How To Make Homemade Popsicles

Cool down this summer with some fresh, frozen, and fun homemade popsicles. They’re super easy to make and less expensive than commercial brands!

Homemade Popsicle Recipes

Summer is right around the corner, you guys! And where I live, temperatures are already in the high 90’s.

We’ve been swimming every day…which means second dinner. Or huge snack at 4pm and then dinner at 8pm. Ugh.

This is also the time of year when my kids ask for popsicles all day long. And I usually oblige! Why not? Most of the time I make my popsicles from scratch with fresh ingredients, so they’re an awesome, healthy snack.

Do you know how to make homemade popsicles? It’s super easy.

The possibilities are endless depending on whether you want your base to be fruit, dairy, textured, or even boozy for the grown-ups!

Tips for making the best homemade popsicles

1. If you’re using fresh fruit, wait until it’s overly ripe. The riper the fruit, the sweeter it will be, which means the less added sugar you’ll need to use.
2. You can make your popsicles sweeter by adding granulated sugar, honey, or agave nectar, but keep in mind it can prevent the popsicles from fully freezing.
3. Unlike cream based popsicles, fruit chunks tend to sink to the bottom of the molds if making juicy pops. Prevent this by filling the molds a quarter of the way, partially freeze, add the rest of the fruit, and then finish with more of the juice base.
4. Leave one-quarter inch of room at the top of the mold when filling it, as the popsicles will expand as they freeze.
5. Wipe any excess mixture off the top of the mold so it doesn’t freeze and make un-molding a struggle.
6. If using molds that require a stick to be added, partially freeze (about two hours), slide the stick into the center, and then return the mold to the freezer until completely frozen. (Freezing times will depend on your freezer, the mold you’re using, and the base ingredient of your popsicle.)
7. The best way to un-mold your popsicles is to fill a container (that is as tall as your mold) with warm water, and dip the mold in it for about 25 seconds until it loosens. Remove the mold from the water onto the countertop and pull gently upward on the stick. If it’s not effortless, put the mold back in the water for a bit longer.
8. Popsicles can be left in their molds for a few days, but it’s best to transfer them to resealable plastic bags (or store them in airtight plastic containers, between sheets of wax paper) and freeze for an additional 30 minutes, which helps them hold their shape.

Simple tools you’ll need

1. Blender – chances are, you already have a blender. But if not, and you’re going to be making homemade popsicles, it’s a must! It doesn’t need to be super fancy or expensive, though. Most blenders will meet your needs for basic popsicles.
2. Pitcher – a pitcher is not required, but it sure does make pouring the mixture into the molds easier! Make sure to only fill three-quarters full to allow for expansion when it freezes.
3. Popsicle Mold – molds vary greatly in size and capacity, from ones with built-in sticks to molds that require a stick to be added. Read reviews to see which one will best suit your needs.
4. Popsicle Sticks – if using a mold that requires a stick be added, you’ll need to buy those separately. They come in all different quantities. I say stock up!

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Experiment with your popsicles. Make some solid ones, patterned ones, layered ones, and ones with a ton of colors. Even try some with vegetables. Have fun with them!

How To Make Homemade Popsicles