Healthy Homemade Fruit Popsicles

Homemade fruit popsicles are an easy, healthy and refreshing treat to make for your kids this summer! They are made with only natural ingredients so you can feel good about giving them to your little ones. The variety of different flavor combinations are endless to accommodate even the pickiest eaters. These natural fruit popsicles are a fast, fun, healthy treat to enjoy after a day of fun in the sun!

Kids love sugar; that's just a fact of life. The summer months usually spell more sweet treats than the colder months... S'mores by the fire, popsicles by the pool. We all have a summer memory tied to enjoying a sugary treat with friends and family. So why not make something for your kids that you will feel good about giving them? 

With a bit of creativity, you can take fresh fruit and turn it into delicious homemade frozen creations. Making these frozen treats is a fun way for kids and adults to experiment in the kitchen together! 

There is nothing like enjoying an ice-cold popsicle during these hot summer days. However, many store-bought brands contain artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, food dyes and preservatives. I decided to experiment with fun, healthier alternatives to all the food dyes, additives and extra sugar and came up with a summer treat every kid will love!

Suggested Fruits:

• Kiwi
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Blackberries
• Apples 

Yogurt adds a wonderful creaminess to popsicles. It also adds flavor, protein and probiotics! If you choose to add juice to the popsicles, I suggest using fresh pressed juice if you have a juicer. If not, you can buy juice that is unsweetened (no added sugar) and is not from concentrate.

Suggested Yogurt/Juices:

• Greek yogurt
• Dairy free yogurt
• Coconut water/coconut milk (unsweetened)
• Apple juice
• Cherry juice
• Grape juice
• Fresh squeezed orange juice

Other Additives:

• Citrus Juice (lemon or lime) - Citrus juice is important in these popsicles because it helps keep the consistency you want and cuts through the sweetness.
• Honey is a magical natural sweetener. It is my favorite sweetener to use for these popsicles because it has so many amazing benefits, but you can always substitute it for agave or cane sugar.
• Vanilla extract goes so well with fruits and adds a flavor punch. If you don't have vanilla, you can always omit or use vanilla flavored yogurt. 

Equipment

• Blender
• Popsicle mold: there are a lot of different type of molds out there to choose from!

Freezing

Depending on the ingredients, at least eight hours is needed to turn the liquids into a solid. Overnight freezing is the safest way to insure they are frozen, pop out easily and gives you something to look forward to the next day!

Strawberry Yogurt Pop

Scroll down for a printable version of this recipe

Yield: 4 popsicles

Prep time: 10 minutes

Freeze time: 8 hours

Total time: 8 hours 10 min

2 cups fresh strawberries

2/3 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 Tablespoons honey

1. Add all ingredients to the blender.

2. Blend for about 1 minute or until the mixture is smooth. If you desire an even smoother texture or your kids just don't like seeds, I recommend straining the mixture.

3. Evenly distribute the mixture into the mold of your choice.

4. Secure the lids on the molds.

5. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.

6. Remove the molds from the freezer, run each one under hot water for 20-30 seconds to release the popsicle.

7. Enjoy right away, or place them in an airtight, freezer-friendly container until you're ready to enjoy.

Just about every store now has plastic or silicone popsicle molds that come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. If you don't have a popsicle mold you can use cups. Place them onto a sheet tray, pour the mixture into your cup, cover the top of the cup with foil, make a slit, stick the popsicle stick into the foil and down into your mixture. Freeze, pop them out and enjoy!

Blueberry Kiwi Pops

Yields: 4 popsicles

Prep time: 10 minutes

Freeze time: 8 hours

Total time: 8 hours 10 minutes

2 cups blueberries

1 cup kiwi

1/2 cup apple juice

3 Tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Follow the same procedure as in the above recipe. 

You can use these recipes for a base and add any fruits you desire!

If you have a young chef who is showing an interest in food, inspire them by enrolling them in one of our summer cooking camps. For kids, our Global Cuisine Camp runs Monday, August 22 through Friday, August 26 at Lincoln Square. This is a great class for introducing your child to new flavors, ingredients and food from around the world! For teens, our International Adventure Boot Camp runs Monday, August 15 through Friday, August 19. We hope to see your child in our kitchens this month!