Easy Homemade Small Batch Strawberry Popsicles: Your Perfect Refreshing Summer Treat

These homemade Strawberry Popsicles (Small Batch) are crafted with the freshest strawberries and stand out as the quintessential cool-down treat for those hot summer days. What’s more, they are naturally vegan, dairy-free, eggless, and gluten-free, making them a delightful and inclusive dessert for everyone.

Welcome to summer, a season synonymous with sunshine, outdoor adventures, and, of course, delicious frozen treats! As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like a homemade popsicle to bring a smile to your face and a chill to your core. While the summer of 2020 might have presented its unique set of challenges, some traditions, like strawberry picking, thankfully endured with minor adjustments. It’s these simple joys that truly define the season, and turning a bounty of fresh berries into a vibrant, refreshing dessert is one of the best ways to celebrate.

Every year, I look forward to the ritual of strawberry picking with my dad. This past season, despite the need for masks and social distancing, the fields were still abundant, and the experience was as rewarding as ever. Coming home with baskets overflowing with ruby-red jewels always sparks creativity in the kitchen. Having already explored numerous strawberry recipes on the blog, from decadent desserts to delightful drinks, I was inspired to create something fresh and new, yet timeless.

For years, fruit popsicles and strawberry slushies have been staples in my summer kitchen, a testament to the versatility and universal appeal of this beloved berry. However, I realized a classic, pure strawberry popsicle recipe, one that celebrates the fruit in its simplest form, had yet to be officially shared. Until now!

This recipe for small batch strawberry popsicles is beautifully straightforward, focusing on the natural goodness of just a few key ingredients: fresh, ripe strawberries, a splash of lemon juice to brighten their natural sweetness, a touch of sugar for perfect texture, and a bit of water to achieve the ideal consistency. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Forget complicated equipment or lengthy processes – all you need is a reliable blender, your favorite popsicle molds, and a trusty freezer. No churning, no fuss, just blend, pour, and freeze your way to pure summer bliss. The result? A perfectly textured, intensely fruity popsicle that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Moreover, for those with dietary considerations, these simple, four-ingredient popsicles are a dream come true – completely vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, proving that delicious treats can be enjoyed by everyone.

How To Make These Effortless Homemade Strawberry Popsicles

Creating your own batch of homemade strawberry popsicles is an incredibly simple and rewarding culinary adventure. The process is designed for minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it a perfect activity for a warm afternoon. Begin by gathering your fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and water. These are the stars of our show, each playing a crucial role in the final delicious outcome.

The first step is to combine all these ingredients into a high-speed blender (affiliate link). This is where the magic happens! Blend the mixture until it’s perfectly smooth. You want to ensure there are no large chunks of fruit remaining, creating a uniform and delightful liquid that will freeze into a consistent popsicle. A powerful blender will achieve this in just a minute or two, transforming your fresh ingredients into a vibrant, sweet puree.

Once you’ve achieved that velvety smooth consistency, carefully transfer your strawberry mixture into your chosen popsicle molds. Many blenders come equipped with a convenient pour spout, making the transfer process mess-free and efficient. Fill each mold, leaving a little space at the top for expansion as the liquid freezes. Next, prepare your molds to hold the popsicle sticks firmly in place – some molds have built-in slots or covers for this. Insert the sticks, ensuring they are centered and upright, ready for their transformation. Finally, place your filled molds into the freezer, and let the cold do its work until they are completely firm.

And that’s genuinely it! With just a few simple steps – blend, pour, and freeze – you’ll have a batch of incredibly delicious, all-natural strawberry popsicles ready to enjoy. It’s a wonderfully straightforward process that yields a deeply satisfying and refreshing treat, perfect for any time you need a sweet escape from the heat.

Can I Adjust or Reduce the Sugar in Strawberry Popsicles? Understanding the Sweet Science

One of the most frequent questions I receive about homemade popsicles revolves around sugar content: “Can I reduce the sugar? It seems like a lot!” It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re mindful of sugar intake or if your strawberries are exceptionally sweet on their own. However, when it comes to popsicles, sugar plays a far more critical role than simply sweetening the treat; it’s a vital component for achieving the perfect texture. The science behind it is fascinating and essential for avoiding disappointing results.

Sugar, in the context of freezing, acts as an antifreeze. It actively lowers the freezing point of the liquid mixture. This crucial property helps to prevent the formation of large, hard ice crystals. Without sufficient sugar, your popsicle mixture would freeze solid into an unyielding block of ice, akin to a rock-hard ice cube. Imagine biting into that – it would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, and certainly not the pleasant, yielding texture we expect from a popsicle. The sugar ensures that the frozen treat remains “soft” enough to bite into comfortably without fear of chipping a tooth.

While the temptation to reduce the sugar, especially with naturally sweet strawberries, is understandable, I strongly urge you to stick to the recommended amount for this recipe. The balance of sugar, fruit, and water has been carefully calibrated to create that ideal, scoopable, yet firm popsicle consistency. If you do decide to experiment with reducing the sugar, please be aware of the potential consequences. You may end up with popsicles that are much harder, more like solid icicles, which can be difficult to unmold and less enjoyable to eat. They might even stubbornly cling to your molds, making extraction a frustrating ordeal. For a truly delightful and perfectly textured homemade strawberry popsicle, the sugar is a non-negotiable ingredient that contributes significantly to the overall experience.

What Can I Substitute for Granulated Sugar in This Recipe?

This particular strawberry popsicle recipe has been rigorously tested and perfected using granulated sugar, which provides the ideal balance of sweetness and texture. Granulated sugar’s crystalline structure and solubility contribute significantly to the smooth, biteable consistency of the popsicles by interfering with ice crystal formation.

While I understand the desire to explore alternative sweeteners, it’s important to approach substitutions with caution, as they can drastically alter the final product. I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe with alternatives like agave syrup, Splenda, honey, maple syrup, or other sugar substitutes. These different sweeteners vary widely in their chemical composition, sweetness levels, and impact on freezing points. For instance, liquid sweeteners like honey or agave syrup will add additional moisture to the mixture, which could make the popsicles harder or more prone to crystallization. Artificial sweeteners like Splenda may not have the same anti-crystallization properties as granulated sugar and can sometimes leave an aftertaste. Natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol also behave differently in frozen applications and might not prevent large ice crystals from forming, leading to a much icier, less pleasant texture.

If you choose to experiment with substituting the sugar, please be prepared for potential variations in taste, sweetness, and especially texture. The results might not be the “soft” popsicle experience this recipe aims for. Should you decide to venture into alternative sweeteners, I would be incredibly grateful if you would share your results in the comments section below! Your feedback will be invaluable to others in the community, helping them understand what works (or doesn’t work) when trying out different sugar alternatives in this delicious strawberry popsicle recipe.

Can I Substitute Another Fruit for the Fresh Strawberries?

Absolutely, yes! This popsicle recipe is wonderfully versatile and serves as an excellent base for a variety of fresh fruits. While strawberries are a classic and delicious choice, don’t hesitate to get creative with other seasonal produce. I frequently use this exact method to make popsicles with different fruits, and the results are consistently delightful.

Blueberries and raspberries are fantastic substitutes, offering similar juiciness and a burst of berry flavor. Peaches, especially ripe, fragrant ones, also make an incredible popsicle. When substituting, consider the water content and natural sweetness of your chosen fruit. Fruits with higher water content might require slightly less added water in the recipe, or conversely, a touch more sugar if they are less sweet than the strawberries you’re replacing. For instance, a very ripe mango or pineapple could also work beautifully, but you might want to adjust the lemon juice slightly to balance their unique sweetness. The key is to maintain the overall liquid-to-sugar ratio as much as possible to ensure the ideal texture once frozen. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal fruits to discover new and exciting popsicle flavors!

Can I Double This Small Batch Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! While my primary focus is often on developing small batch recipes, which are perfect for smaller households, experimenting with new flavors without committing to a huge quantity, or simply enjoying fresh treats more frequently, this recipe is incredibly easy to scale up. You are more than welcome to double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients to make as many popsicles as your heart desires or your freezer can hold!

When increasing the recipe, the most crucial aspect is to maintain the exact proportions of all ingredients. Do not arbitrarily reduce the sugar, even if you are making a larger batch. As discussed earlier, the sugar plays a significant and structural role in the freezing process, ensuring your popsicles have that desired smooth, biteable texture rather than becoming hard, icy blocks. By keeping the proportions consistent, you’ll achieve the same fantastic results, whether you’re making a small batch for yourself or a larger one for a party. So go ahead, stock your freezer with a generous supply of these delightful strawberry popsicles!

What Equipment Can I Use to Make Popsicles?

Making homemade popsicles is incredibly flexible, and you don’t necessarily need specialized equipment to get started. While dedicated popsicle molds offer convenience and a classic shape, there are many creative alternatives you can use.

I personally adore my popsicle mold, especially for its iconic shape, reminiscent of classic fudgesicles. It’s durable and reliable for consistent results. You can easily find the Norpro Ice Pop Maker on Amazon (affiliate link), which is a fantastic investment if you plan on making popsicles regularly. Its design helps ensure easy unmolding and a professional-looking finish.

However, if you don’t own a traditional popsicle mold, don’t let that stop you! A wonderfully simple and effective alternative is to use small paper Dixie cups. These are readily available in most grocery stores, typically found near the paper plates and other disposable tableware. To use them, simply fill the cups with your strawberry mixture, then cover the tops with aluminum foil. Create a small hole in the center of the foil for each cup, and then insert your popsicle sticks through the hole. The foil helps to hold the sticks securely in place as the popsicles freeze, preventing them from tipping over. For an even more budget-friendly and accessible option, standard ice cube trays can also be used for mini popsicles, perfect for smaller servings or for kids.

As for popsicle sticks, you have a couple of options. They can be conveniently purchased either on Amazon (affiliate link) or in the craft section of most general merchandise stores. They’re inexpensive and essential for easy handling of your frozen treats.

Bonus tip for mold maintenance: Some popsicle molds, especially those with intricate shapes, can be a bit challenging to clean by hand. I’ve found that a dedicated bottle brush is incredibly useful for reaching into all the nooks and crannies, ensuring your molds are perfectly clean and ready for your next batch of homemade deliciousness!

How To Effortlessly Unmold Your Homemade Popsicles

Unmolding popsicles can sometimes be a tricky step, but with a few simple techniques, you can release your frozen treats perfectly every time without any breakage. Since you’re often making a small batch of these delightful strawberry popsicles, you can easily use the individual warm water method.

For individual molds, carefully run each mold under lukewarm (not hot!) water for about 30 to 60 seconds. The warmth from the water will slightly melt the outermost layer of the popsicle, creating a thin layer of liquid that allows it to slide out easily. It’s crucial to be mindful not to get any water inside the mold, as this can affect the popsicle’s texture. After about a minute under the running water, gently pull the popsicle stick. If it doesn’t release with a gentle tug, don’t force it. Simply run it under the lukewarm water for a little longer until it slides out smoothly. Forcing it can cause the popsicle to break or leave part of it stuck in the mold.

Alternatively, if you’re unmolding a larger number of popsicles at once or using a multi-cavity mold, the “bath” method can be incredibly efficient. Fill a large, deep container or your kitchen sink with lukewarm water. Submerge the entire popsicle mold (ensuring the tops, where the sticks are, remain above the waterline to prevent water ingress) into the water for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the warmth to gently loosen all the popsicles simultaneously. After the short soak, remove the mold from the water and carefully pull out each popsicle. This method is particularly handy for batch production, saving you time and effort.

If you opted for the paper cup method, unmolding is even simpler. Just tear or cut away the paper cup from around the frozen popsicle. This is a mess-free and guaranteed way to release your treat. Whichever method you choose, patience is key – a little warmth and a gentle hand will ensure your homemade strawberry popsicles emerge perfectly intact and ready to be enjoyed.

How To Store Homemade Popsicles for Lasting Freshness

Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade strawberry popsicles tasting fresh and free from freezer burn, allowing you to enjoy them for longer. There are slightly different approaches depending on whether you plan for short-term or long-term storage.

For short-term storage, once your popsicles have been unmolded, the best method is to place them in a single layer on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking to each other. Then, transfer this layer into a freezer-safe container. This could be a sturdy plastic container with an airtight lid or a freezer bag. In this manner, your homemade popsicles will remain fresh and delicious for about one week. They’re perfect for enjoying throughout a sunny week, offering a quick and healthy grab-and-go treat.

If you’re looking to extend the life of your popsicles and want them to last longer, perhaps for a few weeks or up to a month, an additional step is required to prevent freezer burn effectively. After they have fully refrozen and are solid, individually wrap each popsicle tightly in plastic wrap. The plastic wrap creates a barrier against air and moisture, which are the primary causes of freezer burn. Once each popsicle is securely wrapped, place them all together into a larger freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Stored this way, your strawberry popsicles can maintain their quality and flavor for up to one month. This method is ideal for making a larger batch and having a stash of refreshing treats ready whenever a craving strikes.

Other Small Batch Popsicle Recipes to Explore

Craving more homemade frozen delights? If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these small batch strawberry popsicles, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes for homemade popsicles. Each one is designed for easy preparation and maximum flavor, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a warm day:

• Pineapple Popsicles: A tropical escape in every bite, bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh pineapple.
• Watermelon Popsicles: Light, refreshing, and incredibly hydrating, these pops capture the essence of summer watermelon.
• Margarita Popsicles: A fun, adult-friendly twist on a classic cocktail, perfect for a backyard gathering (note: this link leads to a non-alcoholic version for all to enjoy).
• Iced Coffee Popsicles: For the coffee lovers, a creamy, energizing treat that’s perfect for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Coconut Popsicles: A creamy, exotic delight featuring the rich, tropical notes of coconut, a true taste of paradise.

These recipes offer a wonderful variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s a homemade popsicle for every palate and occasion. Enjoy experimenting and staying cool!

Still in the mood for something creamy but with a delightful strawberry twist? Don’t forget to check out my indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream recipe – it’s another fantastic way to enjoy the beloved strawberry flavor!

Strawberry Popsicles (Small Batch)

Yield:
5-6 popsicles

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Freeze Time:
4 hours

Total Time:
4 hours 15 minutes

Homemade Strawberry Popsicles (Small Batch) are the perfect cool-down treat for summer. They’re vegan, dairy free, eggless, and gluten free.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced strawberries (roughly 8 ounces)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Add strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice to a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Transfer the mixture to popsicle molds or paper cups then insert wooden sticks. Freeze until firm, roughly 4 hours but preferably overnight.

   Once unmolded, place the popsicles in a single layer on wax or parchment paper then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 week.

   For longer storage, once they refreeze solid wrap each one in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze up to 1 month.

Notes

• Enjoyed this recipe? Check out Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles, Margarita Popsicles, and Watermelon Yogurt Popsicles.
• Got more strawberries? Check out my other strawberry recipes including ice cream, cake, frosting, and more.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Popsicle Mold
• Popsicle Sticks
• Blender

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