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These fresh strawberry watermelon popsicles come together in minutes and taste like summer in every bite. With just a blender and a handful of fruit, you can make a batch of healthy, vibrant treats that cool you down without a drop of added sugar. I started making these to beat the Arizona heat, and now my whole family looks forward to our weekly popsicle nights.
I first made these when my toddler was teething and needed something gentle and cold. Since then they have become our go to for summer days by the pool or picnics in the backyard.
Ingredients
- Watermelon cubes: make up the base and give plenty of juicy flavor. Look for seedless ripe watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a deep yellow spot.
- Strawberries: add color and sweetness while balancing watermelon’s mildness. Sweet ripe berries turn the popsicles bright red. Fresh or frozen both work.
- Lime zest: brings a punch of citrus fragrance. Use a microplane to get just the bright green zest.
- Lime juice: sharpens the fruit and keeps the flavor lively. Use a fresh lime and roll it on the counter before juicing for max juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the Fruit:
- Add the cubed watermelon, strawberries, lime zest, and lime juice to your blender. Puree until the mixture looks completely smooth and no large bits remain. Taste and add another squeeze of lime or a tiny drizzle of honey or agave if you want it a little sweeter.
- Pour and Freeze:
- Carefully pour the blended fruit mixture into your popsicle molds. Fill each mold almost to the top and tap the mold on the counter to remove air bubbles. Place the lid on top or cover with foil and insert wooden popsicle sticks.
- Freeze Until Firm:
- Put the popsicle molds in the coldest part of your freezer and let them set for at least three hours or until completely solid. Overnight is even better if you can wait.
- Remove From Molds:
- When ready to eat run each well of the popsicle mold under cold water for a few seconds. Gently wiggle the stick side to side to help the popsicle slide out. If it is still stuck give it a little more water and try again.
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My favorite thing is using super ripe local watermelon all summer long. It gives the popsicles a flavor that reminds me of eating juicy watermelon slices barefoot in the backyard with my kids sticky and grinning.
Storage Tips
Take the popsicles out of the mold and keep them in a freezer safe airtight bag. This helps free up your mold for more frozen treats. Enjoy them within two or three weeks for the freshest taste but they can last a month.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in raspberries or blueberries for the strawberries if you want a different flavor. Add a splash of orange juice for a twist. If your fruit is not super sweet a little honey or maple syrup will help round out the flavor without compromising the natural taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pile a few popsicles in a bowl with slices of fresh fruit for a party snack.
- Let slightly melted popsicles become slush and serve in cups with a straw for a frosty treat.
- Break up leftover popsicles and use as ice cubes in sparkling water for the prettiest summer drink.
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Cultural and Seasonal Note
Watermelon and strawberries burst onto the scene every summer and both are classics at summer barbecues and celebrations. Fresh fruit popsicles have roots in all sorts of cultures and every family seems to add their own twist depending on what is ripe and sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, both fresh and frozen strawberries work well. Thaw frozen berries slightly for easier blending.
- → How do I make the popsicles sweeter?
If you'd like more sweetness, add a little honey or agave before pureeing the fruit mixture.
- → How long do the ice pops take to freeze?
Freeze the popsicles for 3-4 hours, or until completely solid. Timing may vary by freezer and mold size.
- → What's the best way to remove popsicles from the mold?
Run the mold under cold water for a few seconds and gently wiggle the sticks to release the pops.
- → How should I store leftover popsicles?
Transfer frozen pops to a freezer-safe bag after unmolding. They keep fresh for up to a month.