Popsicle Recipes for Summer 2021

Photo courtesy of Jessica Gavin

During the summer at the lake, there’s nothing like a frozen treat to cool you down. Specifically, popsicles are always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike, these single-serving handheld desserts are the perfect cure for any overheated person with a sweet tooth. While store bought popsicles like Flavor Ice and Bomb Pops are always a classic, using popsicle recipes to make your own homemade treats is even more fun. Check out these DIY recipes for summer 2021!

Raspberry Popsicles

Photo courtesy of Wanna Come With?

Let’s start out with the simplest recipe. These raspberry popsicles use only two ingredients to get the job done. Icy, fruity, and delicious, the simplicity of these treats is guaranteed to make this dessert a household staple in your lake home. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup of raspberry juice 
  • ½ cup of raspberries 

Directions: In a blender, blend these two ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. Then, pour into the molds and freeze overnight.

Fruit and Yogurt Swirl Pops

Photo courtesy of Country Living Magazine

If you’re looking to stay on the healthier side, these fruit and yogurt swirl pops are perfect. They’re quick, easy to make, and use the same ingredients as you would use in a typical breakfast of yogurt and fruit. More creamy than icy, these swirl pops are are filling — but in a way that’s more refreshing than hearty. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of frozen or fresh fruit 
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (if you’re using fresh fruit) 
  • 2 cups of vanilla yogurt 
  • Ice pop molds 
  • Ice pop sticks 

Instructions: Puree the fruit and sugar using a food processor until it’s smooth. Pour it into a resealable bag or squeeze bottle. Spoon the yogurt in and squeeze the yogurt and puree mixture into the molds, creating swirls. Insert ice pop sticks and freeze overnight.

Strawberry, Basil, and Honey Paletas

Photo courtesy of Taste of Home

In Mexico, ice cream shops are called paleterias and the frozen treats inside are known as paletas. Similar to a popsicle, Mexican paletas are made from natural fruits such as strawberries and mangoes. Although you can make milk-based paletas, this recipe is on the fruitier side. The additional ingredient of fresh basil makes a fun twist on this classic dessert. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 pounds of strawberries 
  • ⅔ cup of fresh basil 
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice 
  • ½ cup of raw honey or sweetener 
  • Ice pop molds or paper cups 
  • Popsicle sticks 
  • Blender 

Instructions: chop all strawberries, removing the green stems. Set aside six strawberries. Place the chopped strawberries, basil, and lime juice into a blender and blend until smooth. Add the sweetener to the mix and blend again. Finally, put the remaining strawberry slices into the mold and add the fruit mixture. Cover mold, insert sticks, and chill overnight.

Rainbow Popsicles

Photo courtesy of The First Year

Even though Pride month is over, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy rainbow popsicles all year round! This multi-layered popsicle recipe is as vibrant as it is delicious. However, it’s worth noting that this one is particularly involved. You’ll need several different types of fruit, so this one is perfect after a trip to the farmer’s market! 

Ingredients 

  • For all layers: ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) water for blending 
  • Red layer: 1 frozen banana, ½ cup frozen raspberries, ½ cup frozen strawberries
  • Orange layer: 1 frozen banana, ½ cup frozen peaches, 1 small orange, ¼ cup frozen mango 
  • Yellow layer: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • Green layer: 2 frozen bananas, 1 handful of spinach, 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • Blue layer: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup frozen pineapple, small amount of blue food coloring
  • Purple layer: 1 frozen banana, 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • Magenta layer: 1 frozen banana, ½ cup sliced canned beets 
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries 

Instructions: Blend each smoothie as a layer. Then, scoop the mixtures into the molds in the correct order. Add the sticks once the molds are filled and freeze the popsicles overnight.

Watermelon Popsicles

Photo courtesy of Eat Simple Food

There’s no fruit that screams “summertime” quite like watermelon. While this tasty fruit is delicious in its own right, watermelon in popsicle form is bound to be your new seasonal craving. This popsicle recipe is super easy and only takes about 20 minutes to make. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 small watermelon (seedless) 

Instructions: Cut off the watermelon rind and toss it. Cut the watermelon into cubes, then place in the blender. Once it’s smooth, pour it into popsicle molds, leaving some space at the top for sticks. Freeze for at least 4 hours!

5 Best Homemade Treats to Keep Cool This Summer

Photo courtesy of SaranacLake.com.

From water sports to sunbathing, summertime represents the essence of lake living. In honor of the first day of summer, we’re celebrating by making delicious frozen treats. Each one of these chilled recipes is easy to make from the comfort of your lake house. Read on for our top picks that will keep you cool in the summer heat! 

Ice Cream

Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com.

You don’t have to wait in the Ben and Jerry’s line for the perfect ice cream. You probably have most of the ingredients you need at home. As a fun bonus, it’s a science experiment so that you can observe chemistry in action. Toss in toppings like cookie crumbles, fudge, or fresh fruit and enjoy! 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups whole milk 
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
  • 10 cups ice 
  • 8 tablespoons rock salt 

Directions: In a medium bowl, mix milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour half of the mixture into a sandwich bag and seal tightly. Place the bag into a larger plastic bag, add the remaining batter, and seal. In a 4 quart Tupperware, add rock salt, ice, and plastic bags. Shake for 5 minutes and voila — you’ve got ice cream! Check out the full recipe here

Snow Cones

Photo courtesy of diys.com.

You don’t need a snow cone maker to enjoy this frozen treat at your lake house. As long as you have a blender, you’re all set. Whether you use Kool-Aid packets or another powdered drink mix, you can customize with your favorite flavors like cherry, blueberry, and grape. Pick up some cone-shaped cups and enjoy. 

Ingredients: 

  • 4 cups of water 
  • 4 cups of sugar
  • 4 envelopes powdered drink mix 
  • 4 cups crescent-shaped ice cubes 
  • 1-2 tablespoons water 

Directions: Boil 4 cups of water in a large saucepan on medium-high. Stir in sugar until it’s dissolved. Divide this syrup evenly into 4 medium bowls and add an envelope of powdered drink mix to each. Stir until powder is dissolved, then pour into 4 squeeze bottles. In a blender, pulse ice until it is crushed. Sprinkle water over ice, scoop into balls, and drizzle syrup. View the full recipe here

Ice Pops

Photo courtesy of laylita.com.

Simply a classic, ice pops are a favorite among parents and kids alike. They’re also easy to make with a prep time of only 5-10 minutes. Just be sure to factor in the 5 hours of freezing time. You can set them in the freezer in the morning, enjoy an afternoon on the lake, and come back for afternoon ice pops. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups of frozen strawberries or blueberries (thawed)
  • ¼ cup apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey 
  • ½ lemon, juiced 
  • 1 pinch salt 

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a blender until smooth. Pour blended juice into ice pop molds and freeze for 5 hours. If you don’t have molds, pour juice into 3-ounce plastic cups, cover with foil, and insert popsicle sticks through the foil into the cups. Find the recipe here

Monkey Tails

Photo courtesy of SimpleRootsWellness.com.

Monkey tails are the chocolate lover’s alternative to fruity ice pops. A refreshing twist on the classic chocolate and banana combination makes these delectable snacks full of rich flavors, creating an ideal summer dessert. Feel free to top with crushed nuts or coconut flakes.

Ingredients: 

  • 6 large bananas 
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips 
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil 
  • Popsicle sticks 
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts or coconut flakes (optional)

Directions: Insert a popsicle stick into the ends of each banana and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, mix chocolate chips and vegetable oil and microwave in 30-second intervals until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove bananas from the freezer, dip in chocolate, then place back in the freezer until chocolate is firm (30 minutes). Check out the recipe here

Mocktail Piña Colada

Photo courtesy of delish.com.

If you like piña coladas (as the song goes), this is the perfect summer treat for you and your kids. This fruity, tropical beverage is a great way to wind down while watching the sunset on your boat dock. Include colorful straws and a cocktail umbrella for the full tiki bar effect. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 ripe bananas 
  • 1 cup of freshly diced pineapples 
  • 1 cup of pineapple juice
  • ½ cup of coconut milk 
  • 3 cups of ice cubes 
  • Pineapple wedges for garnish 

Directions: Blend all ingredients except pineapples in a blender, then pour the mixture into glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges. Serve while it’s cold! View the recipe, and other great mocktails, here.

Now enjoy the first day of summer at the lake — and stay cool!