Use this guide to learn the easiest ways for how to make popsicles in all the best flavor options and styles, including ice pops and creamy freezer pops. Plus, the best popsicle molds. You’ll be totally set for warm weather treats!
We love homemade popsicles—including fruit popsicles, Fudge Pops, Creamsicles, Ice Pops, and more— for snack, dessert, and even breakfast, and once you know a few basic tips, you can make them in so many delicious flavors.
To make this as fast and easy for you as possible, I have methods for making freezer pops with a base of either yogurt or fruit juice in multiple flavors so you can customize the popsicle for your kids.
Plus, there are tips on how to store, how to reduce iciness, and how to add just enough sweetness to make the most delicious popsicles ever…for less than you’d spend at the store!
(You may also like my Pineapple Popsicles, Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, and my Strawberry Popsicles.)
Table of Contents
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Best Popsicle Molds
To start, you’ll need a set of popsicle molds so you can easily freeze your popsicle base. I have a full post with all of my favorite ones—that are super durable and make it easy to release the popsicles. I also include full-size and mini popsicles so you can pick the size you prefer.
Read about my favorite popsicle molds and know you can also use popsicle sticks and mini bathroom-type paper or plastic cups if you prefer. You’ll just need to put the stick in about 1 hour after you put them into the freezer so it stays upright. (If you put it in right away, they will lean to the side since the mixture is too liquidy.)
You can also use ice pop sleeves.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at what you’ll need when learning how to make popsicles at home so you know what you’ll need to have on hand.
- Yogurt or fruit juice: You can choose a creamy base (where you’d use yogurt, either Greek or regular), or an ice-pop style of freezer pop, where you’d use fruit juice. Both are easy options.
- Fruit: You can use fresh or frozen fruit to make popsicles. In many cases, you can also use canned fruit. I’ll share options using strawberries, mango, oranges, bananas, and more.
- Honey or maple syrup: Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you can add a little of either of these to enhance the flavor. Avoid honey for babies under age 1.)
- Vanilla extract: You can add a little vanilla extract (regular or alcohol-free) if you’d like to add even more flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make popsicles. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full recipe with amounts and specifics.
- Add the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend very smooth, starting on low and working up to high.
- Pour into popsicle molds.
- Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight.
TIP: To release popsicles from their molds, either pop out of a silicone mold or run a plastic one under warm water for 15-30 seconds.
Featured Comment
Perfect! My daughter devoured them. They are also so easy and fun for her to help make. —Liz
Frequently Asked Questions
A basic method for making homemade popsicles is to blend the ingredients together and freeze in popsicle molds. You can use a base of either yogurt or fruit juice, depending on the style of popsicle you want to make.
Ingredients in homemade popsicles vary based on the flavor you’re making, but generally they can include fruit, yogurt, fruit juice, and optional added sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Greek yogurt or full-fat coconut milk can help homemade popsicles stay soft. It can also help to let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so they soften slightly.
Favorite Popsicle Recipes to Try
Below are some of my favorite popsicles to make for the kids—and enjoy with them! These are all super easy to make and freeze, so you don’t have to worry about anything taking a lot of time or energy.
You can serve them once they’re firm, or you can save them for a future day. Up to you.
How to Store
Once the popsicles are frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top storage bag. Remove as much air from the bag as you can and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Best Tips for Success
- When learning how to make popsicles, blending the popsicle mixture until very smooth is one of the most important tips.
- Use a base of yogurt, coconut milk, or fruit juice, depending on the flavor you’re wanting to make.
- Taste the blended mixture and sweeten to taste with honey (for kids over age 1) or maple syrup.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Run a plastic popsicle mold under warm water for 15-30 seconds to help release the popsicle as needed.
- Let yogurt-based popsicles sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so they soften and are a little creamy before serving.
- Find the best popsicle mold for your family to use season after season and more of my favorite frozen dessert recipes.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment below to share!
How to Make Popsicles (Ultimate Guide)
Ingredients
Creamy Yogurt Popsicles
- 12 ounces plain Greek yogurt (2% or 4% milk fat; two 6-ounce containers)
- 2 cups diced fruit (such as strawberries, mango, banana, or blueberries)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Ice Pop-Style Popsicles
- 12 ounces fruit juice (such as apple, grape, or watermelon juice; you can also use 2 cups of diced fresh seedless watermelon)
- 2 cups diced fruit (such as grapes, strawberries, watermelon, mango, or pineapple)
Instructions
- Choose your style of popsicle.
- Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender and grind until well combined, about 10 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Divide the mixture evenly among reusable popsicle molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Run popsicle molds under warm water briefly to help loosen. Serve.
- Store any remaining pops in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Once the popsicles are frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top storage bag. Remove as much air from the bag as you can and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Use a base of yogurt, coconut milk, or fruit juice, depending on the flavor you’re wanting to make.
- Taste the blended mixture and sweeten to taste with honey (for kids over age 1) or maple syrup.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Run a plastic popsicle mold under warm water for 15-30 seconds to help release the popsicle as needed.
- Let yogurt-based popsicles sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so they soften and are a little creamy before serving.
- Find the best popsicle mold for your family to use season after season.
- To make these for a baby, avoid using honey.
Nutrition
This post was first published July 2022.
Perfect! My daughter devoured them. They are also so easy and fun for her to help make.
Amazing!! So healthy and yummy. My kids ate these up and they are now a staple in the freezer.