Pioneer Woman Gumdrop Recipe

If there’s one thing The Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond) does perfectly, it’s mixing comfort, fun, and a sprinkle of whimsy into every recipe—and this homemade gumdrop recipe, inspired by her signature style, captures that joyful spirit in the sweetest way.

With just a few pantry staples, you can make your very own chewy, fruity, sugar-coated gumdrops right in your own kitchen.

These treats are especially fun to make with kids. From mixing the bright fruity gelatin to cutting out shapes and rolling them in sugar, the entire process is hands-on, colorful, and full of excitement. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, party favors, or a rainy-day kitchen project with the family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, these gumdrops are so easy to make—you don’t need any fancy equipment or candy thermometers. The base is simple: fruit-flavored gelatin, unflavored gelatin for texture, and a few ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Second, they’re a hit with everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. These chewy little candies are delightfully old-fashioned in the best way possible—each bite brings a burst of fruity flavor and a hint of nostalgia.

You can cut them into cubes or use mini cookie cutters to make hearts, stars, or holiday shapes for extra fun.

What You’ll Need

• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 1 ½ cups applesauce (unsweetened)
• 2 (3 oz) boxes flavored gelatin (like cherry, lemon, orange, lime, or grape)
• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 2 tablespoons total)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan)

Pro Tips

1. Use glass or silicone pans for easy release when cutting.
2. Grease well! Don’t skip greasing your dish—it makes a huge difference in cleanup.
3. Let them set overnight for the perfect chewy texture.
4. Use sharp mini cutters for fun shapes, but dip them in sugar or oil first to prevent sticking.
5. Toss them in sugar just before serving for the freshest sparkle and best texture.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch glass baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small sharp knife or mini cookie cutters
• Small bowl for sugar coating
• Offset spatula (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

• No applesauce? Use pear puree or blended canned peaches for a similar texture.
• Flavor mix-up: Use two different gelatin flavors for a custom color or taste.
• Vegan? Use plant-based gelatin alternatives like agar-agar (with adjusted quantities).
• Holiday twist: Add peppermint extract and red/green food coloring for Christmas gumdrops.
• Sour gumdrops? Toss in citric acid with the sugar for a tangy finish!

Make Ahead Tips

• Set overnight: These gumdrops need time to firm up—at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.
• Store in advance: Make up to 1 week ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Don’t sugar-coat early: Coat in sugar the day you serve or gift for best texture.

How to Make Pioneer Woman-Inspired Gumdrops

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Gelatin and Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine flavored gelatin, unflavored gelatin, sugar, and applesauce. Stir until smooth and let it sit for 1 minute to hydrate.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once it bubbles, cook for 1 minute more, then remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

Step 4: Pour and Chill
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Cut into Shapes
Once firm, loosen the edges and invert onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to cut into cubes or fun shapes.

Step 6: Coat in Sugar
Roll each gumdrop in granulated sugar until well coated. Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.

Leftovers and Storage

• Room temperature: Store gumdrops in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layering: Use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezer? Not recommended—freezing changes the texture.
• Keep dry: Moisture will make the sugar coating dissolve, so store in a cool, dry place.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use sugar-free gelatin?
Yes, but the texture might be slightly different. Make sure to adjust sugar accordingly.

2. What flavors work best?
Cherry, lemon, orange, and lime are all classic. Mixing cherry and lemon gives a fruit punch vibe.

3. Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely! They’ll love cutting shapes and tossing in sugar—but keep them away from the hot saucepan.

4. How many gumdrops does this make?
Depends on the size, but you can expect around 50–70 small gumdrops from one batch.

Sweet, Simple, and Made with Love – These Gumdrops Are Pure Fun

This Pioneer Woman-inspired gumdrop recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a memory-maker. The chewy texture, bright colors, and sugary sparkle make them irresistible to kids and charming for adults too. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea, these homemade candies are guaranteed to bring smiles.

Try it out, share a few with friends, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to tell us which flavor combo you made and how much fun your family had!