With summer just around the corner what better way to get in the mood than whipping up some healthy and delicious homemade popsicles! Here’s a recipe I’ve adapted from the People’s Pops recipe book. You can substitute any fruit – just be sure to use the ripest ones as they have the most flavor/sugar content (mushy and bruised is good!).

You’ll need to purchase a popsicle mold, popsicle sticks and guar gum(optional, but this helps keep ice crystals from forming and makes for a smoother pop – you can also use this to thicken sauces instead of cornstarch. Just don’t use too much or your pops will feel slimy!).

Fruit Mixture:

  • 1 c. fruit puree
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • ½ c. simple syrup
  • ½ Tsp. guar gum

Yogurt Mixture:

  • 1 c. greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ c. simple syrup
  • + any spices

To make simple syrup combine equal parts sugar and boiling water – stir until the sugar dissolves. If you’re just making enough for one batch combine ⅔ c. sugar with ⅔ c. boiling water (= 1 c.). This is the time to infuse your simple syrup with flavors like, mint, ginger, lemon etc… Get creative!

Once you’ve combined your fruit and yogurt mixtures separately you’re ready to fill the molds (I like to use a spoon). Starting with the fruit mixture fill each mold ⅓ of the way full then add your yogurt mixture until it’s all gone. Top with the remaining fruit mixture.

Now take a popsicle stick and gently blend the fruit and yogurt together. This will create nice a swirled effect. Afterwards, place the top of the mold on and insert your popsicle sticks so there is about 1 ½ inches sticking out. Place on a level freezer shelf and freeze for at least 4 hrs.

Once frozen, just dip or spray the bottom part of the mold in hot water for 15-20 seconds and firmly pull the pop from the mold.

Viola! Perfectly made pops – enjoy!

– Jessica