This homemade recipe for strawberry popsicles is crafted with real strawberries and sweetened naturally with maple syrup! They surpass any store-bought options in flavor and only require a few minutes to prepare.
Once you realize how easy it is to whip up popsicles at home using purely real fruit, there’s no turning back! Here’s the ultimate strawberry popsicle recipe that our whole family loves (including the kids, Alex, and me).
These strawberry popsicles deliver a robust fruity flavor thanks to the use of real fruit, accompanied by a touch of creaminess from coconut milk. The secret ingredients—just a dash of balsamic vinegar and vanilla—intensify the strawberry essence! Additionally, you can coat them in dark chocolate (completely optional—they’re amazing either way), transforming them into a type of healthy Magnum bar. My kids are particularly fond of these!
What sets these strawberry popsicles apart
I’ve noticed that many strawberry popsicle recipes can turn out either too hard and icy or lack depth in flavor. After trying numerous variations, I’ve pinpointed what creates the ideal homemade strawberry popsicles:
– Fresh strawberries: Opting for fresh berries yields a lively, genuine flavor that artificial options simply can’t replicate.
– The magic of coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk provides that perfect creamy consistency without any dairy. It enriches the pops while allowing the strawberry taste to stand out.
– Natural sweetness: Maple syrup contributes sweetness with a richer flavor profile than regular sugar.
– The balsamic touch: Just one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar significantly enhances the strawberry flavor. It’s my secret ingredient that makes others wonder, “What gives these such a delightful taste?”
A note on popsicle molds
Ale and I recently acquired these new silicone popsicle molds that we adore for two reasons. Firstly, they allow for easy removal of the popsicles (unlike our previous molds where we had to run warm water and tug at the stick to free them).
Secondly, they are quite small, yet they offer the perfect portion size! Each mold holds slightly more than 2 tablespoons of the mixture before freezing. It’s a fantastic way to create a healthy treat! If you use larger molds, expect to produce about half the number of popsicles.
How to create strawberry popsicles
These can be assembled in just a few minutes of active time, after which the freezer takes over:
1. Blend.
Combine strawberries, coconut milk, maple syrup (begin with 3 tablespoons and adjust to taste), balsamic vinegar, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Sweetness tip: Keep in mind that freezing can mute flavors, so your mixture should have a slightly sweeter taste than what you desire for the final popsicles. I typically start with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and tweak from there.
2. Fill and freeze.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze for 3-4 hours until fully solidified. Don’t rush this step—partially frozen popsicles may disintegrate upon removal.
3. Optional chocolate coating.
For an added treat, melt dark chocolate chips with a little olive oil (this prevents the chocolate from cracking when frozen). Quickly dip the frozen popsicles and place them on parchment paper.
Chocolate success: Be quick when dipping! The cold popsicles will set the chocolate right away, so have your parchment paper ready before you begin.
A few delicious variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic strawberry popsicles, experiment with these variations I’ve created:
– Strawberry-banana: Incorporate half a ripe banana into the blender and reduce the coconut milk for added creaminess and natural sweetness.
– Strawberry-mint or basil: Toss in a few fresh herb leaves into the blender before blending. (Note: my kids prefer these less—but I enjoy the extra flavor!)
– Strawberry-coconut: Add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to the mixture for additional tropical flavor and texture, or sprinkle chocolate over the white chocolate before it sets.
Storage recommendations
These strawberry popsicles freeze well. Once they are fully frozen in the molds, shift them to an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They can last for up to 1 month.
Serving tip: Allow chocolate-coated popsicles to rest at room temperature for about a minute before enjoying—this stops the chocolate from being too hard to bite into.
Dietary information
These strawberry popsicles are vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen strawberries? This recipe is ideally suited for fresh berries. If you must, thaw the strawberries and slice them for measurement. You may need to increase the amount of maple syrup since frozen berries are usually less sweet.
What if I don’t have coconut milk? I recommend sourcing coconut milk for this recipe. If it’s unavailable or you have an allergy, you could try substituting with milk or yogurt.
How do I prevent ice crystals? Full-fat coconut milk helps achieve a smoother texture, and the natural sugars in the fruit and maple syrup also assist.