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Star shaped gumdrops in red and blue are in a red tin bucket.
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Star Spangled Gumdrops

These festive Star Spangled Gumdrops are the perfect patriotic treat for your 4th of July celebration! Made with just a handful of ingredients and bursting with fruity flavor, these homemade gumdrops are as fun to make as they are to eat. Customize the colors, cut into stars and enjoy a sweet, sparkly treat everyone will love! Perfect Memorial Day and Labor Day too!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword 4th of July recipe, gumdrops, star spangled gumdrops
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 8 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 36
Calories 44kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

For each color you want:

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar divided
  • ¾ cup applesauce I used natural - no sugar added
  • 3 ounces JELLO 1 pkg - I used Cherry and Berry Blue
  • ¼ ounce unflavored gelatin 1 envelope - Knox brand
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice I used bottled

Instructions

For each color you want:

  • Coat a 8 inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside. (If you have a metal baking dish, place in the fridge so the gumdrops set up faster.)
  • Combine 1 cup sugar, applesauce, JELLO, unflavored gelatin and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Let stand for 1 minute.
    1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup applesauce, 3 ounces JELLO, ¼ ounce unflavored gelatin, ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly.
  • Boil for 1 minute and then immediately pour into prepared baking dish.
  • Refrigerate until firm (about three hours should do it. I left mine in overnight.)
  • Generously dust a cutting board with sugar.
  • Loosen the sides of the gelatin with a spatula and invert onto cutting board.
  • Use small, sharp cookie cutters to cut out gumdrops.
  • Sprinkle sugar over a piece of waxed paper and place gumdrops on top of sugar. Let dry for about 8 hours or until slightly sticky.
  • Roll in remaining sugar and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Storage Information
Once fully dried and coated in sugar, these gumdrops can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can be made a few days in advance. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture and cause them to become sticky.

Tools and Equipment (affiliate links): Star Cutter | 8-Inch Square Pan

Please see post above for more information, process photos, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
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