Homemade Fruity Strawberry Popsicles
Dive right into the world of homemade Strawberry Popsicles! Forget about the store-bought ones; it’s time to bring the freshness and zest of strawberries right into your home. With easy-to-follow steps, you’re moments away from freezing up your very own batch of this perfect summer treat.
Get ready for more sweet adventures with recipes that promise simplicity, elegance, and a burst of flavors.
From Raspberry Popsicles to the timeless Watermelon Sorbet, I’m here to fill your days with treats that are too good to resist.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Have you ever pondered why homemade strawberry popsicles surpass those bought from the store?
Homemade strawberry popsicles are tastier than store-bought ones; plus, you can control the sweetness.
Ingredients can be varied to suit preferences; use fresh or frozen strawberries, different sweeteners like honey or monk fruit, and Greek yogurt to add creaminess.
Check out Heart-Shaped Oven Baked Beignets, Strawberry Upside Down Puff Pastries, or Valentine’s Beignets Recipe for more Valentine’s recipes.
Ingredients for Strawberry Popsicles
The base for homemade strawberry popsicles consists of the following:
Fresh Strawberry
Coconut milk
Brown sugar
Lemon
Freshly squeezed orange juice
Vanilla for added flavor
Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries
When it comes to making strawberry popsicles, you might wonder: should I use fresh or frozen strawberries? Well, the good news is you can use both, and other frozen fruit, like frozen berries, for added variety!
Fresh strawberries can enhance the popsicles with a more intense and authentic flavor and may reduce the need for added sugars due to their natural sweetness. On the other hand, if you choose to use frozen strawberries, remember to thaw them before blending and discard any excess liquid to prevent the popsicles from becoming too icy.
Sweetening Options
Sweetness is a crucial aspect of any popsicle recipe. You can switch up the sweeteners based on your preference and dietary needs. Traditional white sugar, honey, and natural sugar alternatives like monk fruit are among your options.
Honey, for instance, provides minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants on top of sweetness. Monk fruit sweetener, on the other hand, is a natural, sugar-free option that’s perfect for those looking to sweeten their strawberry popsicles without added sugars.
Creating Creaminess
Who doesn’t love a creamy popsicle? If you’re a fan of creamy textures, consider adding Greek yogurt to your strawberry popsicles.
The creamy texture of Greek yogurt is lighter than ice cream but richer than fruit-only popsicles, making it a perfect addition to enhance creaminess. Plus, full-fat Greek yogurt reduces the water content in popsicles, which helps achieve a creamier and less icy final texture.
Freezing Time and Tips
Freezing constitutes a vital part of the popsicle-making process. Homemade strawberry popsicles require a minimum of 4 hours to freeze. However, ideally, they should be left to freeze overnight to ensure they are completely solid.
To keep popsicle sticks from tilting or sinking too deep into the mixture in your popsicle mold, consider using techniques like:
waiting until the mixture is slushy to insert the sticks
using alligator clips
covering the mold with plastic wrap and making small openings for the sticks.
After freezing, ensure that the popsicles are stored in a way that they do not touch or stick to each other, using wax paper between layers for easier separation.
Tips for Unmolding and Storing Your Popsicles
When your homemade strawberry popsicles are set, the next step is to unmold them. To do this without breaking the popsicles, run the molds under warm water for about 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Be careful not to get water inside the mold.
After unmolding, allow the popsicles to sit at room temperature for at least 5 minutes to soften up for the best-tasting experience.
Unmolding Techniques
Accurate unmolding is vital to maintain the aesthetics and shape of your strawberry popsicles. Letting the popsicles sit at room temperature for a few minutes can facilitate easier removal from the molds.
If they’re still stubborn, try running hot water over the molds for a short period to help release the popsicles more quickly.
Storage Solutions
Once you’ve savored the first popsicle, you may be curious about how to store the remaining ones properly. Here are some tips:
Homemade popsicles require at least 5 hours to freeze properly.
Store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
Keep them in the freezer.
They are best consumed within 2 weeks for optimal taste and texture.
To prevent homemade popsicles from absorbing freezer odors or getting freezer burn, follow these steps:
Initially, freeze them on a baking sheet covered with parchment or wax paper for 15-20 minutes after unmolding.
After that, transfer the popsicles to an airtight container or plastic freezer bag.
For extended storage up to 4 weeks, tightly wrap each popsicle in plastic wrap before placing them in the container or bag.
This will also prevent the popsicles from sticking together.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your homemade popsicles stay fresh and delicious for longer.
Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas
Especially on a hot summer day, homemade strawberry popsicles are an ideal treat for kids. You can utilize mini popsicle molds or small plastic bathroom cups to create appropriately sized and shaped popsicles for younger children and larger groups.
Consider involving children in the popsicle-making process by letting them help pour the mixture into molds and insert the sticks, turning it into a fun hands-on activity.
Summary
Homemade Strawberry Popsicles are a delightful opportunity to infuse your day with creativity and flavor. Experiment with different fruits and sweeteners, or add a creamy twist to create a unique popsicle.
Remember to share your experience with loved ones and engage your little helpers to create a memorable experience.
For other strawberry recipes, please check out my SpongeBob Milkshake, Strawberry Agua Fresca, and Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Bouquet.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, mangoes, or peaches. Each offers a variety of flavors and textures for you to explore.
How can I make my popsicles vegan?
Swap out the dairy-based ingredients for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. These varieties of plant-based dairy will help keep your popsicles vegan-friendly. Remember that these alternatives will also change the flavors and texture of the popsicles, too.
Deliciouse Strawberry Popsicles
Ingredients
- 2 cup fresh strawberries (or frozen, half thawed)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ lemon Juice
- 1 orange Juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- If using fresh strawberries, wash and hull them. If using frozen, ensure they're thawed and drained to remove excess liquid.
- In a blender, combine the strawberries, coconut milk, brown sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth. For a creamier texture, add Greek yogurt to your liking at this stage.
- Give the mixture a taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding a little more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. If the mixture is too runny, you can wait a few minutes for it to thicken slightly in the refrigerator before pouring.
- Insert popsicle sticks when the mixture is slushy (after about an hour in the freezer) to keep them upright, or use the technique of covering the mold with plastic wrap and poking the sticks through. Freeze for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Run the outside of the molds under warm water for about 10-15 seconds to make the popsicles easier to remove. If necessary, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- If not serving immediately, wrap each popsicle in wax paper and place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal taste and texture.
