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Summer is the perfect time to enjoy cool, refreshing treats, and what better way to do that than by making your own popsicles at home? Making popsicles is not only a fun activity to do with your kids, but it also allows you to create healthier versions of this classic summer treat. 

For more easy recipes to make with your kids, check out these other posts!

Here’s a detailed guide to making delicious and nutritious popsicles that the whole family will love.

Why Make Your Own Popsicles?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why making your own popsicles is a fantastic idea. 

Healthy Ingredients: Store-bought popsicles often contain high amounts of sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives. By making your own, you can control what goes into them, ensuring they are packed with fresh fruits and natural sweeteners.

Customizable: You can create endless flavor combinations to suit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe fruit.

Fun Activity: Making popsicles can be a fun and educational activity for kids. They can learn about different fruits and ingredients, and get hands-on experience in the kitchen.

Creative Expression: Let your kids get creative with layering different colors and flavors, or adding mix-ins like berries and nuts.

Easy and Delicious Fruit Popsicle Recipe

Now, let’s get started on a simple yet delightful fruit popsicle recipe that’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, mango, pineapple)
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (for a dairy-free option)
  • 1/2 cup of fruit juice or coconut water
  • 2-3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Popsicle molds and sticks

We love these popsicle molds! Not quite as large as a full popsicle out of a box (perfect for kids!).

Optional Add-ins:

  • Fresh fruit pieces (e.g., sliced strawberries, blueberries)
  • Chia seeds
  • Shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit:

   – Wash and chop the fruit into small pieces. If using frozen fruit, let it thaw slightly for easier blending.

2. Blend the Ingredients:

   – In a blender, combine the chopped fruit, Greek yogurt, fruit juice, and honey or maple syrup. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend for a shorter time or pulse to leave some fruit pieces intact.

3. Taste and Adjust:

   – Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary. Remember that the sweetness will lessen once frozen, so it’s okay if the mixture tastes a bit sweeter than you’d prefer.

4. Layer the Popsicles (Optional):

   – If you want to create layered popsicles, pour one flavor into the molds first and freeze for about 30 minutes to an hour until slightly set. Then add the next layer and repeat the process. This step adds a fun visual element to the popsicles.

5. Add Mix-ins (Optional):

   – For added texture and flavor, drop in some fresh fruit pieces, chia seeds, or shredded coconut into the molds before pouring in the mixture.

6. Fill the Molds:

   – Pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a small gap at the top for expansion as they freeze. Insert the popsicle sticks.

7. Freeze:

   – Place the molds in the freezer and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight until completely solid.

8. Unmold and Enjoy:

   – To remove the popsicles from the molds, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds to loosen them. Gently pull on the sticks to release the popsicles.

Flavor Variations

Here are some fun flavor combinations to try:

Berry Blast: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with a splash of apple juice.

Tropical Delight: Blend mango, pineapple, and coconut water for a taste of the tropics.

Creamy Citrus: Combine orange segments, Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of honey for a creamsicle-inspired treat.

Green Machine: Blend kiwi, spinach, banana, and a bit of apple juice for a healthy green popsicle.

Tips for Success

Use ripe fruit: The riper the fruit, the sweeter and more flavorful your popsicles will be.

Consider the Sugar: The more sugar in your popsicles the softer they will be. If you find your popsicles are rock hard, add a bit more sugar! If they are too soft to your liking, take some sugar out. 

Get creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, juices, and mix-ins. Let your kids suggest ideas and try them out.

Healthy additions: Consider adding a handful of spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost, especially if you’re making green popsicles.

Fun and Educational

Making popsicles is more than just a cooking activity; it’s an opportunity to teach your kids about healthy eating, measurements, and even the science of freezing. Encourage them to participate in each step, from selecting the fruits to blending and filling the molds. Discuss why certain ingredients are healthy and how different flavors work together.

If your kids like helping in the kitchen, consider getting them a set of kid-safe knives. They can help with things like chopping up the fruit before blending! 

Have Fun! 

Homemade popsicles are a delightful and healthy way to keep cool during the summer. So, gather your ingredients, don your aprons, and get ready for a fun-filled day of popsicle making!