Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies (Print version)

Chewy sour strawberry gummies made with real fruit, pectin, and a sparkly citric acid sugar coating.

# Ingredients:

For the strawberry gummies

01 - 12 oz (340 g) ripe strawberries, hulled, fresh or thawed from frozen
02 - 1 2/3 cups (330 g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons (40 g) light corn syrup or glucose syrup
04 - 1 box (1.75 oz / 49 g) regular powdered fruit pectin, not low-sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
07 - 1/4 teaspoon citric acid dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water

For the sour coating

08 - 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon citric acid, or less for mild sour gummies
10 - 1 tablespoon finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Place silicone candy molds or a parchment-lined 9-by-9 inch pan on a sheet pan. Keep a heatproof spatula and a spouted measuring cup nearby because the candy thickens quickly.
02 - Blend the strawberries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smoother candy, then measure out about 1 cup of puree.
03 - Combine the strawberry puree, sugar, and corn syrup in a heavy 4 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.
04 - In a small saucepan, stir together the pectin, baking soda, and water. It will foam. Bring to a simmer and stir until the foam settles slightly, then whisk it into the strawberry base.
05 - Clip a candy thermometer to the pan. Cook the mixture over medium to medium-high heat until it reaches 230 F, about 40-50 minutes. Stir often, especially after 220 F, scraping the bottom to prevent scorching.
06 - Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the dissolved citric acid carefully because it may steam. Immediately pour the hot candy into the molds or prepared pan.
07 - Let the gummies cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until fully firm. Unmold the candies, or lift out the slab and cut it into bite-size squares.
08 - Mix the sugar, citric acid, and freeze-dried strawberry powder in a bowl. Roll the gummies in the coating just before serving or storing.

# Good to know:

01 - Makes about 45 small gummies, or 15 servings of 3 candies.
02 - Use regular powdered fruit pectin, not low-sugar pectin.
03 - Set time is at least 2 hours and is not included in the active cooking time.

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