Sour Watermelon Fruit Chews (Printable Version)
Chewy watermelon candies with tangy sugar coating, perfect homemade treats
# 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 Make It:
01 - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
02 - In a small saucepan, mix watermelon puree, corn syrup, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
03 - Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over the fruit mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to hydrate and bloom.
04 - Add granulated sugar to the saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin and sugar completely dissolve. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
05 - Pour the hot mixture into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
06 - Refrigerate the pan uncovered for 2 hours or until the candy is completely set and firm to the touch.
07 - In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar and citric acid powder. Mix well to distribute evenly.
08 - Cut the set candy into small squares using a sharp knife. Roll each piece in the sour sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
09 - Store finished chews in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Best consumed within one week for optimal texture.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sour sugar coating creates that perfect pucker moment we all secretly crave from sour candy
- These taste like summer captured in a chewy little square, no artificial watermelon flavor needed
02 -
- Patience during the blooming step is non negotiable, rushed gelatin means lumpy candy every single time
- Do not boil the mixture, I learned this the hard way and ended up with rubber instead of chews
03 -
- A sharp knife dipped in hot water cuts through the set candy cleanly without dragging
- Experiment with other fruit purees like strawberry or mango, the watermelon version is just the beginning