Sour Watermelon Fruit Chews (Printable)
Chewy, tangy watermelon treats with a sweet and sour coating. Perfect homemade candy for sharing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit Base
01 - 1 cup seedless watermelon, pureed and strained
02 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
03 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup
→ Gelling & Sweetening
04 - 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
05 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
→ Sour Coating
06 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon citric acid powder
# How-to Steps:
01 - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine watermelon puree, corn syrup, and lemon juice. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
03 - Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over the fruit mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb liquid and bloom.
04 - Add granulated sugar to the saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until both gelatin and sugar completely dissolve. Do not let the mixture boil.
05 - Pour the hot liquid into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
06 - Transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Chill uncovered for 2 hours or until the candy is firm and completely set.
07 - While the chills set, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar and citric acid in a small bowl. Mix well to distribute evenly.
08 - Remove the set candy from the pan. Cut into small squares using a sharp knife. Roll each piece in the sour sugar mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
09 - Place finished chews in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to one week.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- The texture is incredibly chewy and satisfying, like a homemade gummy that actually tastes like real fruit
- That sour sugar coating hits your tongue first, followed by this burst of fresh watermelon flavor that tastes like summer
02 -
- Make sure to strain your watermelon puree thoroughly, or you will end up with little fruit bits floating in your candy
- Never let the mixture boil when heating, or the gelatin might lose its setting power and you will have a sticky mess instead of chewy candy
03 -
- A sharp knife dipped in hot water cuts through the candy cleaner and prevents sticky situations
- If the coating starts to clump from humidity, add a bit more citric acid and sugar to refresh it