Orange Gumdrops
Description
These homemade Orange Gumdrops offer a nostalgic, sweet treat with a distinctively chewy texture and bright citrus flavor. Unlike store-bought versions, these are made from scratch using simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and pectin, resulting in a candy that is less cloying and more aromatic. The addition of fresh orange zest and extract provides a genuine fruit punch that lingers on the palate. Perfect for tucking into holiday stockings, adding to gift baskets, or enjoying as a sophisticated desk snack, these gumdrops are a delightful way to indulge in a classic confection. They hold their shape well and can be rolled in extra sugar for a traditional finish, making them both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.Ingredients
Directions
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Line a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan for easy removal.
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Butter the foil thoroughly and set the pan aside.
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Butter the sides of a heavy 1 1/2-quart saucepan to prevent sugar crystallization.
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In the saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and the corn syrup.
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Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture reaches a boil and the sugar is dissolved. This should take about 10 minutes.
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Avoid splashing the mixture on the sides of the pan.
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Carefully clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
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Continue cooking over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the thermometer registers 280F (138C) (soft-crack stage). The mixture should boil at a moderate, steady rate over the entire surface. This should take about 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a separate heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine water, pectin, and baking soda. The mixture will be foamy.
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Cook the pectin mixture over high heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a boil. This should take about 2 minutes.
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Remove the pectin saucepan from heat and set aside.
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When the sugar mixture has reached the soft-crack stage, remove the saucepan from heat and remove the candy thermometer.
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Return the pectin mixture to high heat and cook until it just begins to simmer.
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Gradually pour the hot sugar mixture in a thin stream (slightly less than 1/8-inch diameter) into the simmering pectin mixture, stirring constantly. This should take 1 to 2 minutes.
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Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more.
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Remove the saucepan from heat.
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Stir in orange extract, finely shredded orange peel, and food colorings.
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Pour the candy mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
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Let stand at room temperature for about 2 hours or until firm.
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When firm, use the foil to lift the candy block out of the pan.
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Use a buttered knife to cut the candy into about 3/4-inch squares.
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Roll the squares in additional sugar to coat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 72
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 483.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.0g0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 5.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 125.0g42%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 100.5g
- Protein 0.0g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store loosely covered in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cinnamon Gumdrops: Prepare as directed above, but substitute 3 drops oil of cinnamon and 7 drops red food coloring for the orange extract, orange peel, and yellow/red food colorings.
Mint Gumdrops: Prepare as directed above, but substitute 3/4 teaspoon mint extract and 7 drops green food coloring for the orange extract, orange peel, and yellow/red food colorings.
Lemon Gumdrops: Prepare as directed above, but substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract, 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel, and 7 drops yellow food coloring for the orange extract, orange peel, and yellow/red food colorings.
Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate for best results when reaching the soft-crack stage (280F).
