Homemade Caramel Lollipop Recipe: Easy Steps & Tips

Are you looking for an easy guide to homemade caramel lollipops? You’re in the right place! This caramel lollipop recipe will make rich, buttery candy pops suitable for kids and adults alike!

Caramel lollipops are the perfect snack for any occasion. They’re easy to make. Just sugar, butter, and cream to whip these up! Grab your lollipop molds to give them unique shapes.

How does it all work? This guide covers everything you need to know. You will learn a step-by-step recipe and expert tips to perfect your caramel candy lollipops! Ready? Let's go!

Part 1- Ingredients, Equipment & Instructions to make Make Caramel Lollipops

The best caramel lollipop recipe starts with the right ingredients. These will give your lollipop a sweet and creamy texture. Here’s what you will need.

Ingredients:

Ingredient

Purpose

Amount

Granulated Sugar

Sweetness and structure

2 cups

Corn Syrup

Prevent sugar crystallization

1/2 cup

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Richness, creaminess, dairy flavor

1 can (14 oz)

Butter

Velvety texture, buttery taste

1/2 cup (1 stick)

Vanilla Extract

Enhances flavor

1 teaspoon

Sea Salt (Optional)

Balances sweetness, adds complexity

1/4 teaspoon

Flavorings (Optional)

Adds variety (peppermint, chocolate, etc.)

1/2 teaspoon (if using)

Equipements:

Equipment

Purpose

Heavy-bottomed Saucepan

Even heat distribution

Candy Thermometer

Accurate temperature measurement

Wooden Spoon/Heat-resistant Spatula

Stirring

Lollipop Molds

Shaping the lollipops

Lollipop Sticks

For holding the lollipops

Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat

Non-stick surface for cooling

Baking Spray (Optional)

Easy lollipop release from molds

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements

This recipe for caramel chocolate is just the start! Explore many more ways to make chocolate at home in our special guide full of easy chocolate recipes.

Gathered the necessary items? Here’s a quick guide to homemade caramel lollipops!

Quick Instructions for Making Caramel Lollipops

  • Step 1. Place sticks in the lollipop mold.
  • Step 2. Mix condensed milk, corn syrup, sugar, and salt.
  • Step 3. Boil the mixture over heat and add butter gradually.
  • Step 4. Remove from heat. Add flavorings and cool slightly.
  • Step 5. Pour candy into the silicone molds.
  • Step 6. Cool the mixture for 30 minutes and enjoy.

Let’s break down these steps into a detailed caramel lollipop recipe!

Part 2- Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Homemade Caramel Lollipops

This recipe will give you rich caramel lollipops. You just need simple ingredients and tools. The steps are easy to follow. Use silicone candy-making molds to shape your candies and release them quickly without breakage.

Look at the recipe time and servings.

  • Preparation Time 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time 15 minutes
  • Cooling Time 30 minutes
  • Servings 24 lollipop candies

Let’s get into the details of the caramel lollipop recipe.

Step 1. Prepare the Lollipop Mold

Wash and dry your silicone lollipop molds. Place the lollipop sticks in all cavities of the mold. Keep the top of the stick in the middle of the cavity. This will ensure that they stay in well.

Step 2. Mix the Ingredients

Combine condensed milk, corn syrup, sugar, and salt in a pan. Mix over medium-high heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves. Then, use a pastry brush to clean the pan’s sides. This will help prevent crystals. Insert a candy thermometer to track the rising temperature closely.

pot of bubbling caramel being stirred with a wooden spoon on a stovetop, with a lid resting nearby

Step 3. Boil and Add Butter

Let the mixture boil. Then, slowly add butter cubes one by one. Watch as the butter melts and blends into the caramel. Stir while cooking. Watch the thermometer closely. Heat until it reaches 300°F (149°C).

Caramel mixture with cubes of butter melting in a pan, stirred with a wooden spoon

Step 4. Add Flavorings and Cool

Remove the saucepan from heat when it hits 300°F. Stir in vanilla extract and additional flavorings. Mix well. The mixture will bubble slightly and give off a sweet aroma. Let it cool briefly until somewhat thick but still easy to pour.

Step 5. Pour into the Mold

Wait for a few minutes. Then, begin shaping the lollipops. Use a spoon to drop candy into the mold cavities. Avoid streaks and extra tails. Gently tap the silicone mold over a flat surface. This will release air bubbles.

Caramel being poured into a muffin tin with evenly spaced compartments on a kitchen counter

Step 6. Continue and Reheat if Needed

Continue making lollipops with the remaining candy. If you’re making a large batch, the mixture may stiffen. Gently warm it over low heat while stirring to soften it. Be careful not to overheat and burn the sugar.

Step 7. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the lollipops to cool for 30 minutes. They will harden quickly and be ready to enjoy. To store them, wrap each lollipop individually. Keep them at room temperature to maintain their velvety texture.

Round caramel lollipops with colorful leaf designs on a plate, arranged in a circular pattern

Now, you have learned the recipe after making It's very important to clean your silicone molds the right way to stop dirt from building up and to make sure they stay in good shape for a long time. Check out our guide on "How to Clean Silicone Molds" for helpful advice and methods from experts.

Part 3- Choosing the Right Molds for Shaping Caramel into Lollipop

Do you want to give your lollipops unique shapes? The right molds will perfectly shape your caramel lollipops and ensure they are the same size. Polycarbonate molds give your candies a glossier finish. However, silicone molds are a way to add creative designs.

For high-quality, durable options, explore PJ Bold’s lollipop silicone molds. You will find unique shapes and sizes designed for professional-looking homemade treats.

Unique Mold Designs to Perfect Your Lollipops

Which molds will shape your caramel lollipops perfectly? PJ Bold has an answer for all your candy molding needs! Browse through our extensive collection of silicone molds to find a design that best matches your preferences. We offer many options:

  • Lollipop Molds:

These molds have a dedicated slot for sticking and offer six to fourteen candies per tray. With thick cavities, your lollipops will have the perfect volume for satisfying snacking.

  • Chocolate Molds:

Our collection of chocolate molds gives you creative options. These are great for large batches of chocolate candies and bars. You can mold your caramel into the classic chocolate shape with a square lollipop mold.

Chocolate candy mold with triangular compartments and a pair of completed chocolate lollipops on sticks
  • Marijuana Leaf Molds:

Are you making candies for a cannabis-friendly party? Give them a distinct shape with a marijuana leaf lollipop mold. This will label your edibles and give them a distinct personality!

Silicone lollipop mold with round cavities featuring leaf imprints, alongside a finished lollipop with green leaf design
  • Custom Silicone Molds:

Are you looking to create a large batch of caramel candy lollipops for your business? PJ Bold gives you the freedom to custom-create your silicone candy molds. Get in touch with us today to create a mold that represents your brand’s identity!

Silicone molds give you lots of creative options! Check out our guide on "How to Use Silicone Molds" to learn the best ways to use them. It’s full of helpful tips and tricks to make your molding projects work perfectly.

Once you have the right mold for your lollipops, let’s explore the flavors you can try to enhance them further!

Part 4- Flavor Variations to Transform Your Caramel Lollipops

Caramel may soothe your sweet cravings. But besides the butter and sugar, you can try different add-ins to enhance their flavor. Here are some options you can try.

Flavor Type

Significance

Instructions

Salted Caramel

Enhances caramel flavor, balances sweetness

Sprinkle sea salt before cooling. Use salted butter for a heavier salt taste.

Chocolate Caramel

Classic flavor combination

Melt chocolate. Stir into caramel mixture. Drizzle additional chocolate over cooled lollipops. Optional: use artificial flavors.

Coffee Caramel

Adds depth and aroma, provides energy

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder in hot water. Add to the caramel mixture.

Cinnamon Caramel

Adds warmth and spice, perfect for cooler months

Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon when adding vanilla extract. Combine well and cook with caramel.

Pumpkin Spice Caramel

Seasonal fall-inspired treat. Creates a warm, rich spice flavor.

Mix nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. Add vanilla extract.

Fruity Apple Caramel

Adds tanginess, brightens sweet flavor

Use apple extract or artificial apple flavor. Mix into caramel base or create half-and-half candies.

For even more ideas on how to add flavors, or to find new ways to make your treats taste amazing, check out our "Perfect Marijuana Cookie Recipes" This is a set of tasty cannabis-infused snacks that show just how creative and versatile these kinds of treats can be.

Part 5- How to Store Homemade Caramel Lollipops?

Caramel lollipops are just sugar and dairy. They are sensitive to moisture. Caramel quickly absorbs water from the air or any surrounding foods. This can ruin its texture. Over time, improperly stored caramel can become slimy. Its flavor might turn sour and vinegary.

Properly stored caramel candy lollipops can maintain their quality for extended periods. Here’s how to keep them fresh.

  • Wrap Caramel Individually: Wrap each lollipop in wax paper. Twist the ends of the paper to seal them. This protects against moisture. It also keeps the caramel from sticking.

  • Store in an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped lollipops in an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place in your kitchen. This will prevent moisture from getting in.

  • Keep at Room Temperature: Soft caramel can last up to nine months at room temperature. The storage area should be cool and dry to maintain freshness.

  • Freezing the Caramel: Freeze your lollipops in a container or a freezer-safe bag. This will extend its shelf life. Caramels can last up to a year in the freezer. However, this will turn the velvety texture into a hard candy.

With these instructions, you can keep your candies fresh and flavorful. Let’s move ahead and explore ideas to make fool-proof caramel candy pops!

Part 6- Bonus Tips for Perfect Caramel Lollipops

Caramel lollipops are simple to make. However, understanding these key factors will keep your homemade lollipops looking more professional. 

Tip 1. Add Butter the Right Way

Melt the butter separately and slowly mix it at 250°F (121°C). Stir gently to blend it well and make the caramel rich and creamy.

Tip 2. Know When to Add Salt

Sprinkle fine sea salt after taking the caramel off the heat. This way, the salt won’t fully dissolve, giving tiny bursts of flavor.

Tip 3. Don’t Stir Too Much

Once the caramel reaches the right temperature, gently swirl the pan instead of stirring. This helps avoid air bubbles and keeps the texture even.

Tip 4. Stick It Right

Lollipop sticks can easily come out of the caramel mixture if not stuck properly. You can dip the stick in melted caramel before placing it in the mold. This helps it stay in place and avoid any air pockets.

Tip 5. Watch the Temperature Carefully

Use a good digital thermometer and heat the caramel to exactly 300°F (150°C) for the right hardness. Don’t stir once it starts boiling to avoid air bubbles and crystals.

Conclusion

That wraps up our guide on making homemade caramel lollipops. With this easy recipe and tips, you can effortlessly make rich, buttery lollipops. Try different flavors to add some fun to their sweetness.

If you want to mold your candies into eye-catching designs, PJ Bold’s lollipop and silicone candy molds are the answer.

Our silicone molds ensure food safety and deliver professional results. Browse through our collection of lollipop candy molds to find a shape to go with your next candy-making adventure!

FAQ’s About Homemade Caramel Lollipops

What thickens homemade caramel?

Cook the caramel over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. This will thicken it. Add a small amount of cornstarch to store the caramel. Cornstarch will prevent it from getting thin and sticky. 

How is caramel flavor made?

Heat the sugar over medium heat. Once the sugar becomes a clear liquid, let it cook without stirring until brown. Heating breaks the sugar into new compounds at temperatures higher than 300°F, giving the classic caramel flavor.

How do I fix butter not mixing with caramel?

Cook the caramel base to 325°F. Add butter and cream slowly into the caramel base. Then reheat the mixture to 255°F to mix the butter and harden the caramel. You can also add soy lecithin to enhance the binding.

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