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Orange Gumdrops

Orange Gumdrops recipe image
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.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 72
Calories: 483.5
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
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
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 1 package (1 3/4-ounce) powdered fruit
Directions
  1. 1
    Line a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan for easy removal.
  2. 2
    Butter the foil thoroughly and set the pan aside.
  3. 3
    Butter the sides of a heavy 1 1/2-quart saucepan to prevent sugar crystallization.
  4. 4
    In the saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and the corn syrup.
  5. 5
    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.
  6. 6
    Avoid splashing the mixture on the sides of the pan.
  7. 7
    Carefully clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
  8. 8
    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.
  9. 9
    Meanwhile, in a separate heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine water, pectin, and baking soda. The mixture will be foamy.
  10. 10
    Cook the pectin mixture over high heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a boil. This should take about 2 minutes.
  11. 11
    Remove the pectin saucepan from heat and set aside.
  12. 12
    When the sugar mixture has reached the soft-crack stage, remove the saucepan from heat and remove the candy thermometer.
  13. 13
    Return the pectin mixture to high heat and cook until it just begins to simmer.
  14. 14
    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.
  15. 15
    Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more.
  16. 16
    Remove the saucepan from heat.
  17. 17
    Stir in orange extract, finely shredded orange peel, and food colorings.
  18. 18
    Pour the candy mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
  19. 19
    Let stand at room temperature for about 2 hours or until firm.
  20. 20
    When firm, use the foil to lift the candy block out of the pan.
  21. 21
    Use a buttered knife to cut the candy into about 3/4-inch squares.
  22. 22
    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).

Keywords: orange, gumdrops, candy, homemade, pectin, sugar, corn syrup, chewy, citrus, dessert, confection, soft crack, extract, zest, sweet, traditional
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/orange-gumdrops/