Natural Berry Lollipops
Clean Berry Lollipops
Naturally sweetened, fruity, and fun — these homemade lollipops are made with real berries and honey. No refined sugar, no nasties l.
Ingredients
½ cup pure honey
2 tbsp reduced mixed berry juice (see method below)
1 tsp lemon juice (optional, but brightens flavour)
½–1 tsp elderberry or freeze-dried berry powder (optional, stirred in at the end)
To Make the Berry Juice
Add ½ cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) and 1–2 tsp water to a small saucepan.
Simmer until the berries are soft (about 5–7 minutes).
Mash, then strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove seeds and pulp.
Return strained juice to pan and simmer until reduced to 2 tablespoons. Let cool.
Method
Prepare your moulds by lightly greasing silicone lollipop moulds and placing in the sticks. Set aside on a heat-safe surface.
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, reduced berry juice, and lemon juice (if using).
Heat over medium heat, stirring just to combine, then stop stirring.
Let the mixture bubble until it reaches 150°C (302°F) — hard crack stage.
(Use a candy thermometer or test by dropping into cold water — it should harden and snap.) minimal stirring so you don’t burn the honey.Once it hits temperature, remove from heat. Quickly stir in elderberry or freeze-dried berry powder, if using.
Pour immediately into moulds and let cool completely at room temperature (about 3-4 hours). Do not refrigerate they could crack.
Notes
Store in an airtight container or wrap individually in baking paper to keep fresh.
Avoid adding more than 2 tablespoons of fruit liquid — too much will stop them from setting into a hard lollipop consistency.
Elderberry powder gives a rich berry colour and antioxidant boost — great for winter wellness, although adding pure elderberry does make them taste a little less sweet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Too much fruit liquid = soft lollies
Overcooking honey or fruit = bitter, burnt taste
Under-temp = won’t harden
Fridge setting = sticky finish