Looking for a refreshing treat that’s actually good for you? Check out this simple and delicious recipe for healthy popsicles – your new summer staple! And the best part is that they’re kid approved!
I pretty much love everything about BC and have since moving here 4 years ago. The only things I miss about Toronto are the round-the-clock food scene and my family. With my nephew having just turned one and my niece only being around the corner from turning four, I miss them more than words can say. Lucky for me, my entire family – niece and nephew included – are coming to see me in just about a week!
So in proper Andrea fashion, I put on my kitchen ninja hat (I mean…do I ever really take it off?!) and knew I had to make some things in the kitchen specifically for my niece to enjoy when she’s here. You know, so she can reeeeallllly see how I’m just the best Anutie evvver! 😉 Knowing that she loves popsicles at home, these healthy Greek yogurt popsicles were fittingly the first thing to come to mind.
Homemade popsicles could not be any easier to make! You can customize them with whatever fruit or yogurt you have on hand, can make a large batch at any given time, and you really don’t even need a popsicle mold to get started. They’re an amazing summer treat and the perfect sneaky way to get kids to eat more fruit. But these babies are so good and refreshing, that even the adults are going to want in!
So, if you love popsicles, you know a kid who does, or you’re just looking for the perfect summer pick-me-up on a hot and humid day, this recipe for healthy popsicles is calling your name. Can’t you hear it?!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious, refreshing, and healthy treat that’s perfect for toddlers and adults alike! Let’s discuss them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Provides natural sweetness, flavour, colour, and essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can really use whatever kind of fruit you want here! You can combine different fruits to create a variety of flavours and colours. I used frozen mixed berries however fresh berries also work well. If you’re opting for a different kind of fruit, fresh or frozen strawberries, peaches, or mangoes are some of my favourites.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is thick and creamy, providing a rich texture to the popsicles. It’s a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are good for digestion and overall health. I prefer plain yogurt to control the sugar content, but you can use flavoured yogurt if you prefer a sweeter taste. On the same note, you can use regular yogurt instead of Greek if you prefer.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with a distinct, rich flavour. It contains vitamins and minerals like zinc and manganese. You can use honey instead, if you prefer. These sweeteners are optional and you can adjust or omit based on the sweetness of your fruit and personal preference.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavour to the popsicles. It enhances the overall taste and can make the popsicles more appealing to children. A little bit of vanilla goes a long way in this recipe for healthy popsicles.
- Water: Helps achieve the right consistency for blending and pouring into molds. Water works just fine. However, if you prefer, you can use a fruit juice (like orange or apple juice) instead of water for extra flavour and sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY POPSICLES THAT ARE KID APPROVED (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this recipe for healthy popsicles in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- If using fresh fruit, make sure it’s ripe and flavourful. If using frozen fruit, there is no need to thaw first. EXTRA TIP: If your fruit isn’t very sweet, you might need to add a bit more honey or maple syrup.
- Choose a good quality Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Full-fat yogurt will give a richer texture, while low-fat or non-fat options will still work but might be slightly icier.
- Blend thoroughly. Ensure you blend the mixture well for a smooth texture. If you prefer chunks of fruit, you can stir some in after blending.
- Taste the mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness to your preference. Remember, the popsicles might taste slightly less sweet when frozen.
- Don’t overfill the popsicle molds. Leave a little bit of space at the tops as the popsicles will expand a bit as they freeze. EXTRA TIP: If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and insert popsicle sticks or small spoons as handles.
- Tap the molds gently on the counter after filling to remove any air bubbles, ensuring an even texture.
- Freeze completely. Make sure the popsicles are fully frozen before removing them from the molds. This typically takes about 4-6 hours, but it’s best to leave them overnight if possible.
- To easily release the popsicles from the molds, run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds. This will help loosen them without melting the popsicles.
- Once frozen, you can remove the popsicles from the molds and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
- Don’t be afraid to make these healthy fruit popsicles your own! Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations, yogurt flavours, and add-ins like chia seeds or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To make popsicles creamy and not icy, use Greek yogurt or coconut milk as a base, ensure all of the ingredients are blended thoroughly, avoid adding too much liquid, and freeze slowly for the best texture. Make sure your popsicles are fully frozen before taking them out of the mold.
To make popsicles without a mold, use small paper cups or silicone muffin cups. Fill with your mixture, cover with foil, and insert a popsicle stick through the foil. Freeze until solid, then peel away the cup to enjoy your popsicle.
It’s best to enjoy homemade popsicles made with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit within 2-3 weeks. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain their creamy texture. PRO TIP: Use a piece of parchment paper in between each popsicle to prevent them from sticking together.
MORE KID APPROVED SWEET TREATS
SUPER FUDGY CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE (FROM CONDENSED MILK)
HOT CHOCOLATE COOKIES WITH MARSHMALLOWS
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RECIPE FOR HEALTHY POPSICLES
Looking for a refreshing treat that’s actually good for you? Check out this simple and delicious recipe for healthy popsicles – your new summer staple! And the best part is that they're kid approved!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, mango, or a mix)
- 1 cup of Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2-3 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup of Water or Juice of Choice (if needed for blending)
Instructions
- If using fresh fruit, wash and chop it into small pieces. If using frozen fruit, you can use it directly.
- In a blender, add the fruit, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract (if using). Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water or juice to help with blending. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or maple syrup.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and insert popsicle sticks or small spoons as handles.
- Place the molds in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely solid. To release the popsicles from the molds, run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 23gProtein: 3g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
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