages cherry Jello, and 2 packages unflavored gelatin. Let stand for 1 minute.5 cups sugar, 2 ⅔ cups applesauce, 2 packages cherry jello, 7 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- Over medium heat, stir constantly until the mixture boils. Boil for 1 minute then pour into one greased 9×13 pan.
- Repeat steps 2-4 with another 2 cups sugar, 1 ⅓ cups applesauce, 2 packages blue Jello, and 2 packages unflavored gelatin. Pour into the second greased 9×13 pan.2 packages blue berry jello
For the White Gumdrops:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water.½ cup water
- In a small saucepan, bring ¾ cup water and 1 ½ cups sugar to a boil, stirring constantly.¾ cup water, 1 ½ cups sugar
- Add the gelatin mixture, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon lemon extract. Pour into the greased 8×8 pan.1 teaspoon lemon extract
- Refrigerate all pans for 3 hours.
Cutting, Shaping, and Coating:
- Cut the set mixtures into squares using a metal spatula.
- Use a mini star cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place shapes on parchment or wax paper-lined trays.
- Let dry at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight.
- Coat gumdrops in 2 cups sugar until well coated.2 cups sugar for coating
- Serve and enjoy your festive gumdrops!
Notes
- Gelatin Blooming: Let the gelatin mixture stand for at least 1 minute. This blooming step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Constant Stirring: Keep stirring the mixture while heating. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Setting Time: Allow the gumdrops to set at room temperature until firm. Rushing this step can result in gumdrops that are too soft.
- Coating Sugar: Rolling the gumdrops in sugar not only adds sweetness but also keeps them from sticking together. Make sure to coat them thoroughly.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To help prevent any mishaps, here are some top tips so that your gumdrops come out perfect every time.
- Gelatin Blooming: Let the gelatin mixture stand for at least 1 minute. This blooming step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Constant Stirring: Keep stirring the mixture while heating. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Setting Time: Allow the gumdrops to set at room temperature until firm. Rushing this step can result in gumdrops that are too soft.
- Coating Sugar: Rolling the gumdrops in sugar not only adds sweetness but also keeps them from sticking together. Make sure to coat them thoroughly.
How to store Homemade Patriotic Gumdrops
Your homemade patriotic gumdrops will stay fresh for up to two weeks if you store them correctly.
Store them in an airtight container. I always place a piece of parchment paper between each layer rather than stacking them on top of each other, which helps prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. When you’re ready to eat them, you may want to roll them in sugar again, as they can get sticky.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you’re looking for more recipes for the holiday celebrations, these are some of my favorites.
