Summer Just Got Cooler: Ten Fun Popsicle Recipes for the Whole Family!

Growing up in the South, summer was always an interesting time. As a kid, trading the classroom for the poolside was the ideal upgrade. That sweltering summer heat, though? The kind that will just about melt your eyebrows off? Not so much.

To make the heat a little more bearable, it seemed like my family was always prepared as soon as the pool was deemed swimmable. Beyond the floaties and Banana Boat sun tanning lotion, we always made sure to have this summertime essential on hand: popsicles! Instead of buying them from the store, we enjoyed making our own and coming up with unique flavor combinations—including pickle pops (yes, PICKLE pops). It was one of my favorite summertime activities and is a treasured memory I still have now as an adult.

As temps start to rise, keep your cool (and your kid’s cool) with these simple, tasty, homemade popsicles. I love this idea because you don’t need to buy a lot of extra tools or be a skilled chef to make these! This is a great activity the kids will enjoy doing with you. And the sweet reward will be worth the wait!

Some of the items you will need:

• A popsicle mold (silicone is easiest to remove); this is where you can get extra creative with fun shapes! If you can’t find molds, Dixie or plastic cups work just as well.
• Popsicle sticks (if not included with your mold)
• A mixing bowl
• A spoon, whisk, or spatula
• Optional: a blender (if smoother fruit textures are desired) and a pitcher or container with a pour spout to make pouring easier

You will need to freeze your popsicles at least 4-6 hours, depending on your mixture. We always made ours the night before a swim day or first thing in the morning to give time to fully set. If using a silicone mold, make sure to set on a tray to make transfer to the freezer more stable.

Here’s a tip: when using hard plastic molds, run the frozen pops under hot water for a few seconds. They’ll “pop” right out with no problem!

Now for the fun part!

Here are my top 10 favorite popsicle recipe ideas:

• Pickle Pops

Yes, the promised pickle pops! This was probably my favorite recipe to eat as a kid and is the simplest to make. Take straight pickle juice from a jar of pickles and pour into your molds and freeze. That’s it! You can use whichever flavor of pickle you like—dill, sour, bread and butter, etc. The sour was a big hit at pool parties!

• Pudding Pops

Another summer staple in my house. Make powdered pudding according to the instructions on the box, place in molds, and freeze. My favorite was always vanilla with chocolate chips added in. You can choose any flavor of pudding for this and try a combination of mix-ins (cookie dough, oreos, m&m’s, etc.).

• Fruity Pops

Probably the quintessential popsicle flavor. Take about 2 cups of any fruit or fruit combo (can be fresh, frozen, or even a concentrate) and prepare like you would your favorite smoothie. If you want a smooth pureè, this is where a blender will come in handy. You can use a combo of milk and/or yogurt of your choice. Blending with ice will help thicken if that is the texture you desire. Pour and freeze. You can also freeze straight fruit juice or blend your own fruit. Some of my favorite flavor combos include: strawberry banana, blueberry lemon, watermelon and mint/lime, and cherry dipped in magic chocolate shell. Don’t forget those mix-ins! 

• Fudgesicle Pops

For the chocolate lover, these pops are so much tastier and healthier than store bought! Mix well: 2 cups of milk of your choice, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. For a super easy and quick version, you can freeze chocolate milk (or almond chocolate milk) or can make chocolate pudding and freeze. This would pair well with nut mix-ins or peanut butter!

• Coffee Pops

This flavor is sure to be a hit with the adults! You can make your own creamy cold brew or buy a store-bought cold brew mixture and freeze. You could also try a blending a coffee flavored ice cream with some milk! I love adding in dark chocolate chips for a java twist. I also enjoy a good iced chai tea latte, so freezing your favorite chai blend and dusting with cinnamon makes for an elegant popsicle flavor. 

• Soda Pops

Your favorite float on a stick! Combine your favorite soda flavor (Root Beer, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Cream Soda) with vanilla ice cream. Freeze and enjoy! No straw required. Here’s a twist: try freezing Sprite with gummy bear or gummy worm mix-ins. It’s sure to be a hit with the kids!

• Ice cream Pops

Take any favorite ice cream, blend with a little milk and pop into your freezer. Try adding some fruit, like lime or orange, to vanilla for a take on key lime or dreamsicle. Don’t forget the sprinkles!

• Cereal Pops

For the cereal lover, take the milk of your choice and mix in your favorite cereal. A simple breakfast inspired treat the kids are sure to love!

• Tart Pops

For the sour and sweet lover, this pop is for you! Try freezing straight tart juices, like lemonade (homemade or store bought), limeade, orange, mango, pineapple, cranberry or pomegranate juice for a refreshing twist. Elevate these pops by adding fresh fruit as your mix-ins. Try lemonade with blueberry, strawberry and kiwi with lime, orange and strawberry or pineapple and mango.

• Healthy Pops

Finally, for all of us trying to watch our waistline a little bit this summer. With any of these recipes, try subbing regular milk for coconut or almond, regular yogurt for greek, sugar-free, low- carb, or paleo ice creams and sugar alternatives (like monk fruit, honey, or stevia). For an electrolyte boosting pop perfect for sweaty days and work outs, or even when the kids are sick, freeze coconut water with your favorite fruit. You can even freeze plain water with fruit for a hydration boost!

Popsicles are also great for teething babies. To keep ingredients simple, stick to pure fruit blends (diluted with water) with little to no sugar. Diluted fruit juice or frozen apple sauce can help soothe sore gums.

These pops are great for any summertime occasion. Birthday parties, holidays, grill outs, baby showers, a girl’s get together—you can spruce your popsicles up with your flavors and presentation. For a baby shower, try a lemonade pop with raspberry or blueberry mix-ins and tying a cute blue or pink bow around the popsicle stick. For a ladies’ luncheon, opt for a dreamsicle swirl with blood orange or raspberry pureè, or a peach and blackberry combo. For Memorial day, freeze sprite with strawberries and blueberries for a festive treat. The possibilities are endless!

I hope you and your families enjoy making these treats together and that it becomes a “cool” staple in your household every summer!