Ditch Store Bought: How To Make Homemade Fruit Popsicles

Store-bought popsicles may have preservatives and sugars that are bad for your health. Not only that, but the costs add up quickly. What if you could make healthier and cheaper homemade fruit popsicles? This post shows you our top recipes for making delicious homemade popsicles with fresh fruits and a few pantry staples.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing treat for hot summer days or a healthy after-school snack for your kids, we’ve got you covered. With our easy recipes, you can make delicious homemade popsicles in minutes. We’ll even give you tips for getting creative with your ingredients and experimenting with flavors.

Types of Homemade Popsicles 

There are three main types of homemade popsicles. The type of popsicle you make will depend on your preferred flavor and consistency. 

Fruit: These popsicles blend unsweetened fruits with a liquid sweetener, such as honey or agave nectar, and freeze the mixture in popsicle molds. 

Yogurt: These popsicles have plain or flavored yogurt mixed with special ingredients, such as nut butter or fresh herbs, then poured into popsicle molds and frozen. 

Fruit and Cream: These popsicles are the perfect option for those who prefer a creamier treat. They combine unsweetened pureed fruits with cream or milk, then freeze them in popsicle molds. 

Required Ingredients and Supplies 

You’ll need a few ingredients and supplies for these homemade popsicle recipes. Some popular fruit options include strawberries, peaches, mangoes, bananas, and kiwis. Depending on the type of popsicle you’re making, you’ll need plain Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or almond milk. To sweeten the fruit mixture for a classic fruit popsicle, use honey or agave nectar for a natural touch of sweetness without adding refined sugar to your recipe. You’ll need some basic popsicle molds to pour your fruit mixture into. You can get creative by using small paper cups as an alternative to plastic molds.

Preparing the Popsicles 

Select your favorite fresh fruits from the grocery store or farmers market to make homemade fruit popsicles. Make sure to check for ripeness before purchasing them. If the fruits require any preparation, such as peeling, do so before moving on to the next steps.

Once you have chosen the fruits for your popsicles, take them home and wash them thoroughly. Cut the fruits into small pieces to make blending easier. Depending on the type of popsicle you want to make, whether it’s fruit, yogurt, or a combination of both, choose the type of yogurt, cream, or milk that suits your preference.

Select a liquid sweetener that won’t add too much extra sugar to your popsicles. Honey or agave nectar are good options. Place the chopped fruits into a blender with your dairy product and liquid sweetener. Blend the ingredients until everything is well mixed. You can taste-test the mixture to check if it needs more sweetener or any additional flavorings.

Once your fruit mixture is ready, carefully pour it into popsicle molds or small paper cups. Insert wooden sticks into each mold or cup, ensuring they stand upright. Transfer all the filled molds or cups to the freezer and let them freeze for 4-6 hours or until completely frozen. When you are ready to serve the popsicles, run hot water over each mold or cup for a few seconds to help release them from their containers.

Tips for a Delicious and Nutritious Treat 

When selecting fruits for your homemade popsicles, choosing ripe ones that blend easily with other ingredients is crucial. Avoid fruits with blemishes or brown spots. In addition to the fruit, you can experiment with different liquid sweeteners like honey or agave nectar to add just the right amount of sweetness to your popsicles without adding excessive sugar. To enhance the taste, consider adding extra flavor by incorporating freshly squeezed lemon juice, ginger, mint, cardamom, or other spices.

Add healthy toppings such as nuts, seeds, oats, granola, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate to take your popsicles to the next level. These additions will provide extra texture and boost the nutritional value of your treats. When it comes to molds, the options are endless. Explore different shapes and sizes using silicone molds available at kitchen supply stores. Get creative with presenting your popsicles, making them visually appealing and enticing.

Don’t limit yourself to making just one type of popsicle. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorites. Switch up the ingredients and create a variety of flavors throughout the summertime, making the experience of enjoying your homemade popsicles exciting and nutritious.

Conclusion

Homemade fruit popsicles are an easy, healthy way to beat the summer heat. With the right ingredients and supplies, you can make delicious treats for everyone in your family without the added sugar and preservatives of store-bought varieties. Use the tips and recipes from this guide to get creative and experiment with flavors. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack or a healthy after-school treat, homemade fruit popsicles are the perfect way to stay cool. Ditch the store-bought stuff and get creative in the kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you.