Fun Twists on Summer Fruit Popsicles

What’s more refreshing than a cool, sweet, fruity popsicle on a hot summer day? We can’t think of a thing! A fruit-based popsicle is low-cal, full of flavor, and makes for the perfect afternoon or evening snack. Kids love them after daycare or summer camp and you’ll love watching them enjoy their tasty treat. Heck, you’ll probably have one too! There’s no need to get store-bought popsicles – you can make them at home. It’s easy to create different flavors which all taste delicious. Here are a few ideas for fun twists on popsicles that the whole family will enjoy. You’ll need popsicle molds or plastic cups with wooden popsicle sticks in order to make them. These recipes should yield about 6-8 pops depending upon the size of your molds. (You can also make mini-pops in your ice cube tray!)

Creamy Orange Pops

Have you ever had a Creamsicle pop as a kid? The combo of fruity orange and sweet cream would make any mouth water. The taste can be recreated in your very own popsicle recipe. Simply combine 2 cups orange juice (either pulp or pulp-free is fine) and ½ cup half and half or heavy cream in a large measuring cup with a spout. Add 1/8 cup granulated sugar or 4 packets of sugar substitute such as Splenda and stir until fully dissolved. Next, stir in ¼ cup condensed milk (not evaporated milk) until well-mixed. Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds or cups and freeze for at least 4-5 hours (preferably overnight). Now’s the best part… enjoy your creamy orange pops!

Cranberry Lime Pucker Pops

If you and the kids love a nice tart popsicle, this cranberry and lime combo is a real treat. In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine 1 ½ cups cranberry cocktail juice, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/8 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup apple juice. Before pouring into the molds, drop a few dried cranberries into the mold and pour the liquid over them. These will add a nice chew to the pops and an unexpected surprise too. Freeze overnight and look forward to a pop that will make your mouth pucker!

Marvelous Melon Pops

Melons are a summer staple, so why not transform the juicy fruit into popsicles? In a blender, blend 1 cup honeydew, 1 cup cantaloupe, 1 cup watermelon, and 1/8 cup granulated sugar. Blend until smooth and pour into your popsicle molds. Freeze overnight and you will be able to enjoy a melon blend you’ve never had before. The fruity flavors will meld together and delight your taste buds. The kids won’t even know that they’re enjoying something healthful!

What are your favorite summertime frozen treats? Have you ever made your own popsicles? Share your recipes with the AMC community. We’d love to try them all! For more info like this, please visit All My Children Daycare.

By: Melissa A. Kay