Ready within minutes, these 4-ingredient strawberry popsicles are the ultimate summer refreshment. Naturally sweetened and full of sweet strawberry flavor, your kids will ask for them on repeat! PLUS.. they have a hidden veggie!
Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Healthy Strawberry Popsicles
What’s the secret to keeping kids hydrated during these hot summer days? Popsicles!
I love these healthy strawberry popsicles for several reasons. First, they are a fruity and refreshing treat, especially during the hot summer months. Second, they are easy to make at home using natural and healthy ingredients. And finally, they’re a fun and interactive snack that kids can enjoy while playing outdoors.
These delicious strawberry popsicles are also a great way to encourage my kids to eat more fruit. There is even a hidden veggie inside these popsicles for added natural sweetness and nutrients. Score!
Additionally, making popsicles at home allows me to control the ingredients and avoid artificial additives found in store-bought options.
If you are looking for more easy and healthy frozen desserts for your little one, then be sure to check out these delicious Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles, Healthy Green Smoothie Popsicles, these reader-favorite Homemade Yogurt Tubes, or these hidden-veggie filled Healthy Popsicles for Toddlers. You can also find more recipes and information in my best-selling cookbook Little Foodies: Recipes for Babies and Toddlers with Taste.
Strawberry Popsicle Video
Watch this video to see just how easy these popsicles are to make!
Reasons to Love Strawberry Popsicles
Make sure to read the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions!
- Simple to prepare
- Hidden veggie
- Refreshing treat on a hot day
- Naturally sweetened for a healthier treat
- Easy to eat and can be enjoyed on-the-go
- Quick source of hydration and nutrients for kids who don’t drink enough water
- Great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen
Ingredients
- Strawberries: fresh or frozen work in this recipe. If using frozen, thaw first and use the juices.
- Carrots (optional): feel free to add a small amount of carrots to these popsicles; they boost the natural sweetness of the strawberries and add additional nutrients! Score!
- Honey (for kids over 1 year in aga): you can also substitute maple syrup, agave nectar or simple syrup.
- Lemon (optional): just a bit of fresh lemon juice is the secret ingredient to bring out that strawberry flavor.
Health Benefits of Strawberry Popsicles: These popsicles are poppin with tons of nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and a whole lot fewer preservatives than store-bought popsicles. They also contain lots of water which will help keep your kiddos hydrated in the summer heat!
Step-By-Step Simmer Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until strawberries are tender. Let cool slightly.
- Place all of the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds and place in the freezer.
- Freeze for at least 5 hours, but preferably overnight.
- Pop the popsicles out of the molds and enjoy!
3-Minute Instructions
If you have very ripe strawberries that are bursting with flavor, then feel free to add all of the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth – no simmering needed.
Add-Ins
You can make these easy popsicles as-is, or you can add in one or two extra ingredients. Here are a couple of our favorite additions:
- chopped strawberries
- swirl of yogurt
- crushed graham crackers
- slices or chopped pieces of banana
- 1/2 medium cooked beet
- mango slices
Cooking with Kids
This recipe is great for helping your kids build confidence in the kitchen. There are so many ways they can help out!
Toddlers
- Toddlers can help measure and pour the ingredients into the blender.
- They can help put the lid on the blender and push start. Note: make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp.
- Once blended, toddlers can help pour the popsicle mixture into the popsicle molds. You may want to pour the popsicle mixture into a smaller measuring cup with pour lip to make it easier on them.
- With help, they can place the popsicle molds into the freezer. My kids always spill the tray at this point, so just give them an extra hand.
Kids
- You can pretty much let older kids make this recipe by themselves.
- They can pick out and measure all of the ingredients. Note: make sure to talk about not touching the blender blade while making something in the blender, as it can be sharp.
- Kids can pour the popsicle mixture into the molds and place the popsicles into the freezer.
How to Store
After removing the popsicle molds, store strawberry popsicles in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Best Popsicle Molds
I absolutely love a fun and colorful popsicle mold! If you’re looking for the best style to fit your family’s needs, check out my guide to 6 of the best kid-friendly popsicle molds. There are options for every age – babies, toddlers, and big kids (including adults).
Toddlers
- Zoku Mini Mold: I LOVE these mini popsicle molds for toddlers and younger kids. They are the perfect size for smaller tummies, plus they have the drip guard on them, so they aren’t as messy. 😉
- Helistar 6 Popsicle Molds: slightly bigger than the mini popsicles but smaller than the regular size, makes this mold a great option for toddlers who might not be able to finish, or need, a full-size popsicle yet.
Kids
- Zoki Classic Popsicle Mold: are great for kids that want more than the mini version. They still have a drip guard, so again, not so messy!
- Silicone Ice Pops Tray: such a cute and fun popsicle tray. I found the popsicles were super easy to remove from the tray!
Recipe Tips
- Popsicles can help soothe sore throats or provide relief from teething pain (just make sure your little one is over 1 year of age if giving honey).
- Use a high-powered blender and puree until super smooth, for the best texture.
- If your popsicles seem to be sticking in the mold, running the base under warm water for about 30 seconds will help release a popsicle easily.
- After taking your popsicles out of the molds, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put them back in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then remove the tray and place your popsicles in a freezer-safe bag or container. This second freezing helps popsicles hold their shape a little better so they won’t melt as quickly when eating them.
- 3 cups fresh or thawed from frozen strawberries (with juices), hulled
- 3 tbsp honey, (see notes)
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water
Yield: this recipe makes roughly 2 cups of popsicle mixture. You may need to increase/decrease that amount based on your popsicle mold size. If you have any leftovers, feel free to serve it as a smoothie or smoothie bowl to your kiddos (or yourself).
Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your fruit and your sweetness preference, I recommend tasting the popsicle base before pouring it into the molds, as you may need a little more honey. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup, agave nectar or a simple syrup.
3-Minute Instructions: If you have very ripe strawberries that are bursting with flavor, then feel free to add all of the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth – no simmering needed.
Frozen Strawberries: If using frozen strawberries, thaw first and then add them (and their juices) to a blender along with the other ingredients. There is no need to simmer the frozen strawberries.