Just thinking about making homemade popsicles from scratch brings a smile to my face. Gone are the days of relying on store-bought options that are often loaded with sugar and preservatives or break the bank. When you can create your own all-natural popsicle recipes using just a few affordable ingredients, it’s hard not to feel like you’re getting a sweet deal. Naturally, you’ll need some basic equipment to get started.
Opt for BPA-free and dishwasher-safe popsicle molds that make cleanup a breeze. I’m a big fan of the Tovolo ice pop molds, which come in an array of fun shapes – from tiki sticks to dinosaurs and everything in between. Regardless of the shape you choose, these 20 fantastic popsicle recipes are sure to become a hit with your family and friends.
Pumpkin Pie Popsicles
Making a batch of these deliciously autumnal popsicles is incredibly quick and easy, requiring just 5 ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. The presence of real pumpkin puree means that any lumps or texture inconsistencies can be smoothed out by blending the mixture in a blender, so feel free to go ahead and do this if you’ve made your own puree.
Additionally, you have the option to blend all the ingredients – including milk, vanilla pudding, nutmeg cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cardamom, and ginger – and then strain it for an even smoother consistency.
Peaches and Cream Cobbler Popsicles
Among the joys of crafting your own popsicles is the flexibility to use any flavor you desire, making it a perfect opportunity for creativity and experimentation. Adding an extra layer of excitement is the visual appeal of homemade ice pops with multiple colors and textures, allowing you to get creative with your presentation. In this recipe, you’ll discover layers of peach cobbler filling and creamy ice cream, providing a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
The cobbler filling can be left chunky for added texture or blended to create a smoother consistency by pureeing the peaches, spices, brown sugar, and water together. For an extra burst of flavor, try incorporating some crushed graham crackers into the mix.
Easy Watermelon Popsicles
Making the perfect summer treat is often about simplicity and fresh flavors. These watermelon popsicles are a straightforward combination of pureed watermelon and lime juice, blended together for a smooth and refreshing base. Freezing this mixture results in a super clean and cold dessert that’s ideal for hot days. For an adult twist, you can add a glug of tequila or rum to give it a grown-up kick.
Alternatively, if you prefer a creamy treat, try blending the watermelon mixture with coconut milk to create a rich and indulgent popsicle.
Lemonade Popsicles
Escape the sweltering heat of summer with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or a cool lemonade popsicle, the perfect way to beat the temperature. Even kids can make lemonade at home by simply combining lemon juice with sugar and water – it’s that easy! Taste as you go to ensure your drink is just right, adding extra sugar if needed for an even sweeter treat. For an added burst of flavor, consider mixing in a few fresh raspberries to create a delightful combination.
Honeydew Melon Popsicles
Surprisingly, some classic flavor combinations make their way onto this list, but few can say they’ve tried melon popsicles before. The subtle yet distinct flavor of melons is unmistakable, especially when taken in one bite. As a bonus, the perfect time to try out this recipe is during peak melon season. It’s worth noting that the sweetness level will vary depending on the ripeness of your chosen melons; some might not require any additional sweetener at all.
To ensure you get it just right, I recommend tasting the mixture first and adding a touch of maple syrup as needed, gradually increasing the amount until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
4-Ingredient Healthy Fudgesicles
Taking a closer look at the traditional fudgesicles, it’s clear that they’re not exactly the healthiest treat option. However, with a little creativity and some smart ingredient swaps, it’s entirely possible to make healthier versions of these creamy desserts. In this recipe, we’ll be using coconut milk and cocoa powder to create a rich and delicious flavor without sacrificing nutrition.
While ‘healthy’ might be stretching it a bit, these homemade fudgesicles are undoubtedly a better choice than their sugary store-bought counterparts.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Popsicles
Keen to create a healthy dessert option at home? You can make delicious popsicles using frozen bananas as the base. This is because frozen bananas transform into creamy, all-natural ice cream when blended until smooth. Building on this concept, you can also use frozen bananas to create fantastic popsicles by adding some dairy-free milk to thin it out and peanut butter for extra flavor.
When combined with a mixture of cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil, the blend becomes even more enticing. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth, then pour the mixture into your popsicle molds.
Nutella Popsicles
Cookies and Cream Popsicles
Just as many people enjoy the flavor of their favorite frozen treats, I have a special fondness for the textures involved. For me, a perfect combination is when creamy ice cream meets something crunchy and fun to bite into. My go-to choice in this category is cookie and cream, which never fails to hit the spot. What I adore most about making this recipe is that it closely resembles a no-bake, frozen cheesecake.
The base of our popsicles comes from blending together cream cheese, yogurt, milk, and sugar, resulting in a rich and indulgent treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. When it comes to adding the cookies, I prefer using crushed Oreos or cookie chunks for their irresistible crunchiness. Since they’ll be frozen solid by the time we serve them, there’s no risk of biting into an entire cookie – instead, we can savor those perfect nuggets that add a delightful textural element.
Dairy-Free Pineapple Popsicles
Love indulging in delicious treats that transport us to tropical paradises? If so, you’re probably familiar with the Disney Dole Whip recipe, which has captured the hearts of many with its creamy and sweet flavors. These popsicles are remarkably similar, utilizing real pineapple for a burst of fruity flavor that’s hard to resist. However, instead of traditional vanilla ice cream, coconut milk takes center stage, adding a rich and creamy texture to the mixture.
Interestingly, a splash of vodka is added to the mix, but don’t worry – it won’t alter the taste or get you intoxicated. The vodka serves as an anti-freezing agent, preventing the popsicles from freezing too hard, ensuring they retain their perfect consistency.
Homemade Strawberry Popsicles
Looking closely at this recipe, it’s clear that the main focus is on showcasing the natural sweetness of pure strawberries. While a small amount of sugar is necessary to enhance their flavor and help release their natural juices, the berries take center stage here. To allow the sugars to do their magic, let the chopped strawberries macerate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before blending with water.
This brief waiting period allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more intense and satisfying taste experience. When blending, I prefer leaving the mixture slightly chunky, which also incorporates a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an added citrus note.
Spiced Chai Popsicles
Taking into account its literal translation, it’s no surprise that drinks labeled as chai often feature the distinct flavor profile of earthy black tea leaves. Typically, chai is made with milk, which explains why you’ll find an abundance of chai lattes on coffee shop menus. This spiced variation combines milky tea with a blend of warm spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, adding depth to the flavor.
Interestingly, this recipe calls for cashew milk, introducing a lovely nutty flavor that complements the traditional ingredients.
Key Lime Pie Popsicles
Generally speaking, key lime pie is a delightful combination of zesty, creamy, sweet, and silky smooth flavors. Its unique characteristics make it stand out from other desserts, and one of its defining features is the use of condensed milk. This ingredient not only adds natural thickening properties but also contributes to the distinctive flavor profile of the pie. It’s worth noting that you won’t need to bake the pie since the condensed milk will thicken when mixed with the citrus.
While it’s true that the condensed milk will be thick enough even if frozen, substituting it for a different ingredient is not recommended as it would alter the taste and character of the pie. A key element in the presentation of key lime pie is the use of crushed graham crackers. These add a nice texture to the dessert, and I find that sprinkling them into the mold also provides an attractive top and bottom layer.
Coconut Popsicles (Paletas de Coco)
Often a crucial component of many desserts, coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. However, in most recipes, its distinct taste is masked by other ingredients. This particular recipe takes a different approach, showcasing the coconut’s flavor with its use of both coconut milk and sweetened shredded coconut flakes, making it impossible to ignore this tropical ingredient.
Frozen Grapes on a Stick
Creating a healthy and delicious snack is easier than you think with this simple recipe. While frozen grapes on a skewer may sound like an unusual idea, they actually make for a tasty treat. To get started, simply process red and green grapes until they reach the desired size. Then, layer them in ice cube molds or similar containers and place them in the freezer.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires no added sugar, as the natural sweetness of the grapes is more than enough. Additionally, the juiciness of the grapes means you won’t need to add any water, making it a truly 100% pure grape snack.
Iced Coffee Popsicles
Coffee lovers rejoice! Many of us have a habit of stopping by Starbucks for an iced coffee on our way out the door. I’m no exception, and even in the depths of winter, I find myself craving a cold brew. The idea of turning that favorite drink into a refreshing summer treat was too good to pass up, which is why I was beyond excited to give these iced coffee popsicles a try!
When it comes time to mix and freeze them, be sure that both your milk and coffee are chilled, as lukewarm ingredients can lead to unpleasant ice crystals forming inside. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider drizzling some caramel into the mold before pouring in the coffee for a decadent twist.
Creamy Dulce de Leche Pops
Taking my love for caramel to the next level, dulce de leche is arguably my biggest weakness. I often find myself craving that deep, rich flavor, but unfortunately, traditional methods aren’t vegan-friendly. However, this clever recipe has cracked the code and replicates that same taste sensation using dates as a substitute. What’s more, dates bring not only sweetness to the table but also enhance the caramel-like color of the final product.
Raspberry Yogurt Ice Pops
Smoothly combining the flavors of berries and sugar is essential in creating a base for these desserts, just as it was with the strawberry recipe earlier. Similarly, raspberries require maceration to release their juices before being stirred into the yogurt mixture. You can opt for your preferred brand of plain yogurt, whether it’s Greek or another type, as long as you like its tangy taste and thicker consistency.
I personally chose Greek yogurt due to my fondness for its flavor profile and texture. If you want a healthier option, consider using vanilla yogurt that is fat-free.
Avocado Lime Popsicles
Taking advantage of kids’ love for fun and colorful treats is one of the best ways to sneak in essential nutrients like veggies. Tucked away inside a delicious popsicle are avocados, rich in good fats and packed with various vitamins and potassium, making them an excellent addition to this refreshing dessert. The creamy texture of avocados pairs perfectly with the vibrant pale green color of these treats, while a squeeze of lime juice takes their flavor to the next level.
If you prefer your popsicles on the sweeter side, you can try blending in some frozen bananas for added natural sweetness.
Strawberry Mango Margarita Popsicles
Most adults will appreciate this refreshing dessert recipe, which relies on Sandra Lee’s Cocktail Time Strawberry Margarita mix as its base. This pre-made mix already contains blue agave silver tequila and triple sec liqueur, so while an extra splash of tequila wouldn’t go amiss, it’s not entirely necessary. The addition of mango juice and fresh mango is a great touch, offering a nice balance to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fruit; feel free to add some fresh strawberries to the mix, or even other berries if you prefer.
20 Easy Homemade Popsicles Nobody Can Resist
Not only can you create healthier alternatives to store-bought popsicles, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients like fresh fruits and herbs, you can whip up delicious homemade popsicles in no time. From refreshing watermelon and lemonade flavors to decadent fudgesicles, the possibilities are endless. By skipping store-bought options, you’ll not only save a few bucks but also avoid any artificial preservatives or additives that come with mass-produced treats.
Instructions
Taking your time to carefully choose a beloved recipe is a great starting point, but it’s equally important to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand before proceeding. Once you’ve selected your favorite dish, take a few minutes to organize and gather all the required components, ensuring that everything is within easy reach.
