Arguably one of the easiest and most fun treats to make (and eat!), homemade popsicles will keep you feeling cool all summer long. Learn how to make a variety of healthy popsicles, including fruity, creamy, and hidden veggie popsicles in this ultimate guide. Plus, this guide has our favorite popsicle molds, expert tips, recipes, and so much more!

Graphic for post – how to make Popsicles, homemade, healthy, easy. Images of a grid of poor images with colorful and healthy Popsicles with kids, hands and colorful props against a white background.

Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).

In this guide, you’ll find: show

Homemade Popsicles

What’s the only thing I love more than a refreshing popsicle? How about a popsicle that’s homemade, healthy, bursting with fruity flavors, and cheaper than store-bought?

I absolutely love making my own homemade popsicles. They’re a great alternative to store-bought popsicles, as you get to control the ingredients and sugar content. No added colors, no preservatives, and no high fructose corn syrup here!

Plus, making your own popsicles with reusable popsicle molds reduces waste and is budget-friendly. And if I’m being completely honest, I also love that homemade popsicles are a fun way to get my kids a couple extra servings of fruits and veggies with a mid-day treat.

In this guide, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to make fruit popsicles, cream popsicles, hidden-veggie popsicles, expert tips, our favorite popsicle molds, and so much more!

If you are looking for more easy and healthy recipes for your kids, then be sure to check out these delicious 15 Healthy Smoothies for Kids, 100 Breakfast Ideas for Kids, these reader favorite 40 Family Favorite Dinner Ideas, or the popular 100 Lunch Ideas for Kids. You can also find more recipes and information in my best-selling cookbook Little Foodies: Recipes for Babies and Toddlers with Taste.

2 kid hands grabbing the popsicles

Reasons to Love Homemade Popsicles

  • A great way to stay cool during hot summer days
  • Fun and easy to make with kids
  • Can be made with reusable molds, reducing waste
  • A tasty way to add extra fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet
  • Naturally sweetened for a healthier treat
  • Easy to eat and can be enjoyed on-the-go
  • Quick source of hydration and nutrients for kids who don’t drink enough water
  • Endless flavor combinations

Best Popsicles Molds for Toddlers and Kids

Before we get started, it’s good to ensure you have one (or a few) popsicle molds on hand. Here are some of our favorite popsicle molds for kids, that we have used over and over again through the years.

Toddlers

  • Zoku Mini Mold: I LOVE these mini popsicle molds for toddlers and younger kids. They are the perfect size for smaller tummies, plus they have the drip guard on them, so they aren’t as messy. 😉
  • Helistar 6 Popsicle Molds: sightly bigger than the mini popsicles but smaller than the regular size, makes this mold a great option for toddlers who might not be able to finish, or need, a full size popsicle yet.

Kids

  • Zoki Classic Popsicle Mold: are great for kids that want more than the mini version. They still have a drip guard, so again, not so messy!
  • Silicone Ice Pops Tray: such a cute and fun popsicle tray. I found the popsicles were super easy to remove from the tray!

No Molds – No Problem: if you don’t have a popsicle mold, you can simply use leftover yogurt containers, muffin tins, ice cube trays, baby puree trays, disposable paper cups, or even a loaf pan! If you can’t get the sticks to stay upright, simply cover the mold you are using with aluminum foil and then poke your sticks through.

Sprite ingredients for strawberry popsicles, strawberries, lemon, honey, shredded carrots..

Ingredients

  • Fruit: Fresh or frozen fruit will work to make these popsicles.
  • Sweetener: Adding just a bit really brings out the fruity flavors – you can use maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, sugar or a simple syrup. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
  • Yogurt or Liquid: If using yogurt, I recommend a plain whole milk yogurt for the added healthy fats and nutrients, but you can also use regular yogurt or a plant-based alternative. If using a liquid, I recommend a fruit juice, coconut water, or plain water.
  • Add-Ins: These are completely optional, but ideas like mini chocolate chips, a dash of vanilla extract, or chopped fruit can really take your popsicle game to the next level.
Related

15 Smoothies for Toddlers + Kids (Healthy + Delicious)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Clear blender on a white countertop with grapes, honey and grape juice inside.
Place all of the ingredients you are using into a blender.
A clear blender with puréed grapes for popsicles.
Puree until completely smooth.
A red and white popsicle mold with balls green grape Popsicles and purple grape Popsicles.
Pour popsicle mixture into the mold to the fill line, and add in the popsicle sticks.
A hand holding up a purple grape popsicle that is frozen over a popsicle mold.
Freeze for at least 5 hours, but preferably overnight. Take out of mold, serve and enjoy!
  1. Place all of the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds and place in the freezer.
  3. Freeze for at least 5 hours, but preferably overnight.
  4. Pop the popsicles out of the molds and enjoy!
strawberry popsicles, mango popsicles and a grape popsicle all lined up on a kids blue plate with fruit off to the side.

How to Make Smooth Fruit Popsicles

For fruit popsicles, you just need 3 easy ingredients – fruit, yogurt or liquid, and a little sweetener. Place all ingredients into a blender, puree until smooth and then place in popsicle molds.

Recipes to Try:

young girl holding a rainbow popsicle wearing a rainbow dress.

How to Make Chunky Fruit Popsicles

Don’t have a blender? Or want chunks of real fruit in your popsicles? Then this is your recipe! Place fresh or frozen fruit right inside of the popsicle molds. You can use whatever fruit you prefer! If the fruit is too big, just chop it down a little. Pour the coconut water or juice to the fill line and freeze.

Recipe to Try:

A white plate with 3 healthy funfetti popsicles on top.

How to Make Creamy Popsicles

For creamy popsicles, blend together fruit, sweetener, and yogurt. Choosing a whole milk yogurt with a higher fat content will help to make a creamier popsicle.

Recipes to Try:

Green smoothie popsicle of a Dino roaring

How to Make Hidden-Veggie Popsicles

Hidden-veggie popsicles work best with a ratio of 1 veggie: 2 fruits. Add in some yogurt or liquid and sweetener and puree until smooth.

Recipes to Try:

Fruit Ideas

Homemade fruit popsicles work equally well using fresh or thawed from frozen. You can pick just one fruit or choose a combination of 1-3 fruits.

  • strawberries
  • raspberries
  • cherries
  • mandarin oranges
  • mango
  • pineapple
  • kiwi
  • grapes
  • blueberries
  • blackberries
  • watermelon
  • cantaloupe

Sweetener Ideas

Adding a touch of natural sweetener to these homemade popsicles brings out their fruity flavors and helps reduce ice crystals from forming. Any of the following sweeteners will work beautifully.

  • maple syrup
  • honey (only serve to babies over 1 year)
  • agave nectar
  • simple syrup
  • sugar

YOGURT OR LIQUID IDEAS

I like to add just a little liquid to ensure that the popsicle blend properly and are not too dense when frozen.

  • yogurt – plain whole milk
  • flavored yogurt
  • plant-based yogurt
  • coconut water
  • kefir – plain or flavored
  • canned coconut milk
  • apple juice
  • grape juice
  • cherry juice
  • orange juice

Fun Add-Ins

While definitely not necessary, sometimes it’s fun to add in some fun add-ins to your popsicles if they are vibing with your fruit.

  • chopped fruit
  • mini chocolate chips
  • swirl of peanut butter
  • swirl of chocolate
  • swirl of yogurt
  • squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange
  • splash of vanilla extract
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • sprinkles
  • a teaspoon of chia or hemp seeds

Veggie Boost: feel free to add a 1/4 cup of baby carrots, frozen cauliflower, spinach, or avocado to most popsicles. I like adding the same veggie color to my popsicle base so the popsicles don’t turn out brown.

Popsicles for Toddlers

Popsicles for Kids

A kids purple plate with two strawberry yogurt popsicles and sliced strawberries on it and a hand holding another strawberry yogurt popsicle against a white background.

Cooking with Kids

This recipe is great for having your little ones get more experience with helping in the kitchen.

Toddlers

  • Toddlers can help measure and pour the ingredients into the blender.
  • They can help put the lid on the blender and push start. Note: make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp.
  • Once blended, toddlers can help pour the popsicle mixture into the popsicle molds. You may want to pour the popsicle mixture into a smaller measuring cup with pour lip to make it easier on them.
  • With help, they can place the popsicle molds into the freezer. My kids always spill the tray at this point, so just give them an extra hand.

Kids

  • You can pretty much let older kids make this recipe by themselves.
  • They can pick out and measure all of the ingredients. Note: make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp.
  • Kids can pour the popsicle mixture into the molds and place the popsicles into the freezer.

How to Store

After removing from the popsicle molds, store homemade popsicles in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months in the freezer.

How to Release Popsicles from Molds

Run the base of your popsicle mold under warm water for 15-30 seconds to help release popsicles easily.

A purple kids plate full of both purple and green grape Popsicles with grapes on the plate against a white background.

Tips

  • Releasing: the fastest way to get the popsicles out of the molds is by simply running the mold under warm water for 10-15 seconds.
  • Sweetener: I like to use honey, maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten my popsicles, rather than refined sugar. Using natural sweeteners makes them slightly healthier and I find it doesn’t compromise the texture at all. If serving to babies under 1 year – omit the honey and use a touch of maple syrup if needed.
  • Hidden-Veggies: of course, I am going to love making popsicles with hidden veggies! I mean, the little ones will never know they are in there, plus they add in a boost of nutrients. To make them undetectable, make sure you blend your popsicle mixture for at least 1-2 minutes or until completely smooth.
  • Yield of Recipe: some molds are bigger or smaller than others. So it’s important to know that you may have to double or triple some recipes depending on the size of your molds and how many popsicles you are making. I have always found that if I make too much popsicle mixture my kids are happy to drink it like a smoothie for me;)

Healthy Popsicle Recipes

Young kid holding a rainbow popsicle.

Rainbow Popsicle for Toddlers + Kids

5 stars (3 ratings)
These rainbow popsicles are the perfect summertime treat for your toddlers and kids. This healthy frozen treat is loaded with fresh fruits and made with no added sugar. These colorful ice pops are quick and easy to make with only two ingredients!
Get the recipe
Green smoothie popsicles on a plate for toddlers and kids to grab.

Green Smoothie Popsicles

5 stars (6 ratings)
These Green Tropical Smoothie Popsicles are an amazing frozen summer treat for toddlers and kids that are filled with a (not-so) hidden-veggie – spinach!
Get the recipe
2 kid hands grabbing the popsicles

Yogurt Fruit Popsicles (super easy!)

5 stars (8 ratings)
These Yogurt Fruit Popsicles are the perfect healthy treat for baby, toddler and kids this summer! They are easy to make with only 3-ingredients and with a prep time of less than 5 minutes. PLUS.. there are 8 easy fruit flavors you have to try!
Get the recipe
White plate with 5 healthy yogurt parfait popsicles in a circle.

Healthy Yogurt Parfait Popsicles for Toddler + Kids

5 stars (4 ratings)
These Healthy Yogurt Parafait Popsicles for Toddler + Kids are the perfect breakfast on a hot summer day! These popsicles are naturally sweetened and filled with protein, probiotics, healthy whole-grains, antioxidants and fiber.
Get the recipe
A white plate with 3 healthy funfetti popsicles on top.

Healthy Funfetti Popsicles

5 stars (5 ratings)
These Healthy Funfetti Popsicles for Kids + Toddlers are a perfect frozen treat on a hot summer day.
Get the recipe
A purple color plate with two swirled strawberry yogurt popsicles and sliced strawberries against a white background.

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicle

5 stars (4 ratings)
These 4-ingredient Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles are easy to make and are seriously delicious for the entire family!
Get the recipe
Purple toddler plate with three watermelon popsicles with colorful popsicle sticks and chunks of watermelon on the plate against a white background.

Watermelon Popsicles

5 stars (5 ratings)
Made with only 4-ingredients, these Watermelon Popsicles are an amazing frozen summer treat for all ages – babies, toddlers, kids and even you!
Get the recipe
A kids teal plate with banana popsicles and slices of bananas.

Creamy Banana Popsicles (5-Minutes)

5 stars (3 ratings)
Bursting with flavor, these healthy banana popsicles can be blended up in just minutes. Banana popsicles have a creamy texture and natural sweetness that mimics traditional frozen treats, but as a healthier alternative, you can feel good about serving these popsicles for an afterschool treat anytime.
Get the recipe
A kids pink white background, the plate has four strawberry popsicle stack on top of each other and strawberries cut on the side.

4-Ingredient Strawberry Popsicles (with hidden veggie!)

5 stars (2 ratings)
Ready within minutes, these 3-ingredient strawberry popsicles are the ultimate summer refreshment. Naturally sweetened and full of sweet strawberry flavor, your kids will ask for them on repeat! PLUS.. they have a hidden veggie!
Get the recipe
A dark blue plate full of three mango popsicles and a cut out with mangos.

Creamy 5-Minute Mango Popsicles

5 stars (2 ratings)
These easy mango popsicles are a favorite summertime treat. Packed with just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess, the fresh mango flavor is out of this world! Great for 9+ months.
Get the recipe
Small silver baking sheet with freezer pops in a rainbow color with ice and a blue napkin.

DIY Fresh Fruit Freeze Ice Pops

5 stars (2 ratings)
Get the recipe
white round plate on top of a blue napkin. On the plate are 4 small round organs and white swirled popsicles. There is also one popsicle on the napkin.

Hidden-Veggie Carrot & Orange Popsicles

5 stars (7 ratings)
These naturally sweetened frozen treats are a fun and tasty way to serve a fruit and veggie to your toddler. Great for snack time or dessert.
Get the recipe
A teal kids plate with a wheel of colorful popsicle sticks and cantaloupe and strawberry cantaloupe popsicles.

Easy Cantaloupe Popsicles – 2 Ways!

5 stars (4 ratings)
Made with only 4-ingredients, these Cantaloupe Popsicles will keep uou cool all summer long!
Get the recipe
popsicles fanned out on a blue napkin.

Sweet Beet Popsicles (plus, 5 fun flavors to try!)

5 stars (2 ratings)
These 3-ingredient Sweet Beet Popsicles are a baby, toddler and kid favorite and are going to be a staple in your house this summer!  Delicious, refreshing and creamy, these frozen treats go beyond just a tasty pop, they are also full of veggies, fruit and protein. Plus – there are 5 fun flavors to try!
Get the recipe
Blue plate with 3 different colors of popsicles over ice and a blue napkin.

Homemade Fruit Popsicles (3-Ingredients)

5 stars (3 ratings)
Nothing says summertime quite like homemade fruit popsicles! These 3 ingredient popsicles are made with fresh, natural ingredients and no artificial flavors. Plus, the fun flavor combinations are endless!
Get the recipe

7 Healthy Popsicles for Baby + Toddler

5 stars (20 ratings)
These popsicles are made with fruits & veggies(!!) and are so healthy you can feel great about serving them for any meal of the day – breakfast, snacks, lunch and even dinner!
Get the recipe
A purple kids plate full of both purple and green grape Popsicles with grapes on the plate against a white background.

Refreshing Grape Popsicles (3 Ingredients)

5 stars (2 ratings)
Learn how to make these healthy, flavorful Grape Popsicles for the easiest and coolest summer treat. Use sweet, juicy grapes for a homemade popsicle that kids will adore!
Get the recipe

And for YOU.. after the kiddos go to bed;)

Sangria Popsicle by The Novice Chef Blog

For images in a grid, showing colorful, happy and healthy, homemade Popsicles with kids, hands and colorful props against away background.

Get the recipe: Complete Guide on How to Make Popsicles

5 stars (5 ratings)
Arguably one of the easiest and most fun treats to make (and eat!), homemade popsicles will keep you feeling cool all summer long. Learn how to make a variety of healthy popsicles, including fruity, creamy, and hidden veggie popsicles in this ultimate guide. Plus, this guide has our favorite popsicle molds, expert tips, recipes, and so much more!
Yield: 6 popsicles
Prep: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 5 hours
Total: 5 hours 10 minutes
Author: Michele Olivier
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients 

Basic Fruit Popsicle

  • 3 cups fruit, see below
  • 1/2 cup liquid, see below
  • 3 tbsp sweetener, see below
  • add-ins (optional)

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to a blender.
    Clear blender full of strawberries, watermelon and chia seeds for popsicles.
  • Puree for 1-2 minutes or until the popsicle mixture is completely smooth. At this point, I recommend tasting the mixture to make sure it is sweet enough. Depending on your fruit, you may need to add in 1-2 tablespoons more sweetener.
    Clear blender full of a smooth strawberry puree that is ready to be poured into popsicle molds.
  • Pour into a popsicle mold to the fill line. Add in the popsicle sticks.
    A green popsicle mold full of 3 different popsicle flavors.
  • Place the popsicle mold into the freezer and freeze for at least 5 hours, but preferably overnight.
    Hand holding a bright pink strawberry popsicle over a green popsicle mold.
  • Pop the popsicles out of the molds, serve and enjoy!
    3 different fruit popsicles lined up on a blue plate with ice and a blue napkin.

Notes

Age: 9+ months and up (omit honey for any baby under 1 year).
Yield: this recipe makes roughly 2 1/2 cups of popsicle mixture. You may need to increase/decrease that amount based on your popsicle mold size. If you have any leftovers, feel free to serve it as a smoothie or smoothie bowl to your kiddos (or yourself). 
Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your fruit and your sweetness preference, I recommend tasting the popsicle base before pouring it into the molds, as you may need a little more honey. 

Fruit Ideas

  • strawberries
  • raspberries
  • cherries
  • mandarin oranges
  • mango
  • pineapple
  • kiwi
  • grapes
  • blueberries
  • blackberries
  • watermelon
  • cantaloupe

Sweetener Ideas

  • maple syrup
  • honey (only serve to babies over 1 year)
  • agave nectar
  • simple syrup
  • sugar

Liquid or Yogurt Ideas

  • yogurt – plain whole milk
  • flavored yogurt
  • plant-based yogurt
  • coconut water
  • kefir – plain or flavored
  • canned coconut milk
  • apple juice
  • grape juice
  • cherry juice
  • orange juice

Fun Add-Ins

  • chopped fruit
  • mini chocolate chips
  • swirl of peanut butter
  • swirl of chocolate
  • swirl of yogurt
  • squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange
  • splash of vanilla extract
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • sprinkles
  • a teaspoon of chia or hemp seeds

Equipment

Blender
Small Popsicle Mold
Big Popsicle Molds
Measuring Cups

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