It’s summer, it’s hot and you want the kids to get outdoors and be active. When all that running around builds up a thirst, ice pops are a great way to cool off and keep hydrated. With some popsicle brands costing nearly $5 for a box of six, store-bought treats can be a pricey option. Luckily, homemade frozen pops are easy to make, and the flavor possibilities are almost endless. That’s a win-win for frugal families.
Try these fun and easy DIY ice pop recipes for summer fun and an easy way to cool off.
What you need to make ice pops
You don’t need anything more than a paper cup to make homemade popsicles. Pour your mix into the paper cup, cover it with plastic wrap, perhaps push a popsicle stick into the center, and freeze. Voila! You have a simple, inexpensive way to make homemade popsicles.
Sometimes you want to change things up with a different shape or package. These Zipzicle pouches are a fun (and cheap) way to make homemade ice pops. If your kids complain about handling a cold pop like mine do, you can try a DIY version of ice-pop holders.
You can use these molds to create a more a traditional pop shape, and they’ve received great reviews. For younger kids, use these mini popsicle molds to create perfectly sized pops.
How to make traditional ice pops
The easiest ice pops to make at home are the old-school version: pour juice into a paper cup or popsicle mold and freeze until solid. Even with these, you can get creative. Try different juices — grape is a go-to standard, but why not strawberry-orange-banana or pomegranate?
You can also fill the cup half-way, freeze, and then fill the remainder of the cup with a different juice, then refreeze for a fun, layered pop.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Pudding ice pop recipes
When I was a kid, I loved Jell-O Pudding Pops. They are no longer produced, but I was dying to let my kids enjoy those creamy treats. I gave it a whirl with this classic pudding pops recipe, which turned out to be pretty good.
Then I decided to experiment a bit more and found lots of options. The yummiest looking are chocolate vanilla swirled pudding pops, salted caramel pudding pops and Oreo pudding pops.
Smoothie ice pop recipes
Smoothies are cool and refreshing, but on a hot day, a smoothie popsicle is even better. Here are few that pass my taste test: banana blueberry smoothie pops, green smoothie popsicle rockets and mango smoothie pops.
You can turn any of these smoothies into a popsicle with just a paper cup and a popsicle stick.
Photo: Deposit Photos
Unique ice pop recipes
If you’re ready to take a walk on the wild side, give these fun pops a try: slow drip popsicles, Nutella pops, or these creamy root beer float popsicles.
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