Description
Sweet Stars And Spangled Candies are soft, chewy homemade gumdrops made with fruity gelatin, applesauce, and a sparkling sugar coating. These colorful candies are easy to prepare, customizable in flavor, and perfect for adding a fun touch to desserts or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
1½ cups granulated sugar divided (1 cup + ½ cup)
¾ cup natural applesauce (no added sugar)
3 oz flavored gelatin powder (cherry or berry blue)
¼ oz unflavored gelatin (NOW Foods Unflavored Gelatin or Great Lakes Wellness Gelatin)
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Cooking spray (for greasing pan)
Extra sugar for coating and dusting
Instructions
• Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Chill the dish in the refrigerator if using metal for faster setting.
• Combine 1 cup sugar, applesauce, flavored gelatin, unflavored gelatin, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to hydrate.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until everything dissolves and becomes smooth.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
• Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then immediately remove from heat and pour into the prepared baking dish.
• Spread evenly and refrigerate for about 3 hours or until fully firm. For best results, chill overnight.
• Dust a cutting board generously with sugar and invert the set candy onto the surface.
• Use small cookie cutters to cut into star shapes or desired designs.
• Sprinkle sugar over wax paper and place the cut candies on top.
• Let the candies dry for about 8 hours or until slightly sticky on the outside.
• Roll each candy in the remaining sugar to coat evenly.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Allow gelatin to bloom before heating to ensure a smooth texture.
Stir continuously while cooking to prevent burning or uneven consistency.
Do not refrigerate after drying as moisture can make candies sticky.
Freezing is not recommended because it affects texture.
If candies stick together, roll them again in sugar before serving.
Use sharp cutters for clean shapes and better presentation.
For plant-based variation, agar-agar can be used instead of gelatin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American