Watermelon Popsicles

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing treat to beat the summer heat, and watermelon popsicles are the perfect answer. These homemade popsicles are a great way to enjoy the juicy, sweet taste of watermelon in a fun and easy-to-eat form. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients you probably already have at home.

Using ripe, seedless watermelon, a touch of lime juice, and your choice of sweetener, you’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time. Whether you’re making these for a summer gathering or just to have a cool snack on hand, watermelon popsicles are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, flavor, and texture to suit your preferences.

Healthy and Refreshing: Packed with natural fruit and hydration, these popsicles are perfect for hot summer days.

Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy them, and they can be made alcohol-free or with a boozy twist for grown-ups.

Ingredients

Seedless Watermelon (cubed): Using a ripe, juicy watermelon ensures the best flavor and natural sweetness.

Substitution: If seedless watermelon isn’t available, use regular watermelon and remove the seeds carefully. For a different twist, you can substitute with cantaloupe, honeydew, or a mix of berries.

Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice. For a milder citrus flavor, try orange or grapefruit juice.

Granulated Sugar (or Honey/Agave): Sweetens the popsicles. The amount of sweetener can be adjusted based on the watermelon’s natural sweetness.

Substitution: Replace granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a low-calorie option. You can also skip the sweetener entirely if the watermelon is naturally sweet enough.

Salt: You can omit the salt or use a small sprinkle of sea salt for a flavor boost.

How To Make Watermelon Popsicles

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon

Wash the Watermelon: Rinse the watermelon under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue from the rind.

Slice and Cube: Cut the watermelon in half. If it has seeds, remove them using a spoon or knife. Cut the watermelon flesh into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures they blend smoothly in the next step.

Optional Step: Chill the cubes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make the mixture cooler before blending.

Step 2: Create the Popsicle Mixture

Add Ingredients to Blender: Place the watermelon cubes in a blender or food processor. Add freshly squeezed lime juice, your chosen sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave), and a pinch of salt.

Blend: Blend the mixture on high speed for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and uniform. Make sure there are no chunks remaining.

Optional: If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp.

Step 3: Fill the Popsicle Molds

Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the blended watermelon mixture into popsicle molds. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as the popsicles freeze.

Insert Sticks: Place the popsicle sticks into each mold. If your mold doesn’t have built-in slots for sticks, cover the top with aluminum foil and poke the sticks through the foil to keep them upright.

Step 4: Freeze the Popsicles

Freeze Until Solid: Place the molds in the freezer and allow them to freeze for 4-6 hours, or until fully solid. For best results, freeze overnight.

Release the Popsicles: To easily release the popsicles, run the molds under warm water for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Gently wiggle the sticks until the popsicles slide out.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately on a hot day for a refreshing treat! Garnish with fresh mint leaves, lime wedges, or small watermelon slices for an extra touch.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

Fruit Alternatives: Replace watermelon with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, mango, peaches, or pineapple for a different flavor profile. You can also mix different fruits for unique combinations (e.g., watermelon-strawberry or watermelon-mango).

Sweeteners: For a healthier alternative, use natural sweeteners like honey or agave. For sugar-free popsicles, opt for stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.

Citrus Options: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice, orange juice, or even grapefruit juice for a different citrusy twist.

Variations:

Creamy Watermelon Popsicles: Blend 1-2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or heavy cream into the mixture for a creamy texture.

Herbal Infusion: Add a handful of fresh mint, basil, or cilantro leaves to the blender for a refreshing herbal flavor.

Spicy Watermelon Popsicles: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a sweet-and-spicy kick. You can also sprinkle Tajín seasoning on the popsicles before serving.

Watermelon Mojito Popsicles (Adult Version): Blend in a splash of rum or vodka for a boozy twist. Alcohol lowers the freezing point, so the popsicles will be softer.

Layered Popsicles: Blend other fruits (e.g., mango or strawberry) separately and pour them into the molds in layers for a colorful, striped effect.

Chia Seed Popsicles: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds after blending for added texture and health benefits.

Top Tips

• Select the most ripe and sweet watermelon for optimal flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar, honey, or agave based on the watermelon’s natural sweetness.
• For a smoother consistency, blend in 1-2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
• Enhance the flavor by adding fresh mint leaves, chopped basil, or a splash of vodka or tequila for a grown-up twist.
• Keep the popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer, where they can stay fresh for up to 2 months.