Strawberry Popsicles are the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
The fresh, ripe strawberries bring a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that will make each bite a burst of summer.
When you blend the strawberries with just the right amount of sugar and a hint of lemon juice, you create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that is incredibly refreshing.
The smooth, icy texture of the popsicles is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Whether you’re at a family BBQ or just chilling at home, strawberry popsicles are always a crowd-pleasing snack. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Popsicles
- Classic and Simple:
- Serve the popsicles straight out of the freezer on a hot day for a refreshing treat. Enjoy them outdoors with family and friends.
- Dressed Up with Fresh Fruit:
- Serve the popsicles with a side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi. This not only looks beautiful but also adds extra fresh flavors.
- Popsicle Float:
- Create a fun and refreshing float by placing a popsicle in a glass of sparkling water or lemonade. As the popsicle melts, it infuses the drink with strawberry flavor.
- Dipped in Chocolate:
- Dip the popsicles in melted dark or white chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze again until the chocolate is set.
- With Whipped Cream:
- Serve the popsicles with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint for a delightful, dessert-like presentation.
- On a Dessert Platter:
- Arrange the popsicles on a dessert platter with other frozen treats like mini ice cream cones, sorbet scoops, and frozen fruit bites for a party.
- In a Smoothie Bowl:
- Use the popsicles as a garnish for a smoothie bowl. The popsicle can be placed in the bowl to add an extra frozen element and enhance the fruit flavors.
- With Yogurt:
- Pair the popsicles with a small bowl of Greek yogurt for dipping. The creaminess of the yogurt complements the fruity popsicle perfectly.
- For a Kids’ Party:
- Serve the popsicles with fun, colorful napkins and paper straws. You can also let kids dip their popsicles in bowls of different toppings like crushed cookies, candy, or granola.
- At a Picnic:
- Pack the popsicles in a cooler with ice packs for a refreshing treat during a picnic. They’re a great way to cool down and enjoy a fruity snack outdoors.
These serving suggestions will help you enjoy your strawberry popsicles in a variety of fun and delicious ways!
Tips & Tricks
- Choose Ripe Strawberries:
- Use the ripest, sweetest strawberries you can find. They will provide the best flavor and natural sweetness for your popsicles.
- Adjust Sweetness:
- Taste the strawberry mixture before freezing and adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the strawberries. If they are very sweet, you might need less sugar.
- Blend Thoroughly:
- Blend the strawberry mixture until it is very smooth for the best texture. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend part of the strawberries and leave some pieces whole.
- Strain for Smoothness:
- If you want a completely smooth popsicle, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
- Add Citrus for Balance:
- A little lemon juice can brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness. It’s optional but recommended for a more complex taste.
- Avoid Overfilling Molds:
- Leave a small space at the top of the molds for the mixture to expand as it freezes. This will prevent overflow and make it easier to remove the popsicles.
- Use Quality Molds:
- Invest in good-quality popsicle molds for the best results. Silicone molds are especially good because they make it easy to remove the popsicles without breaking them.
- Cover and Insert Sticks:
- If using small cups instead of molds, cover each cup with aluminum foil and poke a popsicle stick through the center of the foil. This will help keep the stick in place while the popsicles freeze.
- Freeze Until Solid:
- Ensure the popsicles freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to become completely solid. This will make them easier to unmold and eat.
- Unmold with Warm Water:
- To easily remove popsicles from their molds, run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds. This will loosen the popsicles without melting them.
- Experiment with Add-Ins:
- Feel free to get creative by adding in other ingredients like fresh mint, basil, or a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist. You can also swirl in some yogurt or layer different fruit purees for visual and flavor variety.
- Store Properly:
- If you’re not eating the popsicles right away, store them in a freezer bag or airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other freezer odors and to keep them fresh.
Following these tips and tricks will help you make delicious and perfect strawberry popsicles every time!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them before blending to get the right consistency.
How can I make my popsicles creamier?
To make creamier popsicles, you can add yogurt, coconut milk, or even a small amount of avocado to the mixture.
How long do strawberry popsicles take to freeze?
Typically, strawberry popsicles take about 4-6 hours to freeze completely. For the best results, leave them overnight.
Strawberry Popsicles
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries hulled and halved (about 2 cups)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar adjust based on sweetness of strawberries
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for a hint of tartness
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries:Wash and hull the strawberries. Cut them in half if they are large.
- Blend the Mixture:Place the strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice (if using) in a blender or food processor.Blend until smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
- Strain the Mixture (Optional):If you prefer a smoother texture without seeds, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, using a spoon to help push the liquid through.
- Pour into Molds:Carefully pour the strawberry mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion when freezing.If you don't have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups. Cover the cups with aluminum foil and insert a popsicle stick through the center.
- Freeze:Place the filled molds or cups in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until the popsicles are completely solid.
- Unmold and Enjoy:To remove the popsicles from the molds, run the outside of the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them.Gently pull out the popsicles and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier version, replace half of the water with coconut milk or Greek yogurt.
- Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender for a refreshing twist.
- If you prefer chunkier popsicles, blend half of the strawberries and chop the remaining strawberries into small pieces, then mix together before pouring into molds.