Gumdrop Bars
Chewy, sweet gumdrop bars with a hint of citrus and nuts, perfect for snack times or casual gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break eggs into a mixer bowl and add brown sugar.
- Beat until sugar is dissolved.
- While eggs are beating, sift flour, measure and add salt.
- Dip gumdrops into flour and snip with scissors into small pieces.
- Continue dipping and snipping until all gumdrops are cut in small pieces into the flour.
- Stir the flour and gumdrop mixture into the egg mixture and stir until all flour disappears.
- Add nuts and spread the batter into a well greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool the baked bars.
- Cut into squares with a wet knife.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using half brown sugar and half granulated sugar. If you want to reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of gumdrops. To make the bars more colorful, use a mix of different flavored gumdrops. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing, and sift the flour to avoid clumps.
Serving Suggestions
These gumdrop bars make a delightful treat for parties or as a sweet snack. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee for a comforting pairing. They also pair beautifully with Butterscotch Apple Cake for a dessert spread. Consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gumdrop bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gumdrop Bars contains roughly 1079 calories, with 18g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of gumdrops?
Yes, you can definitely use different gumdrop flavors or even other candy types like jellied fruit candies for a unique twist. Just make sure they are similar in texture to maintain the consistency of the bars.
What if I don't have a 9 x 13-inch pan?
If you don't have a 9 x 13-inch pan, you can use two 8-inch square pans instead. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as smaller pans may require a little longer to bake through.
How do I know when the gumdrop bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).