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Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes

Brightly colored, chewy, and totally customizable sweet-and-sour gummy candy ropes made easily at home using gelatin and Kool-Aid packets.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 ropes
Course: Dessert, Snack, Treat
Cuisine: American, Candy
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Candy Base (Per Flavor)
  • 0.5 cup cold water
  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin about 3 tablespoons
  • 0.5 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 packet unsweetened Kool-Aid drink mix 0.13 oz, any flavor
Coating
  • 1 cup granulated sugar fine or caster sugar is best
  • 0.5 - 1 tsp citric acid adjust to desired sourness

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Whisk
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom.
  2. Lightly coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray, wiping away excess with a paper towel.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the boiling water, 2 cups of sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat.
  4. Pour the hot sugar syrup over the bloomed gelatin and whisk gently until completely melted and smooth.
  5. Add the Kool-Aid packet and whisk gently until the color is uniform.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until completely firm.
  7. Peel the gummy slab from the dish and use an oiled knife to cut into 1/4-inch strips. Twist two strips together to form ropes.
  8. Mix 1 cup sugar with citric acid. Roll the twisted ropes in the sugar mixture to coat, then let sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours to cure.

Notes

To make multiple colors as shown in the photos, repeat this entire recipe process for each individual Kool-Aid flavor packet you wish to use.