Are you ready to indulge in the perfect summer treat? Look no further - these fresh Strawberry Popsicles are bursting with flavors of fresh strawberries and tangy lemon juice. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply seeking a delightful dessert, these popsicles are a guaranteed hit.
On a hot day, there's nothing quite like indulging in the cool and invigorating taste of homemade fruit popsicles.
If you enjoyed my pineapple popsicles then you're going to love these. Fresh fruit in popsicle form makes for tasty treats especially this time of year. My kids love eating them, better yet we have fun preparing them together.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Healthy and Refreshing: Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and free of artificial dyes these healthy strawberry popsicles offer a guilt-free indulgence. Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while lemons provide a boost of Vitamin C and aid digestion.
- Quick and Easy: With a minimal prep time of just 10 minutes and simple ingredients, you'll have these delightful popsicles ready to freeze in no time. No fancy equipment or culinary skills required – simply blend the ingredients, pour them into molds, and let your freezer work its magic.
- Customizable: While the classic combination of strawberries and lemons is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to get creative and add your personal touch. Experiment with additional ingredients like mint leaves, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of chocolate at the end.
- All-Age Appeal: These popsicles are loved by kids and adults alike, making them a perfect treat for the whole family.
Ingredients and Substituions
- Strawberries: Add natural sweetness, juicy rich flavor, and vibrant red color to these popsicles.
- Lemon: Their tangy and refreshing taste pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries, you can also use lime instead.
- Water: to make the strawberry puree more liquid
- Agave Nectar: As a natural sweetener, agave nectar provides a sweet taste to popsicles while being a lower-glycemic alternative to refined sugar. You can substitute it with maple syrup or honey.
- Guar Gum Powder (optional): Used as a natural thickener in this recipe. This ingredient is optional, but it's great for making the consistency less icy and more creamy. It can be found at your local health food store or online.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Remove the crowns from the strawberries and rinse them.
- In a blender, add the strawberries, water, lemon juice, agave nectar, and guar gum (if using).
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour the strawberry mixture into popsicle molds about ¾ to the top.
- Tap down to release any air bubbles
- Put the popsicle sticks in place and freeze for at least 6 hours
Hint: for mess-free popsicles, I highly recommend using a popsicle mold that comes with a little ledge on the bottom or one that's in pop-up form.
Popsicle Variations and Customizations
Indulging in classic Strawberry Lemon Popsicles is undeniably delightful, but why not switch it up a little and try something new? Here are some exciting variations and customizations to consider:
- Fruit Swaps: While strawberries and lemons make a fantastic combination, feel free to experiment with different fruits to create unique flavor profiles. Try substituting the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even a tropical twist with diced pineapple or mango.
- Flavor Infusions: Elevate the taste of your popsicles by infusing them with complementary flavors. Consider adding a hint of freshness with mint leaves, a subtle warmth with grated ginger, or a touch of floral essence with lavender petals.
- Creamy Additions: For a creamier texture and added richness, blend in a dollop of Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, coconut milk, or almond milk. This will give you creamy popsicles and create a delightful contrast to the fruity tang.
- Textural Enhancements: Add a playful twist to your popsicles by incorporating textural elements. Consider stirring in finely chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or mini chocolate chips for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Layered Creations: Get creative with your presentation by layering different flavors. Pour a layer of the strawberry lemon mixture into the molds, freeze until set, then add a contrasting layer such as blended blueberries or pureed watermelon. Repeat the process for a visually stunning and multi-flavored popsicle experience.
Equipment
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- A high-speed blender will give you the best and smoothest results, but a regular food processor will work as well
- I like using popsicle molds since we make our own popsicles regularly in the summer and I like that I can wash and reuse them easily. We've tried both a classic popsicle mold and a pop-up style mold, and we like them both. If you don't have a mold, you can use an ice cube tray or paper cups and insert popsicle sticks.
Storage
- Freezing Duration: Place the filled popsicle molds in the freezer and let them freeze for a minimum of 6 hours or until completely set.
- Storage Tips: Once the popsicles are fully frozen, you can remove them from the molds and store them in an airtight container or individually wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag. Keep them in the freezer until you're ready to eat.
- Shelf Life and Freshness: For the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume the popsicles within 2-3 weeks. Be sure to check for any signs of freezer burn or ice crystallization, and discard any popsicles that appear compromised.
Top tip
- When trying to release popsicles from the mold try running hot water over the outside of the mold and gently moving the popsicle stick back and forth.
- Don't overfill the mold, consider that you still need room for the popsicle stick. Liquid when frozen will expand and take up more space.
- If you're not in a hurry to reuse the mold, you can leave popsicles in there until you're ready to eat.
FAQ
How can I prevent ice crystals from forming in my popsicles?
Ice crystals can sometimes form in homemade popsicles, resulting in a less desirable texture. To prevent this, make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency before pouring the mixture into the molds. Additionally, adding a small amount of corn syrup, guar gum powder or cornstarch can help inhibit the formation of ice crystals.
Removing popsicles from molds can sometimes be a bit tricky. To ease the process, run warm water over the exterior of the mold for a few seconds. This will help loosen the popsicles and make them easier to slide out. Gently twist the sticks while pulling on them to release the popsicles.
If you prefer creamier popsicles, consider adding a touch of yogurt, coconut milk, or cream to the mixture. This will give the popsicles a smoother and creamier texture. Experiment with different ratios to find your desired level of creaminess.
My popsicles are melting too quickly. What can I do?
If you're facing the issue of quick melting popsicles, try reducing the amount of water in the recipe or increasing the amount of fruit puree or juice. This will result in a higher fruit-to-liquid ratio, creating popsicles that are less prone to melting quickly. Additionally, storing the popsicles in a colder part of the freezer or serving them in chilled glasses can help keep them frozen for longer.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Strawberry Popsicle Recipe
These delicious strawberry popsicles are made with fresh wholesome ingredients and are the perfect sweet treats on a hot summer day!
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. fresh strawberries (about 4 cups)
- juice of 1 lemon (¼ cup)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon guar gum powder (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the crowns from the strawberries and wash them.
- In a blender, add the strawberries, water, lemon juice, agave nectar and guar gum powder (if using).
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour in popsicle molds until ¾ full and put the popsicle sticks in place
- Freeze for at least 6 hours
- To remove from mold run warm water over the outside of the mold and gently move popsicle stick back and forth.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Once the popsicles are fully frozen, you can remove them from the molds and store them in an airtight container or individually wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag. Keep them in the freezer until you're ready to eat.
- Shelf Life and Freshness: For the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume the popsicles within 2-3 weeks. Be sure to check for any signs of freezer burn or ice crystallization, and discard any popsicles that appear compromised.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 29Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 0g
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