Sour Watermelon Fruit Chews (Print)
Chewy watermelon candies with tangy citrus coating
# Ingredient list:
→ 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
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine watermelon puree, corn syrup, and lemon juice. Stir until well blended.
03 - Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over the fruit mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb liquid and soften.
04 - Add granulated sugar to the saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until both sugar and gelatin are completely dissolved. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
05 - Pour the hot liquid into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the surface with an offset spatula and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
06 - Transfer pan to refrigerator and chill uncovered for 2 hours or until candy is completely set and firm to the touch.
07 - In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and citric acid powder until evenly combined.
08 - Remove set candy from pan and cut into small squares using a sharp knife. Roll each piece in the sour sugar mixture, ensuring even coating on all sides.
09 - Place finished chews in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Best consumed within one week.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture walks this perfect line between gummy and chewy, nothing like the rubbery store bought versions
- You can customize the sour coating to your exact tolerance, making these as gentle or face scrunching as you like
02 -
- If your gelatin does not dissolve completely, the candy will have grainy spots that feel wrong in your mouth
- Refrigerating uncovered is crucial or condensation will make the coating melt into a sticky mess
03 -
- A pizza cutter makes the cleanest cuts if you do not have a sharp knife handy
- Work quickly when coating because the warmth from your hands makes the candy surface sticky