Beat the Heat with These Fun Treats
Looking for an easy way to cool down on those blazing hot days? Sure, a store-bought popsicle might do the trick, but we’d argue that homemade ones can’t be beat. They guarantee you’re getting exactly what you want, made with the freshest ingredients. If you’re ready to whip some up, here are 20 simple homemade popsicles to make this summer.
1. Strawberry
Strawberry popsicles aren't only incredibly simple to make, but are also extremely refreshing, making them perfect for beating the summer heat. To make them, all you need are two cups of chopped berries, water (or juice, if you prefer), and a sweetener of your choice.
2. Watermelon
Another refreshing popsicle to make with a popular summer fruit is watermelon-flavored ice pops! Given how watery this melon is, and how naturally sweet it already is, you don't need much at all to whip up a frozen treat. Simply blend it up and you're good to go. (But for extra zest, you can also add lime juice!)
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3. Tropical Mango
Is mango your favorite summer fruit instead? Then why not make it the star of the show by freezing it up into popsicles? All you need are some chopped fruit, water (or coconut water), a sweetener of your choice like honey, and some lemon or lime juice for an extra kick.
4. Carrot Orange
Need to get some veggies in along with your fruit? Don't worry—we promise this popsicle tastes delicious and nothing like carrots. The recipe? Mix in chopped carrots and oranges along with orange juice, along with a drizzle of honey, then blend it up!
5. Pineapple Mango
We know mango was just mentioned, but we can't get enough of this delicious fruit. Plus, if you find that pineapple is a bit too sour for your taste, the sweetness of the mango will balance it out perfectly. Just chop up both fruits, add a dash of water or coconut water, along with a generous spoonful or two of honey, and voilà.
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6. Kiwi
If you're looking for a different way to enjoy your box of kiwis, why not make them into yummy ice treats? Simply chop up four kiwis (or more, depending on your taste), water, and a sweetener of your choice. You can even add in other fruits to level the recipe up, such as strawberries.
7. Blueberry Yogurt
If you're not already drooling just from reading the name of this popsicle, we guarantee you will as soon as you pop them out of the freezer! To make these delicious treats, blend two cups of blueberries along with some Greek yogurt and your choice of sweetener.
8. Cantaloupe
Another melon that makes a great popsicle is cantaloupe. Simply cube up some fruit, drizzle your choice of sweetener, add in some lemon juice and zest for an extra kick of flavor, then freeze it up. We guarantee these will be gone by the next morning.
9. Chocolate Hazelnut
Our first non-fruit popsicle on the list is chocolate hazelnut, and you already know the kids will immediately be gravitating toward these. If you have Nutella and milk lying at home, you're in luck—those are the two main ingredients. For extra creaminess, add in some Greek yogurt.
10. Coconut
To make coconut popsicles, you'll want to gather anything mildly coconut-y: coconut milk, coconut extract, and coconut cream. Add some maple syrup (or your choice of sweetener) and a dash of vanilla extract to complement the flavor, and it's time to freeze these up!
11. Lemonade
There's perhaps nothing better than drinking a glass of fresh, cold lemonade on a hot summer day, but what if we told you there's a popsicle version? Thankfully, these are as easy to make as the beverage itself—lemon juice, sugar, and water—and all you have to do is pop them in the freezer!
12. Honeydew Melon
Thought we were done with making melons into popsicles? Think again. Honeydew is another great alternative to use if you don't have cantaloupe (or watermelon) on hand, and its distinct melon flavor screams summer. To make, simply chop up two cups' worth of the fruit, add a sweetener of your choice, and—if you're looking for a creamier pop—some coconut milk. Blend it up and freeze!
13. Cookies & Cream
Ah, classic cookies and cream... You can never go wrong with this flavor! To whip this beloved treat up, you'll need Oreo cookies, your choice of milk (dairy or non-dairy), heavy cream or cream cheese, yogurt, vanilla extract, and a sweetener of your choice. In no time, you'll have everyone's favorite ice cream flavor ready to enjoy—but on a stick!
14. Iced Coffee
Need a quick pick-me-up in popsicle form? These iced coffee pops are sure to give you the boost of energy you'll need to get through your day. All you need to make these are your classic ingredients: cold coffee and cold milk. Add in a syrup and sweetener of your choice, then pour into the mold before freezing them up.
15. Raspberry Yogurt
If raspberry is your least favorite berry due to its slightly sour taste, don't worry—this popsicle flavor is bound to change your mind. To make, blend together two cups of raspberries and two cups of Greek yogurt, plus a sweetener of your choice.
16. Avocado Lime
We know—this one might sound a little iffy. But trust us, you'll be smacking your lips as soon as you get a taste. And did we mention it's full of healthy fats? To make, simply combine avocado, coconut milk, lime juice, and a sweetener of your choice.
17. Birthday Cake
Know someone with a summer birthday? Then these frozen cake pops are perfect for the celebration! You'll just need vanilla pudding mix, whipped topping, milk of your choice, wafers (for that nice crunch), and the most important topping of all: sprinkles. Mix it all up, then freeze.
18. Orange Banana Smoothie
Orange you glad we didn't say carrot again? Nope—this time, we're placing two fruits in the spotlight: orange and banana. Simply blend two large bananas, one cup of oranges, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a sweetener of your choice. Then voilà.
19. Plum
What happens when you combine six (pitted) plums, vanilla extract, and honey together? You get these delicious ice pops. Gorgeously deep purple and perfect to enjoy while lounging in your backyard, soaking up the summer sun, this simple treat is an absolute must-try.
20. Frozen Grapes
Too lazy to chop up fruits and throw different ingredients together? Don't worry—we've got just the solution: frozen grapes. Yup: all you'll need are grapes! Just toss them in the freezer, then skewer them up. If you'd prefer them popsicle-style, blend them up and pour into molds before freezing.
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