Homemade Sweet Tarts

Sweet and sour all wrapped up in one tiny magnificent bite!

That would be my definition of homemade sweet tarts and making them was so much easier than I ever imagined. They don't have that semi-shiny coating on the outside (because I didn't want to put food in a rock tumbler!!!) but the flavor and texture are the same!!

Step 1: The Recipe

Homemade Sweet Tarts
1/4 c. clear soda (Blue Sky, Cream Soda, Sierra Mist, 7-UP)
3/4 t. gelatin
3-4 c. powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
2 t. citric acid

Flavored extracts
Food coloring
1/2 t. each of lemon and orange zest - optional

In a small non-reactive bowl combine gelatin and soda. After about 5 minutes, set the bowl over a pot of simmering water to dissolve the gelatin completely - until you can't see any granules. Remove from heat.

Using a hand or stand mixer - mix 1/2 c. powdered sugar and the citric acid into the gelatin mixture. Keep adding the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time until you have stiff fondant-like dough. It will be somewhat sticky. Turn dough out onto a work surface covered with powdered sugar. Knead until dough is less sticky and can be easily rolled with a rolling pin.

This is the basic recipe. Now you can add what ever flavorings and colors you wish.

Step 2: Add Flavorings and Extracts

Once the basic dough recipe is finished divide dough into as many equal pieces as flavorings you have to use. I divided mine into four equal pieces so I chose four extracts (and matching food colorings) - Lemon, Orange, Strawberry and Blueberry

Starting with one piece of dough make a well in the middle and add:

1/4 t. of flavoring/extract
food coloring - to desired color
1/2 t. zest - optional - I used this only in the orange and lemon varieties.

Knead until cohesive. Set aside while you mix the other colors and flavors.

I only highlight one version (lemon) in this instructable but the steps are the same for each color/flavor.

Step 3: Roll, Cut and Dry

Starting with one color/flavor of dough roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. I used 1/4 inch square dowels as guides. It makes the drying more consistent this way.

Using a small round cookie cutter (about 1/2 inch in diameter), cut out as many circles as you can and transfer cut-outs to a baking sheet to dry. Collect scraps and re-roll and cut continuing until dough is gone.

Drying may take a few days so be patient. If you have a food dehydrator you can speed the drying process significantly! Don't try to put them in the oven, however, even on warm. They will not dry smooth and will have bumps and indents. Trust me I tried it once!!!

Roll sweet tarts in candy wrappers if desired or store in an airtight container for up to three months. Don't worry they will be gone before that! They also make great party snacks or a good addition to a goodie bag. They are mess free!

Comments

[Wileys]

Hi! I know that this post is from a while ago, but I tried it for the first time yesterday and I figured out a way to get them to set completely overnight without a heat dehydrator.

A while back, I built an air dryer for my garden herbs using empty canvas frames, screen, and a little attic exhaust fan. It provides constant air flow, so the candies dried over night!

Thanks for the recipe! They turned out great!

[Bry-18]

How do you make sweet-tart ropes?

[ashley.sarkis]

So the dehydrator was a bust! Air drying from here on out. Love the way these have turned out so far!

[ashley.sarkis]

How long should they be left in the dehydrator?

[wold630]

Good question. I don't have a dehydrator. If you figure out the sweet spot, please let us know.

[MartyP23]

Is there a way to make these softer? After a few days these became so hard I couldn't chew them. What if I put more gelatin in them?

[Jaims0075]

I found that if I add a full packet of gelatin instead of the 3/4t it is chewy not hard I did have to add a little more powdered sugar but they kids and adults loved them.

[orange6]

I wonder where those candy wrappers in the photo are from? I've been looking and haven't found anything just like that.

[BarbraD1]

How long in a food dehydrator? I've never used one and am borrowing my sister in laws

[CurlyBrain]

Is there a way to substitute the gelatin to make it vegan?

[wold630]

You could try agar.

[MartyP23]

Is the citric acid necessary? Is that what makes it tart? Is it possible to make just a sweet version without the tart? Could I use vanilla extract, rather than the fruit flavors?

[wold630]

Yes, the citric acid makes them tart, but you can flavor by just using extract (any flavor) without citric acid.

[wold630]

You could try two packets of stevia per one cup of arrowroot or potato starch. I'm not sure how well it will come out as I've never tried it. Let us know if you try.

[KamiM3]

I was wondering if these would dry if you put them in a silicone mold. I have a Lego party coming up and wanted to try to make them into Lego shapes

[wold630]

I think it would probably work if you allow a lot more drying time. Maybe a week ahead of the party.

[BeauC3]

I heard my cousin made homemade smarties (That might be a lie) and I wanted to find a recipe. This was the first and only one I could find. Great job finding out how to make these! I will try doing this using fruit zest like you said.

[JetL4]

What's the purpose of the soda? Can it be seltzer or water?

[wold630]

Yes, seltzer would would work. Anything fizzy to provide some air bubbles.

[abdellah309]

what you mean by "3/4 t" of gelatin