21+ Refreshing Homemade Popsicle Recipes for Summer
The best homemade popsicle recipes to cool off with this summer — over 21 easy ice pop ideas for kids and adults.
Popsicles are a timeless, refreshing summer treat. I enjoy experimenting with a wide variety of ice pops with my son throughout the warm months, and below you’ll find our favorite homemade popsicle recipes.
From bright fruit-based ice pops to rich, creamy indulgences, this roundup offers simple, family-friendly ideas and a few grown-up options too.
Most of these popsicles come together quickly — the only challenge is waiting for them to freeze. With basic supplies and a few fresh ingredients, you can make bright, flavorful ice pops that beat store-bought versions in taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
There are many ingredient options for homemade popsicles. Use fresh or frozen fruit, single-fruit purées, or layered combinations for eye-catching striped pops.
For creamy textures, add yogurt, milk, or coconut milk. For a lighter option, blend fruit with juice or sparkling water.
If you want an indulgent treat, try chocolate, cookie, or root beer float–inspired recipes. And for adult gatherings, consider adding alcohol to create boozy popsicles — only for those 21 and older.
Homemade Popsicle Supplies
You don’t need fancy tools to make popsicles. You can use paper cups and popsicle sticks, or buy reusable plastic molds that come in many shapes and sizes. Disposable ice pop bags are another easy option for parties since they reduce cleanup.
Fruit Popsicle Recipes
Rainbow Popsicles
Layered fruit purées and a touch of honey make these rainbow popsicles colorful and naturally sweet. Freeze each layer slightly before adding the next to keep the colors distinct.
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Pineapple Cherry Popsicles
Juicy pineapple and cherries combine in a simple popsicle that needs only a few ingredients. It’s bright, sweet, and great for both kids and adults.
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Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
Sweet strawberries and tangy lemonade create a balanced, refreshing frozen treat that’s quick to make with just a few pantry staples.
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Juicy Watermelon Popsicles
Made from blended watermelon and just a couple other ingredients, these popsicles are naturally sweet and perfect for hot afternoons.
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Orange Lemon Lime Popsicles
These citrus popsicles use whole fruit for bright flavor and a satisfying texture — a healthier alternative to store-bought lemon-lime ice pops.
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Sparkling Ice Pops
Use flavored sparkling water with fresh fruit for bubbly, light popsicles — try different flavor combinations to find your favorite.
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Tropical Fruit Pops
A blend of mango, pineapple, and strawberry creates a tropical, kid-friendly popsicle that’s bright and naturally sweet.
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Creamy Popsicle Recipes
Banana Pudding Popsicles
Creamy banana pudding combined with vanilla wafers and frozen bananas makes a nostalgic popsicle that tastes just like banana pudding in frozen form.
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Raspberry Lemon Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Greek yogurt with raspberries and lemon yields a creamy, tangy popsicle that’s protein-rich and satisfying with just a few ingredients.
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Strawberries and Cream Popsicles
If you prefer creamy pops, blend milk or yogurt with frozen strawberries for a silky, simple strawberry-and-cream frozen pop.
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Rich and Indulgent Popsicles
Cookies & Cream Popsicles
Crushed cookies mixed with yogurt and cream produce a rich, kid-friendly frozen dessert that’s easy to assemble and fun to share.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Popsicles
Classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors meet creamy yogurt in an indulgent frozen pop that can be dipped in chocolate and topped with peanuts for extra texture.
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Fresh Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles with Cookie Crumble
These pops combine fresh cherries, creamy cheesecake-style filling, and a cookie crumble for a dessert-like frozen treat that’s portable and delicious.
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Nutella Fudgesicles
Homemade fudgesicles made with hazelnut-chocolate spread offer a rich, satisfying chocolate pop that tastes like a classic frozen treat made from scratch.
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Root Beer Float Popsicles
Turn a classic root beer float into a two-ingredient popsicle — root beer and ice cream — for an instantly nostalgic frozen treat.
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Black Forest Yogurt Popsicles
Cherry, chocolate, and creamy yogurt combine in these Black Forest–inspired popsicles — rich in flavor but lighter than cake.
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Popsicle Recipes for Kids
Ocean Blue Lemonade Popsicles
Fun for kids, these ocean-themed popsicles use blue lemonade and gummy sharks or Swedish fish for a playful, party-ready treat.
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Jello Popsicles
Bright, wiggly jello popsicles are easy to make in many flavors and are a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen.
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Fruity Pebbles Popsicles
Greek yogurt, vanilla, and Fruity Pebbles cereal make colorful frozen yogurt pops that double as a fun breakfast or snack for kids.
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Breakfast Yogurt Popsicles
Packed with yogurt, granola, and fresh berries, these popsicles are a fun, portable breakfast option for busy summer mornings.
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Adult Popsicle Recipes
Fireball Whiskey Cinnamon Roll Boozy Ice Pops
A simple adult-only option: cream soda and Fireball whiskey combine for a cinnamon-roll inspired boozy pop. Serve only to guests 21 and older.
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Pina Colada Popsicles
Coconut milk, pineapple, and a touch of rum make tropical pina colada pops — omit the rum for a kid-friendly version.
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Coffee Popsicles
When iced coffee isn’t enough, freeze brewed coffee with cream or creamer for an energizing frozen treat — flavor with different creamers to vary the taste.
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This homemade popsicle recipe round-up was originally published on 8/5/2016.