Gumdrop Cake
Gumdrop Cake is a nostalgic dessert filled with colorful candy gumdrops and rich buttery flavor. This classic cake has been popular in many households for generations, especially during holidays such as Christmas. The chewy gumdrops scattered throughout the soft cake create bursts of sweetness and color, making each slice both beautiful and delicious.
Often served with tea or coffee, gumdrop cake is easy to prepare and can be made as a loaf cake, bundt cake, or even cupcakes. The key to success is coating the gumdrops in flour before mixing them into the batter so they remain evenly distributed instead of sinking to the bottom.
Below is a complete guide to making a soft, flavorful homemade gumdrop cake.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
This cake is loved for several reasons:
- Colorful and festive – Perfect for holidays and celebrations.
- Soft buttery texture – Moist and tender crumb.
- Fun chewy bites – Gumdrops add a unique texture.
- Simple ingredients – Mostly pantry staples.
- Great for gifting – Keeps well for several days.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1½ cups gumdrops (cut in halves or quarters)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for coating gumdrops)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Gumdrops
Cut the gumdrops into smaller pieces if they are large.
Place them in a small bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons of flour. This prevents them from sticking together and helps them stay evenly distributed in the cake.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes.
Proper creaming adds air to the batter and helps produce a soft cake.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 7: Fold in Gumdrops
Gently fold the flour-coated gumdrops into the batter using a spatula.
If using nuts or coconut, fold them in at this stage.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Gumdrop Cake
1. Use fresh gumdrops
Fresh candy will stay chewy and flavorful.
2. Coat gumdrops with flour
This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
3. Cut gumdrops smaller
Large gumdrops can make slicing difficult.
4. Don’t overmix the batter
Overmixing can make the cake dense.
5. Line your knife with hot water when slicing
This helps cut through sticky gumdrops cleanly.
Variations
Christmas Gumdrop Cake
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped nuts for a holiday flavor.
Coconut Gumdrop Cake
Add shredded coconut and replace milk with coconut milk.
Chocolate Gumdrop Cake
Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version.
Orange Gumdrop Cake
Add 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrus flavor.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps for up to 1 week when refrigerated.
Freezer
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Gumdrop cake can be served in many delicious ways:
- With a dusting of powdered sugar
- Topped with whipped cream
- With vanilla ice cream
- Served alongside hot tea or coffee
It is perfect for holidays, afternoon snacks, or festive gatherings.
