Homemade Gumdrops recipe - Great for Valentine's Day! (2024)

By: T Worthey»Updated: April 7, 2023» View our disclosure policy

If you need a cute and easy Valentine’s Day treat, check out this amazing homemade Gumdrops Recipe in a red heart-shaped using applesauce and a few additional ingredients.

Homemade Gumdrops Recipe For A Sweet Valentine’s Day Treat

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this is such a CUTE and easy recipe to make during the fun and love season!

Making Gumdrops (which includes applesauce) requires just a few ingredients and your favorite people to make them.

This would be great for a Classroom treat or to make a homemade Valentine’s Gift for someone you love!

Or make some because you love making everything from scratch.

Regardless of your fancy, enjoy this easy homemade Gumdrops recipe!

Ingredients Needed for Heart Gumdrops

Granulated Sugar. You will reach for a classic sugar for this recipe. The sugar adds sweetness and creates that sticky texture you know and love about gumdrops.

Applesauce. For added flavor, you can use plain applesauce or even reach for strawberry applesauce. Unsweet or classic works.

Jello. I made my gumdrops in strawberry flavor. You are welcome to swap the Jello flavor with any flavor you want.

Unflavored Gelatin. The unflavored gelatin is needed to help give this a firmer texture. Make sure it is unflavored, as that is different than a classic Jello packet with flavor.

Lemon Juice. You need acid for this recipe, so lemon juice is the perfect ingredient. I recommend using fresh lemon juice.

Check out ourHomemade Gumdrops for a St. Patrick’s Day treat.

How to make Heart Shaped Gum Drops for Valentine’s Day

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Sugar
• ¾ Cups Apple Sauce
• 1 3oz package Jell-O, Strawberry*
• 1 .25oz package of unflavored gelatin
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup Granulated sugar for coating

Equipment:

Heart-Shaped Cutters

Directions:

1. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray and place it in the refrigerator.
2. Mix sugar, applesauce, Jell-O, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice in a medium-sized saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Allow boiling for 1 minute.
4. Pour the mixture into the cooled 8×8 baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until firm.
6. Once the mixture is firm, turn it out onto a baking sheet sprinkled with granulated sugar.
7. Using a sharp knife or cookie cutters, cut out your gumdrops.
8. Give the gumdrops one last good coat of sugar and allow them to dry overnight.
9. Store in an airtight container.

What Size of Cookie Cutters

You can go as small or large as you want on these gummies.

I bought a mix of sizes so that I could create different sizes. I like to use smaller cutters for little kids, so they are a nice bite-size.

Can I Use Any Flavor Of Jello I Want

Absolutely! Feel free to reach for raspberry, cherry, blue raspberry, or any flavor of Jello you want.

These are great, and I have made a few different flavors to give variety.

They are so fun and, dare I say, addictive!

Storing Homemade Gum Drops

Once your Jello gum drops are set and firm, you can place them in an airtight container. They will store at room temperature just fine, or you can refrigerate them.

The granulated sugar on the outside will help prevent the gumdrops from sticking together.

If you are worried about them sticking, place wax paper between each layer, which will keep them safe from clumping together.

Find more Valentine’s Snack & Decor Ideas below:

• Be Mine Mocktail Valentine’s Drink
• 20 Valentine’s Day Desserts
• Easy Jell-O Hearts Recipe

Created 1/2015 | Updated 1/2023