Caramel Workshop at Karameļu darbnīca: How Sweets Are Made

Do you (or your kids) have a sweet tooth? If so, you might be curious about how delicious treats like caramels are made. Let’s take a journey to the Caramel Factory (Karameļu darbnīca) in Jelgava, where their Caramel Workshop gives both kids and adults the chance to unravel the mystery behind the intricate designs hidden inside delicate caramel sticks. Have you ever wondered how they do it?

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What Is the Caramel Factory in Jelgava?

The Caramel Factory is a charming, family-run business nestled in Jelgava. It’s the perfect stop for picking up unique and scrumptious sweets that make great gifts. For instance, one of my relatives will soon be receiving a pack of malt caramels—a treat I can’t wait for them to try! Have you ever tasted anything like that? I haven’t yet, but I’m eager to hear what they think.

The factory isn’t just about selling sweets, though. They also offer public tours and live caramel-making demonstrations throughout the year. Keep an eye on their Facebook page (Latvian) for updates on these fun and delicious events.

The Candy House (But Not the One from Hansel and Gretel)

From the moment you step into the Caramel Factory, you’re transported into a world of whimsy and sweetness. Cheerful flower pots and playful beetles perched on a tree greet you at the entrance, infusing the place with a charming, light-hearted energy. It’s so cute, you’ll almost want to stop and take photos. But trust me, don’t linger outside too long—there are delicious treats and a fun, free guided tour waiting for you inside!

Sample the Caramel Factory’s Sweet Treats

Before the workshop begins, you’ll have the chance to sample a selection of delightful sweets. My personal favorite was the whipped candy—a light, fluffy treat with the texture of marshmallow and the taste of cotton candy. It was so good that I couldn’t resist buying an entire bag! But if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other options to choose from, including rich chocolates, fruity surprises and, of course, a variety of delicious caramels.

A Live Caramel-Making Demonstration

Here’s a sneak peek of the fun discoveries that await: did you know they cut hot caramel with scissors? It’s one of those fascinating little details that makes you question if this actually happened or if it was a whimsical dream.

The live caramel-making demonstration is a real treat, especially for kids. They’ll have fun guessing which natural ingredients are responsible for the vibrant colors of the caramels. And even the adults might be caught off guard when they learn the source of the blue dye. Any guesses? If you’re thinking blueberries, think again.

For adults, the real magic lies in watching the caramel come to life. You’ll get to witness the sugar being melted, kneaded, and stretched, before—yes—being snipped with scissors into perfect little pieces. I won’t spoil all the secrets (you’ll need to visit to see for yourself), but let me just say, you’ll be mesmerized as the hot sugar transforms into a gooey, slime-like texture, before it’s carefully shaped into delicate caramel sticks with intricate flower designs hidden inside.

When Your Mouth Starts Watering, It’s Time to Make Your Own Candy

As if watching the caramel-making process wasn’t enough, here’s where things get even more fun—you or your little ones can try making your own candy! For just a small fee (about €3 when I visited), you can roll up your sleeves and create your very own caramel treat. You’ll pick your favorite shape, and a skilled artisan will guide you through every step. Here’s my slightly lopsided, slightly bent creation, but hey, who cares about perfection when it tastes this good?

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Overall, it’s a perfect rainy day activity in Jelgava with kids. Or even without them. Why not? When I got home, my boyfriend asked if it felt strange to be the only one there without children, as everyone else had little ones with them. I just shrugged and said, “Well, now I know how they make caramel!”