Skip to content
For some random reason, I crave ice cream in the winter and popsicles in the summer. Don’t get me wrong; I’ll eat the hell out of either year-round! However, I get a hankering for an icy cold, fruity frozen treat during the summer months. It’s that signal my body screams when it needs to cool down. So I’ll take snow cones, a fruity smoothie, or any fruit juice popsicle to keep myself chill. Lately, I’ve discovered the therapeutic act of making my delicious homemade popsicles.
How perfect are they?
- They are my go-to thirst quencher during my least favorite time of the year.
- Their ice-cold tasty flavors are a party in my esophagus.
- The second they hit my taste buds, I forget about the uncomfortable boob sweat accumulating in my brassiere. Yes, I said boob sweat. It’s the worst thing in existence on a hot summer day. Luckily, the power of a delicious popsicle can help you forget about all of your pain, my friend.
- They make me feel like a kid again. Growing up on a busy street, my siblings and I had the privilege of regular visits from the ice cream truck. Without shoes, we’d run out to greet him like a pack of hungry banshees. And for the rest of the day, we’d have colored stains around our mouths from our popsicles. Good times.
- And, most importantly, they are a therapeutic act to do. Cutting the fruit, admiring the intense colors and flavors of the season, and designing your signature popsicle are beautiful lessons in meditation.
Why make homemade popsicles?
The beautiful colors of summer in a homemade popsicle go beyond any store-bought popsicle you might find. Making them at home allows me to get creative with flavor combinations too. I also know exactly what’s going into the process! There aren’t any scientific words that I can’t pronounce in the ingredients.
Right now, gorgeous summer fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and peaches are within our grasp to make some delicious homemade popsicles. When you use fruits in peak season, the intensified flavors always make for a happy popsicle-eater. Slice them into pretty shapes, or cube them for a beautiful design encapsulated in natural fruit juices.
Spark that creativity!
You have the time, and you’ve got the colorful fruit in front of you. What else do you need? If you have kids, get them into the kitchen with you, and show them how to create their own. Nurture their inner artist.
If you don’t have kids, no problem! Invite a few of your besties over and make a batch with a bit of alcohol for a summer evening get-together! And send me an invite because… ya know.
What you need.
The ingredients and supplies to make popsicles at home don’t have to be too expensive or hard to find. Unless you want to create gourmet varieties, a few fruit options, simple flavoring, and edible embellishments are all you need!
- A puréed fruit of choice: summer gems like strawberries, kiwi, mango, blackberries, blueberries, and pineapple are all great options. Add them to your blender and go! Simply, add the fruit to a high-speed blender and blend until as smooth as possible.
- Flavorings: cinnamon, vanilla, a splash of maple syrup, coriander (goes great with a kiwi and strawberry combination), cardamom, lime zest, black tea, or dried chiles add another facet to your fruits.
- Stir-in embellishments: dried fruit, cucumber, fresh fruit chunks, or toasted coconut to kick your popsicles up a notch.
- Popsicle molds
The flavor combinations are endless. Here are just a few ideas for your creations:
- Kiwi & Strawberry
- Pineapple & Coconut
- Blackberry & Orange
- Lemon & Basil
- Grape & Cucumber
And dolls, delicious homemade popsicles are an act of self-love!
If you’re worried about extra calories or feeling guilty about eating sugary snacks, don’t look to me to worry with you because eff guilt! Life is too short to see any food as a threat. Instead, try seeing yourself as someone who deserves the experience of enjoying these sweet treats, especially if you’re the one who put creativity and love into making them. You connected with the ingredients; celebrate! Take pleasure in the delicious beauty you made right out of your kitchen. I’ll never shame you for that, m’dear.
So, while summer is still here, be sure to try making a few recipes and stock your freezer. Winter will be here in no time, and I’ll be ready for my Ben & Jerry’s phlegm.
If you love summer, you’ll love this recipe for Summer Peach Gazpacho!
Stay cool, kittens!
