Cool-off this summer with popsicles. Follow these tips for making homemade popsicles- totally customizable based on your family’s favorite ingredients.
I think one of the first “things” Michael learned from his siblings was to open the freezer door and grab his own popsicle. Notice I didn’t say he asked Mom first for the popsicle or asked for help in opening the popsicle packaging. He just goes straight to the freezer door, opens, grabs, and runs! Can’t say I blame him in this crazy summer heat.
While I’m all for buying store-bought popsicles, every once in a while, I decide it’s time to try and create a new homemade version. You guys know I’m typically a no-recipe, recipe kind of cook, and the same goes for popsicles. I tend to just throw together what I have [within a few parameters] and voila! To the freezer they go. What’s these parameters I speak of? Well here are a few of my foolproof tips for making homemade popsicles:
Follow the directions on the popsicle molds. This might seem like a no-brainer, but guys, I don’t bake often because I don’t like following directions. And if you don’t follow baking directions, chances are your baked good won’t turn out right! Well the same goes for popsicles. If you fill the molds too high, freeze the molds for the incorrect amount of time, or store them flat instead of upright in your freezer, then chances are you won’t get the result you’re looking for. So read the instructions on the molds. It’s that simple! These are my favorite molds pictured below.
100% fruit juice makes a great base! Want a 5 second, 1 ingredient popsicle recipe? Just fill the mold with 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Then freeze.
For texture, add chunks of fruit or vegetables. My kids aren’t big on chunky popsicles, so I tend to puree or blend my fruit and vegetable mixtures, but if you think your family might like a little bite or two of berries, watermelon, or oats, then by all means keep them whole!
For creamy popsicles, add Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or milk to your juice base. We are a cow’s milk family, but by all means use almond, cashew, or any other milk alternative. I will sometimes add a scoop or two of plain Greek yogurt and a dash of vanilla extract to boost the flavor and creaminess as well.
Make adult versions by adding adult-friendly add-in’s. No boozy popsicles in this house, but if you’re a fan of alcohol, just Google things like a Moscow Mule popsicle or Margarita popsicle and I’m sure you’ll find a recipe you’re looking for. I wouldn’t mind a caffeine boost popsicle by taking my homemade fudgsicle recipe and adding a tablespoon of coffee to the mix. Mocha pops anyone?!?!?
As you can see, homemade popsicles are easy enough. Here are a few favorites on Mom to Mom Nutrition I hope you try this summer:
2-Ingredient Watermelon Popsicles
