Description
Explore everything about the iconic Grape Jolly Rancher – from its candy history to a full homemade recipe, nutrition, healthier options, and fun ways to enjoy this purple classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2–1 teaspoon citric acid
- 1–2 teaspoons grape flavor oil/extract (candy-grade)
- Purple food coloring (gel or powder)
- 1/4 teaspoon mineral oil (optional)
- Light agave syrup (sub for corn syrup)
- Grape juice concentrate (optional)
- Freeze-dried grape powder (optional)
- Natural purple colorings like butterfly pea flower or sweet potato powder
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone mat, lightly grease it, and prepare lollipop sticks if using.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until moistened.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Once boiling, stop stirring and attach thermometer.
- Allow to reach 300°F (149°C), then remove from heat.
- Quickly add citric acid, grape flavor, food coloring, and mineral oil (if using), stirring gently and carefully.
- Pour mixture onto prepared surface or into molds. For lollipops, pour over positioned sticks.
- Score the candy after 5 minutes of cooling if not using molds. Let it cool completely for 1-2 hours.
- Break into pieces and wrap each one in wax paper or cellophane.
Notes
Avoid making candy on humid days. Make sure to reach exactly 300°F for proper hard crack stage. Mineral oil helps prevent stickiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: grape, jolly rancher, candy, hard candy, homemade