Gumdrop cake is a nostalgic dessert that brings joy to holiday tables and family gatherings alike. With its vibrant colors and chewy candy pieces, it’s a delightful treat that’s both fun and flavorful. This classic fruitcake alternative is especially popular around Christmas, but it’s also great for birthdays, potlucks, or any time you want to share something sweet and cheerful. The recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with the playful twist of gumdrops, resulting in a moist, dense cake that slices beautifully and lasts well. Making gumdrop cake at home allows for customization, from the flavorings to the type of gumdrops used, making it a truly personal creation.
Why Gumdrop Cake is a Beloved Classic
This old-fashioned cake recipe has been passed down through generations. It’s particularly popular in Canada and parts of the United States, often baked during the holiday season. Unlike traditional fruitcake, which uses dried fruits and nuts, gumdrop cake replaces them with chopped gumdrops giving each slice a colorful mosaic appearance and a soft, chewy texture. The cake’s rich flavor comes from butter, vanilla, and sometimes almond extract, while its dense crumb holds up beautifully with tea, coffee, or even eggnog.
Choosing the Right Gumdrops
To make the perfect gumdrop cake, it’s essential to select the right kind of candy. Avoid gumdrops coated in sugar or containing licorice (commonly the black ones), as they can alter the flavor and texture. Look for classic spice gumdrops or fruit-flavored gumdrops without a sugar coating. If you can’t find them pre-chopped, you’ll need to slice them into small pieces yourself. Coating the chopped gumdrops in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Ingredients for Gumdrop Cake
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped gumdrops (lightly coated in flour)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Zest of one orange for a citrus note
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Gumdrop Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Gumdrops
Chop the gumdrops into small pieces, removing any black licorice-flavored ones if present. Toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sticking together and to help suspend them throughout the batter during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This combination gives the cake its structure while balancing the sweetness of the gumdrops.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes and is key for a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, almond extract. These flavors add warmth and depth to the cake’s overall taste.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Buttermilk and Flour
Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense or dry cake, so use a gentle hand.
Step 6: Fold in Gumdrops and Extras
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped gumdrops. If you’re adding nuts, coconut, or citrus zest, stir them in now. The batter will be thick, which helps suspend the gumdrops evenly during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or loaf pans. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on the type of pan used.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. The cake’s flavors develop even more after a day or two, making it perfect for baking ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
This cheerful gumdrop cake is ideal for holiday dessert spreads, afternoon tea, or as a gift wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon. Serve slices plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It also pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert option.
Storage Tips
Gumdrop cake stores well, making it great for preparing in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen wrap in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Flavor Variations to Explore
Spiced Gumdrop Cake
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the flour mixture
- Use spice-flavored gumdrops for a warm, seasonal flavor
- Include chopped dates or raisins for a richer texture
Lemon Gumdrop Cake
- Replace almond extract with lemon extract
- Add lemon zest and a lemon glaze on top
- Use only yellow and green gumdrops for a citrus theme
Chocolate Gumdrop Cake
- Substitute 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate ganache
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the gumdrop flour coating – this helps prevent sinking
- Overmixing the batter – can cause toughness
- Baking at too high a temperature – results in a dry cake
- Using the wrong gumdrops – avoid coated or very sticky varieties
Why You Should Try Making Gumdrop Cake
This gumdrop cake recipe is simple yet special, with a playful appearance and a comforting, buttery flavor that everyone can enjoy. It’s a great recipe to involve kids, who’ll love chopping the gumdrops and seeing their bright colors in the final cake. It’s also incredibly forgiving, which means even novice bakers can achieve great results. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or just want a sweet project for the weekend, gumdrop cake offers a fun twist on traditional baking. With its colorful interior and rich taste, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.