One of the best ways to cool down when the temperature heats up is a good, old-fashioned ice pop. But those syrupy, neon numbers from the supermarket freezer case aren’t what your kids (or you!) need. Make your own sweet, frozen treats on a stick with fresh fruit and juices””or try my recipe for Nutella Ice Pops (yes””you read that right! NUTELLA ice pops!).
You can find ice pop molds just about anywhere during the summer months (be sure to buy BPA free), or use recycled yogurt containers or small paper cups with plastic spoons for a stick. Prep time is less than five minutes, and pops typically take about six hours to freeze.
Basic Instructions
- Make ice pop mixture according to recipe.
- Pour mixture into molds, secure tops and freeze.
- If using cups, pour in mixture and freeze for about an hour. Insert spoon. If it stands up, continue freezing. If not, wait 10 or 15 minutes and try again.
- If you aren’t able to check on pops while freezing, top with foil and cut a small slit in top, insert spoon through foil so it stands upright.
- If making a lot of pops, place cups on a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer.
- General yield: Three cups of liquid + 1 cup of add-ins will create about 8 small-cup ice pops.
Whole Fruit Ice Pops
The best-looking pops you’ll ever make””and also the easiest!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups beverage of choice (lemonade, white grape or orange juice)
- 1 cup fresh fruit of choice (berries, sliced peaches, cut grapes or sliced kiwi)
Pour beverage into molds or cups and freeze for 1-1/2 to 2 hours until liquid is slushy. Add fruit, adjusting to distribute. Insert sticks/spoons and freeze an additional 4 hours.
Quick tip: Add a slice of fruit or berries to the bottom of the cup before pouring in liquid””people will think you’re so fancy!
Smoothie Ice Pops
Freeze your favorite smoothie recipe for a nutritious ice pop.
What You’ll Need
- 3-1/2 cups of fruit (frozen or fresh, single type or combined)
- 1-1/2 cups juice (orange, white grape, cranberry or your favorite)
Combine ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into molds or cups and freeze.
Watermelon Mint Ice Pops
Sweet and cooling, these pops hit the spot on any hot day!
What You’ll Need
- 5 cups seedless watermelon
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice
- Handful of chopped mint
- 2 Tbsp. honey
In large bowl, mash watermelon using a potato masher. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into molds or cups and freeze.
Nutella Ice Pops
Did you say Nutella Pops?! Oh my gosh, yes! I make my own cacao-hazlenut spread, but you can use Nutella to save time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Nutella or homemade hazelnut spread (see below)
- 3 cups milk of choice (almond, coconut, hemp“”I use goat’s milk!)
For homemade hazelnut spread:
- 1 cup hazlenuts, soaked overnight
- 1 Tbsp. cacao powder
- 2 tsp. canola oil
- Optional: honey
To make homemade hazelnut spread, drain nuts. Add cacao and oil; blend in bullet or food processor. Add honey to sweeten, if desired.
For ice pops, combine homemade hazelnut spread or Nutella and milk in blender; blend until smooth. Pour into molds or cups and freeze.
Bonus Pops: Remember my Stone Fruit Sangria recipe? It makes a yummy adult ice pop!
If you’re hungry for more, download our sweet and healthy desserts recipe e-book.