Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These gum drops are not only cute but also incredibly delicious! With a fresh lime flavor, they’re a perfect treat for both kids and adults. The recipe is quick to make and can easily involve the whole family. Cutting out the gum drops with shamrock-shaped cookie cutters adds a fun touch, making it a great activity for any time you want to add a little cheer to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups applesauce
- 2 ¼ cups sugar
- 2 boxes (3 oz) lime Jello
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (such as Knox)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Grease a 13×9-inch pan.
- Combine applesauce, sugar, lime Jello, and unflavored gelatin in a pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.
- Dust a cutting board with sugar and use a spatula to loosen the sides of the set gum drop mixture and turn it onto the cutting board.
- Dust the top of the gum drop mixture with more sugar.
- Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut out gum drops.
- Roll the edges of the gum drops in extra sugar and set them on wax paper for 1 hour to dry out slightly.
- Store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 30 gum drops
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Additional time: 3 hours (for refrigeration)
- Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Use different flavored gelatin, such as orange or cherry, for a variety of gum drop colors and flavors.
- Try using other cookie cutter shapes like stars or hearts for different occasions.
- Add a bit of citric acid or sour sugar to make them a tangy treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Store gum drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- They don’t require reheating, but if they become too sticky, dust with more sugar before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Yes, feel free to use any flavor you prefer, but lime Jello adds a festive green color perfect for any celebration.
Can I use a different type of gelatin?
Yes, you can use other brands of unflavored gelatin, just make sure it’s the same amount as the recipe calls for.
How do I store these gum drops?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I make these gum drops ahead of time?
Yes, these gum drops can be made a few days in advance, and they’ll stay fresh if stored properly.
How do I prevent them from sticking?
Dusting the gum drops with sugar before storing them will help prevent them from sticking together.
Can I make these gum drops without applesauce?
While applesauce gives the gum drops a nice texture, you can substitute it with water or fruit juice if you prefer.
How can I make these gum drops less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet candy.
Can I freeze these gum drops?
Freezing is not recommended as it may alter their texture, but they can be stored in the fridge for longer shelf life.
Can I make these without a cookie cutter?
Yes, you can cut them into squares or any shape you prefer, although using a cookie cutter adds to the fun!
How long do these gum drops need to set?
They need about 3 hours in the refrigerator to fully set and firm up.
Conclusion
Homemade shamrock gum drops are a fun and easy treat to add to any occasion. With their bright green color and sweet lime flavor, these gum drops will be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a party or just as a fun family activity, these homemade treats are a delightful way to bring a little joy to your day.
Homemade Shamrock Gum Drops
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 gum drops
- Category: Candy, Dessert, Holiday Treat
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigerated
- Cuisine: American, Holiday-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Shamrock Gum Drops are a fun, festive, and easy treat perfect for any celebration. Shaped like shamrocks, these chewy candies are bursting with a fresh lime flavor, making them a delightful and playful addition to your festivities. Simple to make and loved by both kids and adults, these gum drops are sure to bring some cheer to your day!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups applesauce
- 2 ¼ cups sugar
- 2 boxes (3 oz) lime Jello
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (such as Knox)
Instructions
- Grease a 13×9-inch pan.
- Combine applesauce, sugar, lime Jello, and unflavored gelatin in a pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.
- Dust a cutting board with sugar. Use a spatula to loosen the sides of the set gum drop mixture and turn it onto the cutting board.
- Dust the top of the gum drop mixture with more sugar.
- Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut out gum drops.
- Roll the edges of the gum drops in extra sugar and set them on wax paper for 1 hour to dry out slightly.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can experiment with other flavored gelatin such as orange or cherry for different colors and flavors.
- Add citric acid or sour sugar for a tangier treat.
- If you don’t have a shamrock cookie cutter, use any fun shape or cut them into squares for simplicity.
