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    Home » Recipes » Homemade Candy

    Red, White, and Blue Gumdrop Stars

    Published: Jun 22, '12 · Modified: Jan 30, '23 · By: Beth · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Make homemade Red, White, and Blue Gumdrop Stars to celebrate any patriotic holiday like the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, or Flag Day. They'd even make great treats for Election Day.

    If candy were considered one of the major food groups, my life on earth would be heavenly. I made my first batch of candy when I was in elementary school and have spent a good part of my life creating chocolates. In all those years of candy making, surprisingly, I have never attempted to make homemade gumdrops - until today.

    I don't know why I waited so long. These candies are so much better than anything you can buy in the store. They take a bit of effort to make, but they are so worth it.

    I was inspired to try my hand at making gumdrops when I spotted star-shaped silicone ice cube trays while shopping at Target last week. The cavities in the molds are just the right size for a yummy little sweet treat and I could immediately envision how great the candy stars would look dressed in red, white, and blue sugar.

    There are several gumdrop recipes posted online, and I settled on one from the Better Homes and Garden's website which uses pectin as the gelling agent and includes corn syrup which helps prevent crystallization.

    Red, white and blue gumdrop stars.

    My first batch turned out perfectly. These homemade sweets are soft and chewy on the inside and kind of melt in your mouth once you've crunched on the coating of sugar. Flavored oil can be added to enhance the taste of these little treats, and I chose green apples. You can use any oil or extract you like. You may even want to divide up your batch and use three different flavorings.

    You can keep your candy clear and roll them in colored sugar or you can color your candy and roll them in plain white granulated sugar. I used bright red and blue sanding sugar and really love how vibrant the stars look.

    I piled my gumdrops in a small pail, that I also found at Target. This would make a nice hostess gift or centerpiece if you are invited to a Fourth of July party.

    Both kids and adults will enjoy these sweet little patriotic treats. I know I sure have!

    Star Spangled Gumdrops - Red, White, and Blue Gumdrops
    (makes about 1 ¼ pounds, 40-50 stars)  Recipe Adapted from BHG

    Just a note before you begin: I used a gas stove and All Clad pans which conduct heat really well. It took my sugar much less time to boil to a temperature than called for in the original recipe. So, be sure to watch your thermometer, instead of using time as your guide.

    Ingredients:

    vegetable oil
    about 1 teaspoon butter
    ¾ cup water
    1 (1.75-ounce) package powdered fruit pectin (original not low or no sugar pectin)*
    ½ teaspoon baking soda
    1 cup sugar
    1 cup light corn syrup
    flavored oil or extract
    optional, food coloring

    granulated sugar or colored sanding sugar

    *NOTE: You want pectin that is white or clear looking. I used Sure-Jell for this recipe. Pectin made my Ball has a brown hue to it, so I don't suggest it for this project.

    Supplies:

    silicone molds, you'll need 4-5 of the star-shaped ice cube trays*
    optional, food handling glove to help with oiling your molds

    1 ½  or 2-quart saucepan, preferably a good quality stainless steel pan
    2 or 3-quart saucepan

    candy thermometer
    glass bowl with a spout or a glass mixing bowl

    *I only had two star-shaped ice cube trays, so I used another larger mold to make some other shapes, but I know you'll need at least 4 of the star molds, maybe 5. I also saw the same ice cube trays at Dollar Tree.

    Instructions:

    Brush vegetable oil all over the cavities of your silicone mold. I found it easiest to put on a food-handling glove, dip my finger in some oil, and rub it into the star cavities. You could also use butter, and I think I'll try that next time.

    Butter the sides of a heavy 1-½ or 2-quart saucepan. Set aside.

    In another 2 or 3-quart saucepan combine water, pectin, and baking soda. The mixture will be foamy.

    Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.

    In the buttered saucepan pour the corn syrup into the bottom. Sprinkle sugar in the center of the pan. Turn the heat on medium-high and allow it to cook for one minute. Then stir gently to dissolve sugar.

    Be careful not to splash the sugar crystals onto the side of your saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

    This took me just a few minutes, but the recipe says it can take up to 10 minutes.

    Clip your candy thermometer onto the side of your pot. Cook until the thermometer registers 260 degrees Fahrenheit. You will continue to cook your sugar (ultimately you'll want it to reach 280 degrees which is the soft crack stage,) but at this point, you need to set your pan of pectin mixture back on the stove and heat it over high heat until it comes to a boil.

    Once your pot of boiling corn syrup/sugar reaches 280 degrees remove it from the heat or turn off your gas. Slowly and VERY CAREFULLY drizzle in the hot pectin, stirring slowly yet constantly.

    You DO NOT want to splash any of this hot boiling sugar on your hands. Once all the pectin has been poured into the saucepan, return it to medium-high heat and cook it for one more minute, then remove from heat and pour into a glass bowl, with a spout, preferably. This stops it from continuing to cook.

    To flavor your gumdrops, add some flavored oil or extract, ¼-1/2 teaspoon if flavoring the whole batch.  To check if you like the flavor, fill a glass with ice water, take a small spoonful of your hot gumdrop mixture, and set the spoon in the ice water.

    Let it set for at least 30 seconds. Remove it and touch it to make sure it is cool. Return to water, if too hot. Taste it. Adjust your flavoring accordingly.

    Optional: You can divide your batch and use various flavorings if you prefer. You can also add coloring now if you'd like. A grocery store variety of food coloring will work fine. I left mine clear and used colored sugars and was very happy with the result.

    Carefully pour into the silicone mold, filling each cavity to the top. Let sit at room temperature for at least 6 hours for best results. I pulled a few stars out after just a few hours, and they looked like stars but flattened out a bit.

    Those left in the mold overnight, looked perfect when removed the next morning. You can see the blue star second from the right below was pulled out too soon.

    To remove your gumdrops from the silicone molds, press firmly all around one of the stars then peel the candy out of the mold.

    Coat it in colored sanding sugar or granulated sugar.

    Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before packaging.

    Package in festive Fourth of July pails, boxes, or bags or simply set them in a candy dish and enjoy.

    If you're looking for other 4th of July Recipes, click the link and explore all my other Independence Day-inspired food.

    Recipe

    red, white, and blue gumdrop stars spilling out of a 4th of July pail
    Print
    Red, White, and Blue Gumdrop Stars
    Prep Time
    30 mins
    Cook Time
    10 mins
     

    Make soft and chewy fruit-flavored gumdrops using star-shaped silicone molds. These red, white, and blue candies will make a fun treat for 4th of July.

    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: candy, homemade gumdrops
    Servings: 50 gumdrops
    Author: Beth
    Ingredients
    • ½ teaspoon vegetable oil
    • 1 teaspoon butter
    • ¾ cup water
    • 1 box (1.75-ounce) powdered fruit pectin (original not low or no sugar pectin)*
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup light corn syrup
    • ½ teaspoon flavored oil or extract
    • red and blue food coloring, optional
    • ½ cup granulated sugar or colored sanding sugar
    Instructions
    1. Brush a thin layer of vegetable oil all over the cavities of your silicone molds.
    2. Butter the sides of a heavy 1-½ or 2-quart saucepan. Set aside.
    3. In another 2 or 3-quart saucepan combine water, pectin, and baking soda. The mixture will be foamy.
    4. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.
    5. In the buttered saucepan pour the corn syrup into the bottom. Sprinkle sugar in the center of the pan. Turn the heat on medium-high and allow it to cook for one minute. Then stir gently to dissolve sugar.
    6. Be careful not to splash the sugar crystals onto the side of your saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
    7. Clip your candy thermometer onto the side of your pot. Cook until the thermometer registers 260 degrees Fahrenheit. You will continue to cook your sugar (ultimately you'll want it to reach 280 degrees which is the soft crack stage,) but at this point, you need to set your pan of pectin mixture back on the stove and heat it over high heat until it comes to a boil.
    8. Once your pot of boiling corn syrup/sugar reaches 280 degrees remove it from the heat or turn off your gas. Slowly and VERY CAREFULLY drizzle in the hot pectin, stirring slowly yet constantly.
    9. You DO NOT want to splash any of this hot boiling sugar on your hands. Once all the pectin has been poured into the saucepan, return it to medium-high heat and cook it for one more minute, then remove from heat and pour into a glass bowl, with a spout, preferably. This stops it from continuing to cook.
    10. To flavor your gumdrops, add some flavored oil or extract, ¼-1/2 teaspoon if flavoring the whole batch.  To check if you like the flavor, fill a glass with ice water, take a small spoonful of your hot gumdrop mixture, and set the spoon in the ice water.
    11. Let it set for at least 30 seconds. Remove it and touch it to make sure it is cool. Return to water, if too hot. Taste it. Adjust your flavoring accordingly.
    12. Optional: You can divide your batch and use various flavorings if you prefer. You can also add coloring now if you'd like. A grocery store variety of food coloring will work fine. I left mine clear and used colored sugars and was very happy with the result.
    13. Carefully pour into the silicone mold, filling each cavity to the top. Let sit at room temperature for at least 6 hours for best results.

    14. To remove your gumdrops from the silicone molds, press firmly all around one of the stars then peel the candy out of the mold.
    15. Coat it in colored sanding sugar or granulated sugar.
    16. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before packaging.
    Recipe Notes

    *NOTE: You want pectin that is white or clear looking. I used Sure-Jell for this recipe. Pectin made my Ball has a brown hue to it, so I don't suggest it for this project.

    I used a gas stove and All Clad pans which conduct heat really well. It took my sugar much less time to boil to a temperature than called for in the original recipe. So, be sure to watch your thermometer, instead of using time as your guide.

    Just a note before you begin: I used a gas stove and All Clad pans which conduct heat really well. It took my sugar much less time to boil to a temperature than called for in the original recipe. So, be sure to watch your thermometer, instead of using time as your guide.

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Beth
    Beth
    Hi, I'm Beth Jackson Klosterboer, a professional chocolatier & baker, cookbook author, and event planner. I love sharing recipes for happy occasions here on Hungry Happenings. I also create easy fudge recipes to share at HowToMakeEasyFudge.com, rice krispie treat recipes at HowToMakeCerealTreats.com, and easy cookie recipes at HowToMakeEasyCookies.com
    Beth
    Latest posts by Beth (see all)
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    1. Danielle Wagasky

      June 28, 2012 at 3:45 pm

      Hi there! I just wanted to let you know I featured you in my Fourth of July Round up. Stop by and check it out and snag a featured button.

      Danielle @ Blissful and Domestic
      www.blissfulanddomestic.com

      Reply
    2. Erin

      June 28, 2012 at 3:15 pm

      These are so cool! Amazing!

      Reply
    3. CuteEverything.com

      June 28, 2012 at 5:00 am

      Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing. Pinning!

      Reply
    4. Lisa @ Flour Me With Love

      June 28, 2012 at 4:20 am

      These are so cute! Thanks for sharing at Mix it up Monday 🙂

      Reply
    5. Michelle

      June 28, 2012 at 3:09 am

      Very cute! You are so creative! 🙂

      Reply
    6. Christina Hermosa

      June 27, 2012 at 5:43 pm

      I love gumdrops! I'm sure I will be trying this in the future.

      Reply
    7. Connie

      June 27, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      Love this project! Have you linked it up with me yet at Wow Us Wednesday?

      Reply
    8. The Better Baker

      June 25, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      These are just adorable. Love the idea of using your 'ice cube trays'....very nice!

      Reply
    9. Mama Jodi

      June 25, 2012 at 7:37 am

      These are great. I would love to do this sometime.

      Reply
    10. Jen

      June 25, 2012 at 12:34 am

      You are really amazing with all your great ideas!

      Reply
    11. overtimecook.com

      June 24, 2012 at 11:55 pm

      These are so gorgeous and totally perfect for the 4th! I haven't made gumdrops yet, but I have been getting into my candy thermometer lately, so this is a must-try!

      Reply
    12. Jules

      June 24, 2012 at 8:41 pm

      I'm excited to see a gumdrop recipe with pectin and not gelatin. Thanks 🙂

      Reply
    13. Jules

      June 24, 2012 at 8:41 pm

      I'm excited to see a gumdrop recipe with pectin and not gelatin. Thanks.

      Reply
    14. Crafty Mischief

      June 23, 2012 at 1:00 am

      These are great! Can't wait to try making some!

      Reply
    15. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

      June 22, 2012 at 10:39 pm

      Those are super gorgeous! What a pretty candy.

      Reply
    16. Tiffany Yang

      June 22, 2012 at 5:48 pm

      That looks deeeeeeelicious! Gotta give it a try!

      Reply
    17. Patricia @ ButterYum

      June 22, 2012 at 1:59 pm

      I didn't know you could make your own gumdrops - what a great idea. Really fabulous!!!

      Reply
    18. Stephanie

      June 22, 2012 at 1:49 pm

      Does anyone know of a fruit snack recipe that can be made in these molds? My grandsons would love this!

      Reply
      • Beth Jackson Klosterboer

        June 22, 2012 at 10:49 pm

        I did a search for homemade fruit snack recipes and several came up. I think I might have to give one or two of them a try. Several of them were made using the ice cube tray molds. If you try any and find one that is really good, let me know:)

        Reply
    19. Stephanie

      June 22, 2012 at 1:46 pm

      I wonder if there is a fruit snacks recipe out there that can be made with these molds. My grandsons would love this!

      Reply
    20. Joan

      June 22, 2012 at 1:26 pm

      LOVE this idea and it's so much easier than I thought. Thanks!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    Beth Jackson Klosterboer

    Welcome to Hungry Happenings!

    I'm Beth. I've been a professional chocolatier & baker for over 30 years, have written 5 cookbooks, and love creating fun food for holidays and special occasions.

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