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Summertime is popsicle time whether you are a kid, senior citizen, and everything in-between. That’s because these frozen treats can really cool you down when it is sweltering outside.
But most of the popsicles you find in the grocery store are full of sugar and artificial colors and flavors, even the ones that are made from real fruit, according to AP News. The healthier solution is to DIY your own popsicles.
Making popsicles is also a fun activity to do with your kids, “It’s something that you could kind of just throw together and enjoy within a few hours, ” Jessica Gavin a food science expert and the author of the book Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking told AP.
It’s super simple to use popsicle molds which are usually made of silicone or plastic, according to The Spruce Eats, and that way you can whip up a bunch of treats anytime you like. But you can also mold them in just about anything you have on hand. Use popsicle sticks or you can improvise and use small plastic spoons.
Here are five popsicle recipes to try but you can use your imagination to come up with any fruit combination, with dairy or vegan, or even by using leftover smoothies.
Vegan Strawberry Popsicles
This vegan popsicle recipe from Jessica Gavin’s blog uses four ingredients – 2 cups strawberries, shredded toasted coconut, coconut milk, and maple syrup – to make this super refreshing summer treat. Just add the ingredients to your blender and puree for around 30 seconds. Pour into molds and freeze for about 6 hours or overnight.
Kiwi Fruit Popsicles
These healthy homemade kiwi fruit popsicles from the feel good foodie blog are made from frozen fruit puree and resemble a smoothie. You can use this basic recipe with kiwi, mango, berries or other fruits. You will need to cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces and blend with lemon juice, honey, and just a pinch of salt, until smooth. Then just pour into molds and freeze. It’s really that simple.
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Super Easy Watermelon Popsicles
This super easy popsicle recipe from the Living on a Dime blog uses just one cup of watermelon, one cup of orange juice, and one cup of water. Add the ingredients to your blender and blend util smooth. Then just pour into popsicle molds and freeze. This inexpensive treat is sure to please.
Fruit Juice Popsicles
This super easy fruit juice popsicle from Taste of Home can be made with or without a mold. All you need is unsweetened apple juice, unsweetened orange or pineapple juice, lemon juice, water and sugar (but you can control how much). This recipe requires some stove time to melt the sugar. Add the juice to the sugar mixture, and then pour into molds or paper cups. Then just freeze and enjoy.
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Chocolate Banana Popsicles
This delicious and wholesome summer treat from The Cooking Foodie blog is sure to become a family favorite. You will need one small ripe banana, cocoa powder, milk of your choice – dairy or non-dairy alternative – maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Then blend until smooth, pour into molds and freeze.
