Use this guide 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 with this post.

strawberry popsicles on gray plate.

How to Make Popsicles

We love homemade popsicles for snack, dessert, and even breakfast, and once you know a few basic tips, you can make them in so many delicious flavors.

I will share a method for making freezer pops with a base of either yogurt or fruit juice in a few flavors, plus tips on how to store, how to reduce iciness, and how to add just enough sweetness.

The beauty of this approach is that you can easily customize popsicles for your kids with the ingredients you want to use—and often for less than you’d spend buying them at the store!

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favorite popsicle molds in grid of 6

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 to make popsicles at home so you know what you’ll need to have on hand:

ingredients-in-strawberry-popsicles
  • 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.

how to make fruit popsicles in grid of 2 images.
  1. Add the ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend very smooth, starting on low and working up to high.
  3. Pour into popsicle molds.
  4. 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.

Peach popsicles in mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make homemade popsicles?

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.

What are the ingredients in a popsicle?

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.

What ingredient makes popsicles soft?

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.

strawberry-popsicles-on-blue-plate

Strawberry Popsicles

These popsicles are one of our all-time favorites, and they work really well with fresh or frozen strawberries so you can make them all year long.

Easy Strawberry Popsicles (with Greek Yogurt)
With just 5 simple ingredients, these Strawberry Popsicles are a packed with vitamins and protein. They're a great toddler snack, baby popsicle, and dessert to share.
Easy Strawberry Popsicles (with Greek Yogurt)
strawberry frozen yogurt pops in molds on blue plate
creamsicle-popsicles-on-white-plate

Homemade Creamsicles

The fresh citrus in these pops is bright and refreshing—which makes them perfect for warm weather or to soothe a sore throat.

Easiest Creamsicle Recipe (3-Ingredients!)
With simple ingredients and fresh flavors, this homemade Creamsicle recipe is so fresh and fun for warmer weather—and is packed with Vitamin C, probiotics, and protein to help nourish our kiddos!
Easiest Creamsicle Recipe (3-Ingredients!)
creamsicle-popsicles-on-white-plate
banana-popsicles-on-polka-dot-plate

Banana Popsicles

My kids are obsessed with eating these for breakfast. Whatever works! (They’re seriously creamy, too.)

Favorite Banana Popsicles
These fresh banana popsicles are incredibly creamy and easy to make—and they're a balanced snack or dessert to share with the kids.
Favorite Banana Popsicles
banana popsicles on plate with banana slices.
grape-pops-on-white-plate

Grape Pops

With fresh grapes and grape juice, these popsicles are so refreshing for days when we need a little more hydration.

Easy Grape Pops (with Fresh Fruit!)
I like to make these with red grapes. Choose seedless to avoid seeds in the blender.
Easy Grape Pops (with Fresh Fruit!)
grape-pops-on-white-plate
mini-fudge-pops-on-pink-plate

Fudge Pops

Made with a base of a simple chocolate pudding, these fudge pops are super creamy and delicious.

So Good Fudge Pops (with Avocado!)
Plan to make these in the morning of the day you want to serve them or the day before so they have time to freeze. See Notes for allergy-friendly substitutions. The amount of popsicles the recipe makes will vary according to the size of your mold.
So Good Fudge Pops (with Avocado!)
fudge pops with strawberries on pink plate.
green-smoothie-pop-on-plate

Green Smoothie Pop

Freeze leftover smoothie or make a batch on purpose to freeze as popsicles. Such a fun way to offer up greens!

Green Smoothie Freezer Pops
If you want to make more pops, simply double the recipe! If you have a toddler who’s super sensitive to textures, use mango instead of kiwi for extra creamy results.
Green Smoothie Freezer Pops
green-smoothie-pop-on-plate
mango-popsicles-in-molds

Mango Popsicles

Mango and yogurt (or coconut milk) are super creamy when blended together and are so delicious that you don’t need to add any other ingredients!

Easy Mango Popsicles (2-Ingredients!)
These super easy Mango Popsicles are crazy simple to make—they have just two ingredients—and they are completely refreshing. Plus, the vitamin C, probiotics, and protein make them a nutritious snack for those little bellies!
Easy Mango Popsicles (2-Ingredients!)
mango popsicles on white plate
blueberry greek frozen yogurt pops

Blueberry Popsicles

Blend up blueberries with spinach and yogurt for a satisfying, produce-packed popsicle to share with the kids.

Blueberry Popsicles (with Yogurt and Spinach)
If you have a high-powered blender you can add up to a cup of spinach. If you're relying on a food processor you may want to reduce it to ½ cup. Start with the lower amount and add more as you like.
Blueberry Popsicles (with Yogurt and Spinach)
Blueberry popsicles on purple plate with blueberries on side.
watermelon popsicles on plate

Watermelon Popsicles

Blending fresh watermelon into ice pops is a really refreshing snack—and a great way to use up leftover watermelon.

Fresh Watermelon Popsicles
Learn how to turn fresh watermelon into popsicles by either blending and freezing into popsicle molds or freezing watermelon sticks or wedges. This added-sugar-free popsicle recipe is refreshing and delicious.
Fresh Watermelon Popsicles
watermelon popsicles on plate
chocolate-covered-banana-pops

Chocolate-Covered Bananas

This old-school treat is as good as always and in this version, the bananas are topped with the most delicious chocolate pudding.

Chocolate Covered Bananas
These Chocolate Covered Bananas are frozen into popsicles that are so easy to make and so seriously fun. The chocolate pudding has a perfect texture once frozen, you can add sprinkles if you want, and use either paper lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks.
Chocolate Covered Bananas
chocolate-covered-bananas-on-parchment-paper-1
homemade-rocket-pops-on-white-plate

Rocket Pops

Whether for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or just any day, these homemade rocket pops are so fun and colorful!

Easy Rocket Pops
Packed with produce and flavor, these easy Rocket Pops are a fun homemade popsicle that's perfect for celebrating. (Plan to make these at least 6 hours before you plan to serve them, or the day before to be sure they'll be firm enough to serve.)
Easy Rocket Pops
easy rocket pops on counter.
5 ice pops in different colors on parchment paper

All-Fruit Ice Pops

We are super fans of all frozen treats over here and it seemed time to make one entirely from fruit. These Ice Pops are the delicious result. They take about 10 minutes to make and are so versatile that you can make them with almost any fruit you have. Win!

Fruit Ice Pops Recipe
This whole fruit Ice Pops recipe takes about 10 minutes to make and are so versatile that you can make them with almost any fruit you have. Use apple juice or coconut milk (for a little creaminess) if desired. I used the plastic ice pop sleeves and made 3. Smaller popsicle molds may result in more.
Fruit Ice Pops Recipe
fruit-ice-pops-on-counter
Sore throat popsicles on plate and in push pop.

Sore Throat Popsicles

With a simple fruit base that’s extra creamy and helps to soothe and coat the throat, these pops are a favorite way to soothe kids when they’re sick.

Easy Sore Throat Popsicles
Made with a blend of creamy, flavorful fruit and a little honey to help coat throats, these Sore Throat Popsicles are a perfect way to soothe and nourish. They even have a hefty dose of vitamin C to help immune systems.
Easy Sore Throat Popsicles
Sore throat popsicles on plate and in push pop.
Hand holding pineapple popsicle.

Pineapple Popsicles

These are amazingly creamy and just need a few simple ingredients.

Pineapple Popsicles
Think Dole Whip flavor, in popsicle form. These Pineapple Popsicles are refreshing and so easy to make!
Pineapple Popsicles
Pineapple popsicles on plate with pineapple.
Peach popsicles on grey plate.

Peach Popsicles

These are terrific made with fresh local peaches in season or with thawed frozen peaches any other time of the year.

Peach Popsicles
With an easy method and bright fruit flavor, these Peach Popsicles are refreshing and delicious for any age.
Peach Popsicles
Peach popsicles on grey plate with peach on side.
fruit popsicles on plate with fruit on counter.

Fruit Popsicles

Use this method to make refreshing homemade popsicles from any fruit you have on hand—or the kids love most.

Favorite Fruit Popsicles
With an easy method, full-fruit flavor, and endless variations, these Fruit Popsicles are refreshing and delicious for any age.
Favorite Fruit Popsicles
fruit popsicles on plate with fruit.

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

  • Blend the popsicle mixture until very smooth.
  • 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.

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strawberry greek frozen yogurt pops on gray plate.

How to Make Popsicles (Ultimate Guide)

Learn how to make popsicles with a base of either yogurt (for a creamy popsicle) or fruit juice (for an ice-pop version) with this simple method. Plan to make these at least 4-6 hours before you want to serve.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 104kcal
Servings 6

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)
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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

Serving: 1popsicle, Calories: 104kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 24mg, Potassium: 87mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 39IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published July 2022.

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