Homemade popsicles are easy and fun. Kids enjoy it and they require very little work from the mom-in-charge. The first thing you need are molds. Tupperware makes some nice ones, but we are forever losing one piece or another. Dollar stores and department stores sometimes have commercial molds available. They go on sale after July 4th, so that might be a good time to pick some up. If you don’t want to purchase molds you can use muffin cups or ice-cube trays instead.
Personally I don’t use store-bought molds any longer. I prefer to use plastic or paper cups and purchased craft sticks. I bought a huge box of 500 slightly deformed popsicle sticks on sale about 5 years ago. We are just now coming to the bottom of the box. I did notice my local Dollar Store had a package of 200 for $1. When I need new ones later on this summer, I’ll be sure to pick some up.
The cups I use hold 3 oz each. They come in packages of 300 for about $1.50. Paper and plastic ones are both available. I prefer the plastic ones because they can be washed and reused a few times before they sprout leaks. The paper ones must be replaced each time.
I use a large rectangular pan to hold all of the cups after filling them. This makes them easier to carry, keep them all upright in the freezer. Then place them all in the freezer for about 2 hours. They should be partially frozen. Shove popscicle sticks into the cups, they should stand upright in the partially frozen juice.
General Freezing Directions
Prepare the pop-mixture as described in the recipe. Transfer the mixture to a large measuring cup or pitcher. Carefully pour the mixture into your molds. Fill the molds to within 1/2-inch of the top. This gives them room for expansion as the liquid freezes. Place the mold into the freezer for about 2 hours. They should be partially frozen now. Carefully shove your sticks down into the center of each mold. They should stand upright. Continue freezing for about 4 hours, or until frozen solid. Run the mold under tap water to loosen the popsicle before eating.
If possible, try to teach the kids to return the sticks and molds to you when they are done with them. This saves a bit of money and teaches them to be careful with their resources.
Here are some of my favorite Popsicle recipes. Enjoy!
I always forget to go back and add the sticks in time. What I started doing is slicing a banana and putting the slices in the bottom of the cups. This will hold the sticks until the juice freezes.
Fantastic idea! I always forget to come back and put the sticks in too.
If you cover the top with plastic wrap and make a slit in it, then stick the sticks through the plastic wrap,this will keep them upright and you won’t have to remember to come back.Just take the plastic wrap off after the Popsicle’s are frozen or leave it on to catch the drips.
I like to make them out of limeade or lemonade. Just make your lime or lemonade stronger as the flavors are muted when frozen.The limeade ones are good dusted with a bit of chile powder if you happen to like savory over sweet.
I don’t understand why most recepies call for gelatine. I puree fresh fruit and freeze a popsicles. That way my DD can have e.g.: Banana and Strawberry popsicle for breakfast and I know it’s 100% great fruit.
Is there something I’m missing about needing to use gelatine?
We have a Tupperware mold set that makes popsicles. My favourite way to fix them is to make my own orange dreamsicles. I pour a little heavy whipping cream into the bottom of the molds, then some orange pop mixed with the whipping cream, and then finish with the orange soda. These are delicious!