Ready within minutes, these 4-ingredient strawberry popsicles are the ultimate summer treat. So refreshingly irresistible, these popsicles are going to be a hit! Naturally sweetened and full of sweet strawberry flavor, your kids will ask for them on repeat! PLUS.. they have a hidden veggie!
Healthy Strawberry Popsicles
Looking for a delicious way to keep the kids (and yourself) hydrated during these hot summer days?
Well then, I’ve got you!
The first time I made strawberry popsicles, I didn’t simmer the strawberries first. I just popped the strawberries and a little honey into a blender before filling the popsicle molds. Needless to say, they were a little lackluster. What I wanted was a super-duper concentrated strawberry flavor, in a handheld frozen form. Unfortunately, that was not those popsicles. Then I had a light-bulb moment. What if I simmered down some strawberries while adding in a little lemon to bring out the freshness, some honey to intensify the sweetness, and some shredded carrots because it’s summer and my kid’s nutritional intake is all over the place? Call it a stroke of genius from the popsicle gods… because it worked! The result was a super STRAWBERRY-flavored popsicle that is bursting with all the summery-strawberry vibes.
I love these healthy strawberry popsicles for so many reasons:
🍓 First, they are a fruity, hydrating and refreshing treat, especially during the hot summer months.
🍓 Second, they take 10 minutes to prepare 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 and veggies in the best most open way possible – a frozen popsicle on a stick! So no matter how insanely crazy your summer is, you at least know these popsicles will be there for you.
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!
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!
Let’s Get Cooking
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.
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.
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
- 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.
Irresistible 4-Ingredient Strawberry Popsicles (with a hidden veggie!)
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, place all ingredients.
![Silver sauce pan with strawberries, carrots and honey against a white background.]()
- Heat over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until strawberries are tender. Let cool slightly.
![A silver sauce pan with simmered strawberries and carrots for Popsicles.]()
- Transfer all ingredients into a blender.
![A clear background with simmer strawberries and carrots inside.]()
- Blend for 1-2 minutes or until strawberries are completely smooth.
![Clear blender with. Strawberries for Popsicles against a white background.]()
- Pour into a popsicle mold to the fill in. Add in the sticks.
![A teal popsicle tray against a white background full of strawberry purée.]()
- Place in the freezer and freeze for at least 5 hours, but preferably overnight. Remove from popsicle mold, serve and enjoy
![A hand holding a bright pink popsicle over a popsicle tray I guess the way background.]()
Video
Notes
- chopped strawberries
- swirl of yogurt
- crushed graham crackers
- slices or chopped pieces of banana
- 1/2 medium cooked beet
- mango slices
Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
The post Irresistible 4-Ingredient Strawberry Popsicles (with a hidden veggie) appeared first on Baby Foode.