Sour Watermelon Fruit Chews (Printable)

Chewy fruit chews with sweet watermelon flavor and tangy coating

# What You 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

# Steps:

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 thoroughly blended.
03 - Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over the fruit mixture. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to hydrate and absorb the liquid.
04 - Add granulated sugar to the saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until gelatin and sugar completely dissolve. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
05 - Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to smooth the surface. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
06 - Refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours or until the candy is completely set and firm to the touch.
07 - In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and citric acid powder until evenly combined.
08 - Cut the set candy into small squares using a sharp knife. Roll each piece in the sour sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating on all sides.
09 - Layer the finished chews in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These capture the essence of summer watermelon in a portable little candy you can stash anywhere
  • The sour coating hits first then the sweet fruit follows like a tiny flavor journey
  • Making your own candy feels like magic but requires zero special equipment
02 -
  • Rushing the blooming step will leave you with grainy gelatin pockets throughout your candy
  • These need to stay refrigerated or they'll get sticky and lose their perfect chew
  • Let them come to room temperature before cutting or they'll crack instead of slice cleanly
03 -
  • Adjust the citric acid up or down to find your perfect sour level
  • Try strawberry puree for a pink variation or mango for tropical chews

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