Easy & Healthy Homemade Fruit Popsicle Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Jun 09, 2019, Updated Sep 08, 2021

4.98 from 40 votes

33 Comments

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This Homemade Fruit Popsicles recipe is an easy, healthy and refreshing treat or snack to make for your kids this summer! These healthy popsicles are made with only 5 ingredients including fresh fruit and vegetables, in 5 minutes (plus freezing time)! Make a variety of flavors by using different combinations of fruits, juices, and yogurts! A great healthy dessert to enjoy after a day of fun in the sun!

Easy & Healthy Homemade Fruit Popsicle Recipe (2)

This post is sponsored by my friends atVitamix. As always, all opinions, photos, videos and the recipe are completely my own!

Summer is here! And there’s nothing like enjoying an ice-cold popsicle after a day of fun in the sun! However, many store-bought varieties contain artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup and food dyes.

That’s why I created this recipe for Homemade Popsicles with only 5 wholesome ingredients including fresh fruit and yogurt or pure fruit juice! It only takes 5 minutes to blend up the mixture for this fruit popsicle recipe! The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze before enjoying them!

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Homemade Fruit Popsicles: Ingredients for different Varieties

There are many different combinations and flavors you can create with this healthy homemade popsicle recipe! I listed the three varieties I made in the recipe card. But let’s chat about some of the different options here!

The important thing to keep constant is the ratio of ingredients! As long as you use the suggestedamountfruit, yogurt, juice, etc. your popsicles will turn out great! The only thing to note is that if you add a watery vegetable like zucchini, you will need to decrease the amount of liquid used!

Just be aware that if you are hoping to make pretty colored popsicles, you must choose fruit/juice/yogurt that combine beautifully (e.g. peeled apples and zucchini) or are in the same color family (e.g. red strawberries with red grape juice).

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Fruit Suggestions

Here are some of our favorite fruits to use to make this popsicle recipe:

  • Strawberries
  • blueberries
  • raspberries
  • apples (peeled if you are looking to create a color other than that of the outside of the skin).
  • grapes
  • pineapple
  • mango
  • peaches
  • plums
  • nectarines
  • cantaloupe
  • watermelon
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Yogurt/Juice Suggestions

In this post I used Honey Vanilla Greek yogurt. I love the creaminess it adds to this popsicle recipe! I also love the added protein and flavor! Here are some other suggestions that you can use! If you use fruit juice I recommend choosing unsweetened varieties not from concentrate.

  • Greek yogurt (any flavor or fat percentage).
  • Dairy-free yogurt
  • regular yogurt (any flavor or kind).
  • Apple Juice (used in the green popsicles).
  • orange juice
  • grape juice
  • cherry juice

Other ingredient substitutions

Here are a few suggestions for substitutions for the other ingredients in this popsicle recipe!

  • Honey.honey is my favorite sweetener to use in this recipe because it’s natural, imparts a subtle but delicious flavor, and is not too expensive! We tried a batch with maple syrup and while it was tasty, I don’t prefer popsicles with a maple flavor! Other suggestions are agave, pure cane sugar, or your favorite liquid sweetener!
  • Lemon juice. The acidity of lemon juice is important to this popsicle recipe because it keeps them nice and soft and balances out the sweetness. Lime juice can be used for a different flavor if desired!
  • Vanilla extract.I absolutely adore the extra flavor punch that the pure vanilla extract gives to these healthy popsicles. However, you could omit this ingredient if you don’t have it on hand, especially if you’re using a vanilla flavored yogurt.
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How to make homemade popsicles

This popsicle recipe is very simple with minimal ingredients, but we’ll walk through it step-by-step to ensure your success! The first tip I have to share with you about making the best homemade popsicles is…

Use a Vitamix Blender!

If you’ve been around my blog for a while then you know that I exclusively blend with a Vitamix (and have for a decade)! So it’s not surprising that I will tell you that the best way to achieve silky smooth popsicles is to use a Vitamix blender!

Of course you can use a different blender to make this popsicle recipe because it’s not difficult to blend. However, if you don’t have a Vitamixyet I highly recommendgetting one!

Check out myVitamix Buying Guidewhere I give my exhaustive reasons for choosing aVitamix blender a decade ago, and my top recommendations about which model to buy!

Blend Ingredients

Now that we’ve established the best blender to use for these homemade popsicles, let’s get started! Begin by blending the ingredients in the order listed in the recipe card.

When blending anything in the Vitamix it’s important to begin by adding the liquid ingredients. So in this popsicle recipe, start by adding the yogurt or fruit juice. You can use any variety you’d like, but in these photos I used honey vanilla Greek yogurt!

Next add the honey. The amount will vary depending on the sweetness of the berries and yogurt or juice used. I recommend starting with 1-2 TBS and increasing it to suit your tastes! You can use a different sweetener if you’d prefer, but we really love the taste of honey!

Next add the vanilla, lemon juice and then the berries and blend it all together. Start on low speed and increase to medium. This pulls the ingredients down into the blades. Once the mixture starts to blend wellincrease the speed to high and blend for 40-60 seconds!

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Pour Mixture into Popsicle Molds

Once the mixture is hom*ogenous (uniform throughout), evenly distribute it between the six wells of a popsicle mold. I created this recipe to perfectly fit in this Classic Popsicle Mold and make 6 popsicles.

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Freeze

Once the molds are filled, place the lids and sticks on top and freeze for 8 hours, or overnight. I recommend making these homemade popsicles the day before you would like to enjoy them so you don’t have to wait for them to freeze!

I like to make a couple batches of this healthy popsicle recipe and toss them in the freezer so we always have some on hand for when the craving strikes on a hot summer day!

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Release from Molds

Whether you use a store-bought mold or make your own, you will need to remove the popsicles from the molds. It’s really easy to do!

To release the popsicles from the molds simply run each one under warm water for 30-60 seconds and pull to release. Then you can freeze them for later or enjoy right away!

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Store

These homemade popsicles can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months in an airtight container. Enjoy frozen.

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FAQs about making fruit popsicles

How do you store homemade popsicles?

If you plan on making these fruit popsicles in advance and not eating them as soon as they’re removed from the molds, here’s how to store them:
Remove popsicles from molds.
Place on a large baking sheet.
Put baking sheet in the freezer.
Once the popsicles are completely frozen, place them in a freezer-friendly container or plastic bag to store!

How long do homemade popsicles last?

These homemade fruit popsicles can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months (if they don’t get eating right away)!

How do you make smooth popsicles?

The trick to creating smooth popsicles with fresh, whole fruits and vegetables is using the Vitamix blender! With it you can blend any variety of fruit or veggies into a silky smooth, delicious icy treat for you and your family!

How do you make popsicles without a popsicle mold?

It’s actually super easy to make your own homemade popsicles without a store bought mold, (although I highly recommend buying one because it makes it very easy to whip up a batch of these healthy popsicles)!

How do you make popsicle molds at home?

If you don’t have a popsicle mold you can make your own mold using cups, popsicle sticks and tin foil! Here’s how:
Place cups on a baking pan.
Pour popsicle mixture into the cups.
Place tin foil over each cup and use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in middle of the tinfoil on top.
Slide a popsicle stick into each slit.
Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.

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Easy & Healthy Homemade Fruit Popsicle Recipe (14)

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Healthy Homemade Fruit Popsicles

Laura

This Homemade Fruit Popsicles recipe is an easy, healthy and
refreshing treat or snack to make for your kids this summer! These popsicles are made with only 5 ingredients including fresh fruit and vegetables, in 5 minutes (plus freezing
time)! Make a variety of flavors by using different combinations of fruits, juices,
and yogurts! A great healthy dessert to enjoy after a day of fun in the sun!

4.98 from 40 votes

Course baby food, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 popsicles

Calories 100.1

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Freezing time4 hours hours

Total Time8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to the container of your Vitamix in the order listed.

  • Blend for 50-70 seconds or until the mixture is smooth.

  • Evenly distribute the mixture into the six wells of a popsicle mold.

  • Secure the lids and sticks on top of the mold and place it in the freezer.

  • Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.

  • Remove the molds, run each one under hot water for 30 seconds and then release the popsicle.

  • Enjoy immediately! 
To freeze for later, once the popsicles are removed from the molds place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze them for 30 minutes.

  • Place them in an airtight, freezer-friendly container or Ziploc bag until you are ready to enjoy them!

Video

Notes

Red Popsicles:

  • 2.5 cup strawberries
  • ¾ cup vanilla honey greek yogurt
  • 4-6 TBS honey
  • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp lemon juice

Purple Popsicles:

  • 2.5 cup blueberries
  • ¾ cup apple juice
  • 4-6 TBS honey
  • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp lemon juice

Green Popsicles:

  • 2 cups apples, chopped and peeled (2 small or one medium apple)
  • 1 cup zucchini (1 small zucchini chopped)
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 4 TBS honey
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup spinach (if zucchini isn’t making it green enough)

If you don’t have a popsicle mold use this method:

  1. Place cups on a baking pan.
  2. Pour popsicle mixture into the cups.
  3. Place tin foil over each cup and use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in middle of the tinfoil on top.
  4. Slide a popsicle stick into each slit.
  5. Freeze for 8 hours or overnight.

Nutrition information was calculated for the strawberry popsicles using honey vanilla Greek yogurt.

Store

These homemade popsicles can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months in an airtight container. Enjoy frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Honey.honey is my favorite sweetener to use in this recipe because it’s natural, imparts a subtle but delicious flavor, and is not too expensive! We tried a batch with maple syrup and while it was tasty, I don’t prefer popsicles with a maple flavor! Other suggestions are agave, pure cane sugar, or your favorite liquid sweetener!
  • Lemon juice. The acidity of lemon juice is important to this popsicle recipe because it keeps them nice and soft and balances out the sweetness. Lime juice can be used for a different flavor if desired!
  • Vanilla extract.I absolutely adore the extra flavor punch that the pure vanilla extract gives to these healthy popsicles. However, you could omit this ingredient if you don’t have it on hand, especially if you’re using a vanilla flavored yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1popsicle | Calories: 100.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.5g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 2.1g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 6.1mg | Sodium: 21.5mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 49.7mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase aproduct through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!

Easy & Healthy Homemade Fruit Popsicle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make popsicles creamy not icy? ›

Fortunately, there's an easy way to prevent this unwanted outcome by using an unexpected ingredient: cornstarch. When you're creating the mixture for your popsicles, you can add a few teaspoons of cornstarch. Blend it with the rest of your ingredients, then pour the liquid into the popsicle molds as usual.

How do you make homemade popsicles softer? ›

How do I get my popsicles to have a creamier texture? To get a slightly softer texture, add more sweetener or a fatty milk product like heavy cream. Both lower the freezing point of the puree and gives it a less icy final finish.

Are fruit popsicles good for you? ›

"Popsicles might seem like a healthy alternative to other summer treats that are much higher in calories. But many popsicles are loaded with sugar and additives that can negatively impact your health, especially if you're eating them on a regular basis," says Kim Yawitz, RD, a registered dietitian and gym owner in St.

Can Type 2 diabetics eat popsicles? ›

People with type 2 diabetes can have desserts, but they should be mindful of portion sizes and of how often they consume these foods. The following are some low calorie or low carbohydrate dessert options that have less of an impact on blood sugar levels than regular desserts: popsicles with no added sugar.

What keeps popsicles from freezing solid? ›

The secret to making no “icy” popsicle is adding cornstarch to the recipe! This will make popsicles less icy and more creamy.

What do you put in popsicles to make them soft? ›

Adding a higher sugar content can make them softer by lowering the freezing point. Experiment with reducing the amount of sugar in your popsicle mixture to achieve a softer consistency. I use fruit purée. Also, I add sugar and alcohol.

What liquid is used to freeze popsicles? ›

In cases were the use of Glycol Propylene is necessary, the solution should be of 40% of water + 60% Propylene Glycol, totalling up approximately 38 liters of the mixture. The brine is not more utilized, as it can provoke corrosive mischief to the equipment, and also deteriorates the environment.

How do you make fruit pops less icy? ›

The pectin makes the pops smoother, less icy, and softer to bite. With just a little bit of sugar plus a lemon juice and citric acid to make the flavors even brighter, you have yourself one perfect summer treat.

How long do homemade popsicles last? ›

Typically, popsicles stored in a freezer will remain safe to eat for several months, although they may become less palatable after that time. If the popsicles have changed color, have an unusual odor, or have an off taste, it is best to discard them.

How do you make homemade popsicles that aren't rock hard? ›

Whole milk plain Greek yogurt is great for making homemade popsicles. It has a lower water content than regular yogurt, meaning less water crystals to make your popsicles icy (plus it's high protein!)! Full-fat coconut milk from a can is another great basis for making healthy creamy popsicles.

How do you keep homemade popsicles from sticking? ›

I find the best method is to fill a pan or container that is at least as tall as your mold with warm (not hot) water, and briefly dip the mold in until the pops loosen, about 20 to 30 seconds.

How unhealthy is a popsicle? ›

Popsicles are mostly sugar and water, with no nutrients and no fat. Ice cream is mostly sugar and either milk or cream. It has nutritional value, but also contain fat. Ounce for ounce, ice cream has more calories than a popsicle.

Are ice popsicles healthy? ›

Because these frozen treats are mostly liquid, they can help you meet your daily hydration goals. But commercially made ice pops often offer little more than water, the occasional artificial food dye, and a whole lot of sugar, which is usually the first or second ingredient listed.

Why do doctors recommend popsicles? ›

Cold, sweet treats such as popsicles, ice cream, and Jello can meet a few needs during the recovery process. They can help reduce body temperature as well as provide much-needed hydration. The ingredients also coat and soothe irritated tissue in the mouth and throat as well.

Why are popsicles healthy? ›

Liquid found in popsicles counts towards daily fluid goals.

Water content rich foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, popsicles, and sugar-free flavored waters can help get you the hydration you need to feel your best.

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