Table of Contents

Gumdrop Bars: A Nostalgic Treat

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t much of a baker. But during the holidays, she always made one thing without fail: these colorful, chewy gumdrop bars. I remember being fascinated as a child, watching her carefully snip each gumdrop, meticulously avoiding the black licorice ones (which, admittedly, I didn’t like either). The sweet, spicy aroma that filled her kitchen as these baked is forever etched in my memory, a comforting reminder of holiday gatherings and the simple joy of childhood. While her version was always a little…rustic, shall we say, this updated recipe captures the essence of her beloved treat, bringing back those cherished memories with every bite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24
Yield: 24 bars
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

4 eggs
1 tablespoon cold water
2 cups brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans (walnuts can be substituted)
1 cup gumdrops, cut up (omit black gumdrops)
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon flour (for dredging)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking pan
Wax paper
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
Sifter (or fine-mesh sieve)
Sharp knife or kitchen shears
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with oiled wax paper. Ensure the wax paper extends slightly over the sides of the pan for easy removal of the baked bars later.
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Gradually add the cold water while continuing to beat until combined.
Gradually beat in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You can use an electric mixer for this step, or a sturdy whisk if you prefer to do it by hand.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Sift these dry ingredients together. This step ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter and helps prevent lumps.
In a small bowl, dredge the chopped pecans and cut-up gumdrops with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bars during baking. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. I find tossing them gently in a ziplock bag with the flour works best.
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
Fold in the floured nuts and gumdrops until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan and spread it evenly.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown.
Cool the bars only slightly in the pan before removing them. This makes them easier to handle while still pliable.
Using the overhanging wax paper, carefully lift the bars from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Remove the wax paper.
While still slightly warm, cut the bars into your desired size and shape. Squares or rectangles are classic, but you can get creative!
Dredge the cut bars with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful presentation.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Gumdrop Selection: For the best flavor and texture, use a good-quality gumdrop. Omit the black licorice gumdrops, as their strong flavor can overpower the other flavors in the bars. Consider using a variety of colors and flavors for a visually appealing result.
Preventing Gumdrop Melting: While dredging the gumdrops in flour helps, another trick is to chill the gumdrops in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting and adding them to the batter. This helps them retain their shape better during baking.
Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking and adjust the time as needed. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pan Preparation is Key: Thoroughly greasing and lining the pan with wax paper is crucial for easy removal of the bars. Don’t skip this step!
Cutting Warm Bars: Cutting the bars while they are still slightly warm will result in cleaner cuts. If they cool completely, they can become crumbly and difficult to cut neatly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These gumdrop bars are best served at room temperature. They make a festive addition to any holiday dessert platter or a sweet treat for an afternoon snack.

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	165 kcal	N/A
Fat	2.6g	N/A
Saturated Fat	0.4g	N/A
Cholesterol	35mg	N/A
Sodium	47mg	N/A
Carbohydrates	34g	N/A
Fiber	1g	N/A
Sugar	22g	N/A
Protein	2g	N/A

Variations & Substitutions

Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cloves, to customize the flavor profile.
Different Candies: While these are traditionally made with gumdrops, you could experiment with other candies, such as chopped candied cherries or dates. Just be mindful of the moisture content and adjust the flour accordingly.
Gluten-Free Option: While this recipe calls for wheat flour, a gluten-free all-purpose blend could be substituted. However, adjustments to liquid may be needed and the finished product may not be identical.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: While brown sugar is recommended for its moistness and flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar, but the texture may be slightly different.

Q: Why do I need to dredge the gumdrops in flour?
A: Dredging the gumdrops in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bars during baking and helps them retain their shape.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: My bars are too crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking or using too much flour can result in crumbly bars. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and avoid overbaking.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
A: Yes, you can add chocolate chips to these bars! Fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts and gumdrops.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own batch of these nostalgic gumdrop bars. They are a delightful treat to share with family and friends, especially during the holidays. Feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature version. And don’t forget to share your feedback – I’d love to hear how your gumdrop bars turn out! Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate for a truly cozy and comforting experience.

Gumdrop Bars Recipe