Course: Dessert | Servings: 18 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours
If you are looking for a fun, nostalgic, and incredibly easy candy recipe to make at home, this Old-Fashioned Jelly Candy is exactly what you need. It features a rich, creamy white chocolate and marshmallow base studded with colorful, chewy gumdrops. It is a delightful, old-fashioned treat that is perfect for holiday candy trays, bake sales, or a fun weekend project with the kids.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The white chocolate, marshmallows, and butter melt together into a smooth, fudgy base, while the chopped gumdrops add a pop of color, a fruity flavor, and a chewy texture. It is sweet, colorful, and completely irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the magic of melting white chocolate and marshmallows together. The marshmallows add a light, chewy texture, while the white chocolate provides a rich, creamy sweetness. The butter helps the mixture melt smoothly and adds a velvety finish. Folding in the chopped gumdrops at the end ensures they stay intact and distribute evenly throughout the candy.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup gumdrops, chopped
Preparation
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease, then set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter, and microwave for 1 minute. Stir contents with a greased spatula then continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Let mixture cool for 1 minute then mix in the chopped gumdrops.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to press into a flat and even layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Lift candy out of the dish using the parchment paper. Remove paper and slice into small bite-sized squares.
- Keep in an airtight bag or container until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Results
Grease your spatula. The marshmallow mixture is very sticky. Greasing your spatula with a little butter or nonstick spray makes it much easier to stir and spread.
Chop the gumdrops evenly. Small, even pieces distribute more evenly through the candy and make the squares easier to cut. If the gumdrops are very sticky, lightly grease your knife before chopping.
Work quickly. The marshmallow mixture begins to set as it cools. Work quickly when transferring it to the baking dish and pressing it into an even layer.
Let it chill completely. The two-hour chilling time is essential for the candy to set up properly. If you try to slice it too early, it will be too soft and sticky.
Use parchment paper. Lining the dish with parchment paper makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire slab out and cut it into neat squares.
Storage and Serving
Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It is perfect for holiday candy trays, gift bags, or a simple sweet treat. Slice it into small, bite-sized squares for serving.
Sweet, chewy, and completely irresistible, this Old-Fashioned Jelly Candy is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation for easy, nostalgic treats.