Name: Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 11 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided; 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened applesauce; 6 ounces Jello, such as lime or cherry; 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin, such as Knox

There's something truly magical about making candy from scratch—especially when it comes to these soft, tangy treats. This Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe is a nostalgic game-changer, blending simple ingredients into a chewy delight that tastes like childhood memories with every bite.

A white square plate holds a pile of red and green sugar-coated gummy candies in Christmas-themed shapes. The red gummies include stars, bells, stockings, candy canes, and mitten shapes, while the green gummies are shaped like stars and Christmas trees. Each candy is covered in a layer of sparkling white sugar crystals giving a frosted look. The plate is set on a white marbled surface partially covered with a red cloth printed with white snowflakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore making gumdrops at home because you control the flavors and sweetness, plus it's so satisfying to see the gel set perfectly for tender, chewy candies. This recipe is a keeper, and I can't wait for you to try making your own!

All-natural ingredients: No weird preservatives or artificial junk—just pure, simple components you can trust.
Customizable flavors: Choose your favorite Jello flavor or mix them up to create colorful, tasty batches.
Fun to make: Whether you’re crafting them with kids or for gifts, this is a hands-on, joyful candy project.
Perfect chewy texture: That tender, springy bite that gumdrops are famous for, made easy in your kitchen.

A close-up image of a bright green star-shaped jelly candy covered with white sugar crystals being held between a woman's thumb and finger. The candy has a soft, slightly translucent texture with sugar granules evenly coating its surface. The background is softly blurred with hints of red, green, and white colors, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together simply but smartly to create that nostalgic gumdrop texture you're aiming for. Each one plays a crucial role, so let me break down the essentials before you start.

Flat lay of a small mound of granulated sugar, a simple white ceramic bowl of smooth unsweetened applesauce, a few vibrant lime and cherry gelatin powder packets artistically opened (powder spilled is not allowed, so show only unopened packets), two neat white envelopes of unflavored gelatin powder (Knox style), and a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, all arranged with perfect symmetry and fresh appearance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and the classic sugary coating that gives gumdrops their trademark sparkle.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural pectin, helping to soften the gumdrop and balance sweetness.
Flavored Jello (lime or cherry recommended): Infuses vibrant color and the signature fruity flavor—feel free to experiment!
Unflavored gelatin: The secret to that chewy, springy texture that sets your gumdrops apart from regular candy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching up the flavors or even mixing a handful with different Jello colors for a festive look. Don’t hesitate to play with flavor combos—you'll find some favorites you never expected!

Variation: For a holiday spin, I make red and green gumdrops by preparing the recipe twice—once with lime Jello and once with cherry—and line them up for a cheerful treat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

First, I spray an 11x7 or 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray—this step is key to getting your gumdrops out in one smooth sheet. Have all your ingredients within reach, measured and ready to go. It makes the next steps much more relaxed.

Step 2: Combine and Heat Mixture

In a large saucepan, stir together 2 cups of sugar with the applesauce, flavored Jello, and unflavored gelatin. Let this sit for a minute so the gelatin starts softening. Then, bring it up to a boil over medium heat—stir constantly to keep it smooth. Once it boils, let it bubble for exactly 1 minute before pouring it into your greased dish. This is where patience really pays off.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then pop it into the fridge for at least 3 hours until it’s firm enough to handle. I usually leave mine overnight if I’m prepping ahead—it makes cutting soooo much easier.

Step 4: Cut and Coat Your Gumdrops

Line a large cutting board with parchment and sprinkle generously with the remaining sugar. Loosen the gelatin sheet using a metal spatula, and transfer it carefully onto the sugared paper. You can cut out shapes with mini cookie cutters (I like to heat mine briefly in hot water to cut cleanly) or use a pizza cutter for quick slices. After cutting, let them sit at room temperature overnight to develop their perfect chew. Finally, roll each gumdrop in sugar—it’s the finishing touch that makes them sparkle and prevents sticking.

Top Tip

From my experience making homemade gumdrops, the key to success lies in patience and a few handy tricks I want to share with you.

Heated Cookie Cutters: Warm your cookie cutters in hot water to slice through the sticky gelatin smoothly without tearing.
Use a Metal Spatula: A flexible metal spatula is your best friend when transferring the sticky gel out of the pan—just keep sliding and it will release nicely.
Patience with Setting: Resist the urge to cut too early—letting the mixture set thoroughly makes a huge difference in texture and handling.
Generous Sugar Coating: Don’t skimp on the final sugar toss—it prevents sticking and gives that classic gumdrop finish.

How to Serve Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe

Garnishes

I adore just rolling the gumdrops in a little extra sugar for that sparkling look, but you could also try dusting with finely shredded coconut or even a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for a fancy twist.

Side Dishes

These gumdrops are such a great sweet bite after a cup of herbal tea or alongside a cheese platter where their fruity zing balances the savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When gifting, I line a small glass jar with colorful tissue paper and layer gumdrops by color for a cheerful look. For parties, skewering them on cocktail sticks or arranging in candy dishes makes a charming conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep my gumdrops in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week—perfect for nibbling over time without losing their softness.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen gumdrops because they’re so quick to make fresh, but if you do freeze them, ensure they’re well wrapped to prevent moisture absorption and thaw them gently at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Since gumdrops are best served chewy and cool, reheating isn’t necessary. If they feel a little hard after storage, a few minutes at room temperature usually brings back their perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruit purees instead of applesauce?

Absolutely! Unsweetened applesauce works well for moisture and mild flavor, but you can experiment with pureed pears or mashed bananas. Just make sure the texture isn’t too watery to keep the gel setting right.

What’s the best way to prevent gumdrops from sticking together?

Rolling them well in granulated sugar after cutting and letting them dry overnight at room temperature is key. Store them in a single layer or separated by parchment paper in an airtight container to avoid sticking.

Can I make gumdrops without Jello?

While Jello adds both flavor and color, you can substitute with flavored gelatin packets or infuse your own fruit juice with unflavored gelatin. However, Jello packets simplify the process and ensure consistent results.

How long do homemade gumdrops last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade gumdrops stay fresh for up to one week. Because they don’t contain preservatives, it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later for optimal texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade gumdrops turned into a fun little ritual in my kitchen—I love the way the simple ingredients transform into something so special and flavorful. I hope this Homemade Gelatin Gumdrops Recipe brings the same comforting joy to your home as it has to mine. Give it a shot, share with friends, and enjoy the smiles that come with each chewy bite!