Few things cool kids and adults off in the summer like popsicles. And it’s no coincidence that berries, fruits, and other produce are abundant this time of year.
These healthy, fresh foods make excellent popsicles. There are all kinds of creative popsicles you can make with a simple popsicle mold (or paper cups and popsicle sticks).
Here are some recipes and ideas:
Pureed Fruit
You pay a lot of money for fruit-only, natural popsicles in the store. Making your own could hardly be easier! Try some of these combinations.
1. In a blender, combine 2 cups of washed strawberries with tops removed. Add just enough fruit juice (such as cranberry or apple) to make the mixture liquefy. Pour into molds and freeze.
2. Combine 1 cup each of sliced, peeled peaches and nectarines with 1/4 cup orange juice and blend until pureed, adding orange juice as needed.
3. Berries are so flavorful in a popsicle. Combine 1/2 cup each of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries with about 1/4 cup of water to make a lovely purple liquid that makes a tangy popsicle.
4. In a blender, combine 1 cup whole strawberries, tops removed, 1 ripe banana, and 1/4 cup water or orange juice. Pour into molds and freeze.
Sweet Treats
Here are some popsicle recipes that go beyond just fruit to make dessert-like popsicles.
1. In a blender, combine 2 ripe bananas, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup of sweetened, vanilla almond milk. Liquefy, then pour into molds and freeze.
2. You don’t need a blender for this recipe. You can combine these ingredients in a bowl or jar: 1 cup orange juice, 1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt, and sugar or honey to taste. Whisk everything together and freeze in molds.
3. For a refreshing chocolate-mint popsicle, try this recipe: In a bowl, blend 2 cups vanilla yogurt with 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup. Whisk in 1 or 2 drops of peppermint flavoring or 1/4 cup of cool, strong peppermint tea. Freeze.
4. Chocolate and strawberries or raspberries are a classic combination. In a double boiler, melt 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. While the chips melt, blend 2 cups of strawberries or raspberries in the blender until liquid. Slowly pour the melted chocolate into the puree while the blender is running. Freeze in molds.
Helpful Tips
- Coat the inside of popsicle molds with light oil such as safflower or canola to make unmolding easier. Running warm water over the mold before removing the popsicle also helps.
- Just about any smoothie recipe can be frozen into popsicles.
