This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy to learn more.
Thank you for supporting this blog!
My latest National Candy Month recipe, for caramel apple lollipops, creates a candy version of a classic state fair confection.
As a kid, I remember making an annual family visit to the York Fair in my hometown of York, PA.
One of the best things about the York Fair (or any fair, really!) is the food. Funnel cakes, fried Oreo cookies, corn dogs, steak sandwiches, French fries, cotton candy…the fair offers a seemingly endless variety of junk food indulgences.
One of my favorite fair foods is a classic caramel-dipped apple. (They’re easier to eat than a traditional red candy apple, and they taste better, too…) Even today, I’ll stop for a caramel apple if I see a vendor selling them at a street fair in NYC. For this recipe, I created a lollipop with flavors directly inspired by this classic county fair treat.
My caramel apple lollipops start with a basic lollipop recipe. Then, I’ve added green food coloring and a tart green apple flavor, plus a dip in gooey melted caramel to finish!
Tips for Making Caramel Apple Lollipops
These lollipops only look complicated; they’re actually quite easy to make! The only special “equipment” you’ll need are a silicone lollipop mold and a small package of lollipop sticks, as well as a good digital thermometer. Lollipop sticks are easily findable. You can get them at a craft supply store like Michael’s. They are also available to order on Amazon.
In addition, you’ll want to make sure you have a good green apple flavoring on hand—without it, these won’t capture the flavor of a classic Granny Smith apple. I made this batch using Super Strength Green Apple by LorAnn Oils.
Kraft Caramels are an important component in this recipe, but they aren’t always easy to find. (If you’re in the US, you can buy them on Amazon.) If you cannot find Kraft Caramels, you can use another chewy caramel candy. You can also make your own caramel, or simply make green apple lollipops without the caramel dip.
Caramel apple lollipops will last for several weeks. To store, wrap lollipops individually to avoid having the pops stick together. (Small cello bags and twist ties work best for packaging these. Do not use wax paper or it will stick to the caramel!) These caramel apple lollipops will also ship well, so they are ideal for gifting.
Other hard candy recipes you might enjoy:
Lemon Drops
Peppermint Lollipops
Old-Fashioned Hard Candy
Watermelon Lollipops
And if you make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
PrintCaramel Apple Lollipops
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 lollipops 1x
Description
Bright green apple flavored lollipops, dipped in gooey caramel. These taste just like the caramel apples you might find at a county fair, but last a whole lot longer!
Ingredients
210 grams granulated sugar (1 cup)
190 grams light corn syrup (1/2 cup)
60 milliliters water (1/4 cup)
1/2 – 1 teaspoon green apple flavoring
Green gel food coloring
1 cup Kraft caramels, unwrapped
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the lollipop mold
Instructions
Prepare lollipop mold by spritzing lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Add lollipop sticks. Set mold aside.
Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
Using a digital thermometer, boil mixture until it reaches 300° F / 150° C.
Remove from heat. Stir in apple flavoring and green gel food coloring.
Spoon (or carefully pour) hot sugar mixture into lollipop molds. Lollipops will set and harden as they cool. (This will happen quickly, about fifteen minutes).
When lollipops have set, pop them from the mold onto a sheet of parchment or a silicone baking mat.
Place unwrapped caramels in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave caramels, stirring every 15-20 seconds, until completely melted.
One by one, dip lollipops into melted caramel, coating the top portion of the lollipop only. Return coated lollipops to silicone mat and allow to cool until caramel has set.
Individually wrap lollipops in cello bags. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month.
Notes
You’ll need a silicone lollipop mold and a digital thermometer for this recipe.
If you cannot find Kraft caramels, you can use another chewy caramel candy. You can also make your own caramel, or simply make green apple lollipops without the caramel dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy and Confectionery
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Sweets