When the warm weather comes rolling around, I am the type of person who instantly wants something cold and refreshing. Ice cream usually doesn’t make the cut because it feels creamy and “heavy” at a time when I want light and refreshing. But these healthy fruit popsicles definitely hit the spot! Made from 100% fruit, with the option of cheeky additional extras, these rainbow popsicles are super quick and simple to make for when you next want a treat. What I love best about this recipe is that it is super versatile. I’ve provided my favorite fruity options for a delicious layered rainbow popsicle. However, you can also mix and match your favorite fruits, depending on what’s available or in season. I also love having a guilt-free treat at the ready that I can grab whenever I want to. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in lots of nutrients for the whole family.
Watch the fruit popsicles video tutorial
What to put in your fruit popsicles
This recipe is 100% fruit because that’s how I love them. However, depending on the flavors you prefer, the level of sweetness, and the consistency, you may want to add some extras. The fruit options
Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and others Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries Citrus: Grapefruit, Orange, lemon, lime, mandarin, etc. Apples, plums, grapes Mango, pineapple, kiwi Nectarines, peaches, and others
Plus, you can use frozen fruit and fresh fruit! If frozen fruit is used, it may be harder to puree and might need an additional splash of liquid. However, if you manage without any extra liquid, I think using frozen fruit could lead to a “softer” texture. Bonus – using frozen fruit will take less time to re-freeze! Optional extras
Sweetener: You can use maple syrup, honey, agave, etc. Bonus: sugars help to soften the texture of the popsicles. Acid: Lemon juice or lime juice pairs well with most fruits and can also help to reduce “icy” texture. Fruit Juice: You could combine fruit purees with juice for additional flavor: orange, apple, grape, guava, cranberry, or blueberry. Other Liquids: You can combine fruit puree with liquid and whole bits of fruit for interesting textural changes. For example – coconut water, iced tea, lemonade (like this homemade lemonade), flavored water, kombucha, etc. Alcohol: For more of an “adult” fruit popsicle, feel free to add alcohol to make a “cocktail” popsicle (like a pina colada). Alcohol affects popsicles in a similar way to sugar – so don’t use too much. Anything below 20% is the best guideline and will make the popsicles softer without being slushy. To add creaminess: Yogurt – both dairy and dairy-free versions will add creaminess as well as encourage smooth texture. Options include coconut milk, coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, soy yogurt, natural yogurt, greek yogurt, etc. If adding some to these fruit popsicles, I usually only add a couple of small spoonfuls and swirl in with the fruit. That way, they’re still super refreshing. Other additions: vanilla extract, rosewater, and other natural flavorings can boost the flavor of your homemade popsicles.
How to make healthy fruit popsicles
Begin by washing and preparing the fruit.
Pineapple Kiwi Blackberries Strawberries Mango Or any of your favorite fruits. Sweetener (optional): 1/2-2 Tbsp per fruit, adjust to taste.
Then, blend each fruit separately and then pour it into bowls (strain the seeded fruit if you prefer). To achieve a chunkier texture, mash softer fruits with a fork instead. If you want to add any sweetener, then pop it straight into the blender with the fruit. Start with 1/2 Tbsp per fruit and increase to taste. Pour a little of each fruit mixture into the popsicle molds. You can layer them in whatever order you prefer, but I like strawberry, mango, pineapple, kiwi, and finally, blackberry. Tap the molds lightly on a surface between pouring each layer to get rid of any air bubbles. Insert popsicle sticks in the middle of each one and then freeze for at least 10 hours until fully set. If you try this popsicle recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie! This recipe was first published in July 2019 and has been updated with new photos and text. The recipe remains the same though.
