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These Red White and Blue Gumdrops are bright, chewy, and perfect for 4th of July celebrations. Made with simple ingredients like gelatin, sugar, and applesauce, these homemade candies are a fun, festive treat that’s great for parties, gifts, or summer cookouts.

There are certain recipes that just feel like summer, and this is definitely one of them.

As soon as we get into those warmer months and start thinking about cookouts, fireworks, and all the red, white, and blue everything, I always want something fun to bring to the table that’s a little different.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the classic desserts, but there’s something about homemade candy that always stands out.

These Red White and Blue Gumdrops are one of those treats that people don’t expect… and then end up loving way more than they thought they would.

They’re soft, chewy, perfectly sweet, and just so pretty sitting out on a tray. And the best part is, they’re actually really simple to make once you get going.

The first time I made these, I wasn’t sure how they were going to turn out. Candy can feel a little intimidating, but this recipe is surprisingly forgiving.

It is a little messy, I won’t lie, but that’s part of the fun.

I had these set out to dry on the counter, and every time I walked by, I kept checking them like I was waiting for something magical to happen. By the next day, they were perfectly set and ready to coat in sugar.

And once they’re coated, they look like something you’d buy at a candy shop.

This is also one of those recipes that’s fun to make with kids. Cutting out the shapes, tossing them in sugar, it turns into more of an activity than just a recipe.

And they’re perfect for packaging up too. A little bag of these tied with a ribbon makes such a cute treat to bring along to a cookout or give to friends.

What Are Gumdrops?

Gumdrops are a classic chewy candy made from sugar, gelatin, and flavoring. They have a soft, slightly firm texture and are usually coated in sugar for that signature finish.

This homemade version uses flavored gelatin and applesauce for added flavor and a softer texture, making them easier to make than traditional candy recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect 4th of July treat
• Bright and festive
• Fun to make with kids
• Great for gifting
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Unique homemade candy

When To Serve This Recipe

These gumdrops are perfect for:

• 4th of July parties
• Summer cookouts
• BBQs
• Holiday treat trays
• Party favors
• Edible gifts

Ingredients

Red & Blue Layers

2 cups sugar (for each batch)
Sweetens and helps create the candy texture.

1⅓ cups applesauce (divided per batch)
Adds moisture and a soft texture.

2 (3 oz) packages flavored gelatin (cherry or berry blue)
Provides flavor and color.

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (per batch)
Helps the candy set firmly.

White Layer

½ cup cold water
Used to bloom the gelatin.

3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
Creates the firm texture for the white layer.

¾ cup water
Used to dissolve the sugar.

1½ cups sugar
Sweetens the white layer.

1 teaspoon lemon extract
Adds flavor and keeps the white layer bright.

For Finishing

2 cups granulated sugar
For coating the gumdrops and giving that classic texture.

How To Make Red White and Blue Gumdrops

1. Grease two 9×13 baking dishes and one 8×8 dish.

Red Layer

2. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, 1⅓ cups applesauce, cherry gelatin, and 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin.
3. Let sit for 1 minute.
4. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil.
5. Boil for 1 minute.
6. Pour into a prepared 9×13 pan.

Blue Layer

7. Repeat the same steps using berry blue gelatin.

White Layer

8. In a bowl, add ½ cup cold water and sprinkle in gelatin.
9. Let sit to bloom.
10. In a saucepan, bring ¾ cup water and 1½ cups sugar to a boil.
11. Add the gelatin mixture and stir.
12. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
13. Remove from heat and stir in lemon extract.
14. Pour into the 8×8 pan.

Set and Shape

15. Refrigerate all pans for 3 hours until firm.
16. Cut into squares and remove from pans.
17. Use cookie cutters (like stars) to cut shapes.

Drying

18. Place pieces on parchment paper.
19. Let dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Finish

20. Toss gumdrops in sugar until fully coated.
21. Serve or store.

Substitutions

Applesauce → fruit puree
Gelatin flavors → any colors you like
Lemon extract → vanilla or almond

Variations

Single Color Gumdrops
Make all one flavor for simplicity.

Different Shapes
Use any cookie cutters for holidays.

Sour Version
Mix sugar with citric acid for a sour coating.

Tips & Tricks

Expect sticky hands, totally normal.

Use parchment for easy cleanup.

Let them dry fully before coating.

Storage 

Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Keep in a cool, dry place.

If they sweat, toss again in sugar.

FAQs

Why do my gumdrops feel sticky?

Gumdrops naturally stay slightly tacky, especially in humid environments. Letting them dry fully helps, but if they still feel sticky, you can toss them again in sugar to absorb moisture.

Can I skip the drying step?

The drying step is important because it helps the gumdrops firm up and develop that classic chewy texture. Skipping it can leave them too soft and difficult to handle.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these are great for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two before serving, which actually helps improve their texture.

Why is my mixture not setting properly?

This usually happens if the gelatin measurements are off or the mixture wasn’t heated properly. Make sure to follow the amounts carefully and bring the mixture to a full boil.

Can I use silicone molds instead of cutting shapes?

Yes! Silicone molds work really well and can make the process easier and less messy.

Serving Ideas

Serve these gumdrops:

• On dessert trays
• In treat bags
• As party favors
• Alongside cookies and brownies

Continue to Content

Red White and Blue Gumdrops (Easy Homemade Candy)

Yield: 100

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 3 hours

Rest Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 11 hours 20 minutes

These Red White Blue Gumdrops are so gorgeous and delicious.  These are the perfect treat for the 4th of July and make a great gift or treat to bring to the cookout.  These easy candies are made with flavored gelatin, sugar, unflavored gelatin and applesauce.  These are so bright and colorful everyone will love and kids will love helping make them.

Print

Ingredients

• 5 cups sugar
• 2 2/3 cups applesauce, divided
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) cherry jello
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) berry blue jello
• 7 envelopes unflavored gelatin, divided
• 9 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 cups sugar for coating

Instructions

1. This recipe uses 2 different gumdrop recipes to achieve the correct colors. 
2. Grease two 9x13 baking dishes and one 8x8 baking dish. 
3. For the red and blue gumdrops.
4. In a large saucepan, stir together 2 cups sugar, 1 ⅓ cups applesauce, 2 packages of cherry jello and 2 packages unflavored gelatin.
5. Let this mixture stand for 1 minute. 
6. Next over medium heat bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly.  
7. Boil the mixture for one minute. 
8. Immediately pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. 
9. Repeat these steps with another 2 cups of sugar, 1 ⅓ cups sugar, 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin and blue jello. 
10. Now for the white gumdrops.
11. In a small bowl add ½ cup cold water.
12. Sprinkle 3 envelopes of gelatin in the bowl of water. 
13. Meanwhile in a small saucepan bring ¾ cup of water and 1 ½ cups of sugar to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. 
14. Add the bowl of gelatin, reduce heat, stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
15. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon extract. 
16. Pour this one into the 8x8 pan. 
17. Place all the pans into the fridge for 3 hours.  
18. I find it is easier to cut the mixture into squares and use a metal spatula to pull the squares out and transfer onto a wax or parchment paper.  This will be a sticky job but they will come out of the pan.  
19. Using a mini star cookie cutter to cut out your shapes and place onto a parchment or wax paper lined tray. 
20. Let the candies dry at room temperature 8 hours or overnight.  
21. After a minimum of 8 hours dry time coat the gumdrops in the 2 cups of sugar until well coated. 
22. Serve!

Notes

•  Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 7 days. 
• You can make these all one color and flavor if you like.
• If these start to sweat or weep a little add a little powdered sugar to some granulated sugar and toss them again. 
• You can cut these out into any shape you like.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 100 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 91Total Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 22gProtein: 1g

If you are planning a fun patriotic dessert table for the 4th of July, these festive treats are perfect for cookouts, parties and summer celebrations! They are colorful, crowd-pleasing and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

• No Bake Red White Blue Lush – This creamy layered no bake dessert is always a hit at summer parties and looks so pretty on a holiday dessert table.
• Red White Blue Cheesecake Bars – Rich, creamy cheesecake bars with patriotic colors make these perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations.
• Red White and Blue Dirt Cups – These fun layered dirt cups are easy to make, kid-friendly and perfect for serving at backyard cookouts and parties.
• 4th Of July Bark – Sweet, crunchy and colorful, this patriotic bark is a fun no bake treat everyone loves snacking on during summer celebrations.
• Red White and Blue Jello Shots – These colorful layered jello shots are always a festive party favorite for Fourth of July gatherings and summer BBQs.

These Red White and Blue Gumdrops are one of those fun, nostalgic recipes that feel a little special without being complicated.

They’re bright, festive, and just different enough to stand out on a table full of desserts.

And once you make them once, you’ll realize they’re not nearly as hard as they look.