Is there anything better than a popsicle on a hot summer day?  My boys fly through these frozen fruit popsicles and unlike store bought brands, I can feel good about that!  There are so many variations and each batch comes out differently.  I usually throw some fresh fruit in the bottom if I have some that needs to be used.  Otherwise I utilize all frozen fruit which makes them just a bit icier (is that a word?).  You will want to make at least half your fruit frozen so it becomes slushy rather than watery.  I add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the blender, just to get things moving.  Feel free to add more or less depending on your blender capabilities and how much liquid is needed to process the frozen and fresh fruit.  I found my popsicle molds at Target, but I am sure this time of year any store will have some.

Basic Popsicle Recipe

8 cups fresh and/or frozen fruit

1 cup water

Fill bottom of blender with water.  Layer fresh fruit first if using and follow with frozen fruit.  I use a Blendtec and the ice cream/frozen yogurt setting is ideal or just blend until smooth with any blender.  Fill popsicle molds and freeze.

A few tips on fruit:

  • I recommend using at least 2 sweeter fruits like pineapple, bananas, strawberries or peaches.
  • My boys have not enjoyed the popsicles where I have added fresh cantaloupe or honeydew, it seems to water down the taste.  Watermelon is fantastic however.
  •  Our favorite popsicle has been the one pictured: 2 cups fresh watermelon, 2 cups fresh strawberries, 2 cups frozen pineapple and 2 frozen bananas with 1 cup of water to process.
  • Blueberries, mango and cherries also add great flavor!
  • My next experiment with be to use frozen pineapple with fresh lemons and limes.  I’ll keep you posted 🙂

Enjoy!

Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD