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Recipe: Fruit Popsicles
Three sweet and simple ways to beat a Texas heat wave.
When summer turns up the heat (and humidity) in Texas, nothing beats the blazing atmosphere like a chilly popsicle. Endlessly refreshing, these frozen treats offer a brief reprieve from afternoons that shimmer with humidity and sidewalks that seem to radiate warmth long after sunset. Sweltering summer days call for something handheld and simple.
Fortunately, popsicle season coincides with fruit season. Farmers markets brim with stone fruits, berries, and melons, each begging to be transformed into something frosty and sweet. Homemade popsicles are one of the simplest ways to capture that bounty. They require little more than ripe fruit, a touch of sweetener, and a little patience while the freezer works its magic.
We’ve included three favorite variations. Watermelon-mint popsicles blend the hallmark summer melon with coconut water and lime for a refreshing treat that tastes like summer itself. Lemonade pops studded with strawberries showcase whole pieces of fruit suspended like stained glass in the ice. And for something creamier, the blueberry-Greek yogurt recipe combines those antioxidant-filled berries with tangy yogurt for a richer dessert that still feels wholesome.
A few tips to ensure popsicles at their prime:
- Freezing naturally dulls sweetness, so a little honey or sugar helps fruit flavors shine.
- Citrus brightens everything, while full-fat (rather than low-fat or nonfat) Greek yogurt lends a smooth, creamy texture that resists becoming icy.
- Fresh fruit is wonderful when in season, but frozen fruit has its merits too.
Now just pop them in the freezer and wait.
All recipes make 6 popsicles (3 fluid ounces each)
Watermelon-Mint Popsicle
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup coconut water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
Method
Step 1
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until combined.
Step 2
Divide among molds and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Step 3
Unmold the popsicles by letting them stand at room temperature for 5 minutes, or run the bottom of the mold under warm water and wiggle them out. Serve immediately.
Strawberry Lemonade Popsicle
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 cups cold water
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed and halved
- Pinch of salt
Method
Step 1
In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
Step 2
Transfer the prepared simple syrup and fresh lemon juice to a large pitcher. Dilute with more water to reach your desired sweetness.
Step 3
Fill 1/3 of each mold with lemonade, add a few strawberry pieces, and then fill the remainder of the mold with more lemonade. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
Step 4
Follow directions from above to unmold the popsicles and serve immediately.
Blueberry-Yogurt Popsicle
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 3 tablespoons for the puree
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Juice from 2 lemons (about 1 teaspoon)
- 3/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- A splash of heavy cream (optional, but makes the texture even creamier)
Method
Step 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir blueberries, water, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the lemon juice together. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Remove the blueberry puree from heat and cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl — yield should be about 1 cup of strained puree.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, whisk 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, yogurt, and 1/4 cup of sugar until combined.
Step 4
Whisk blueberry puree into yogurt base until combined. Divide among molds and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Step 5
Follow directions from above to unmold the popsicles and serve immediately.
Ice cream s’mores are another simple summer crowd-pleaser.
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