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This strawberry lemonade popsicle recipe is the easiest answer to hot summer days craving something cold and fruity It is a nostalgic treat with simple ingredients taking me back to sticky afternoons on the porch with my own kids eagerly waiting by the freezer
I first whipped up a batch for a pool party and the popsicles disappeared faster than any store bought treat I have made them on repeat every sunny weekend since
Ingredients
- Simply Lemonade: for tangy zip and real citrus flavor pick the classic variety for authentic taste if you like it less sweet try a lower sugar lemonade
- Fresh strawberries: diced for bright color and natural sweetness check for berries that are firm and deep red for the juiciest results
- White sugar: this draws out the strawberry juices and amplifies their natural sweetness use regular granulated sugar and taste your berries to decide if you need a little more or less
StepbyStep Instructions
- Prep the Strawberries:
- Add diced strawberries to a bowl with the sugar Let this sit about ten minutes to draw out juices and enhance sweetness Gently mash a few berries if you want juicy strawberry puddles in your popsicles or keep them mostly whole for bites of fruit in every piece
- Fill the Popsicle Molds:
- Spoon the sweetened strawberries into your popsicle molds dividing the mixture equally among each one For smoother popsicles you can use a blender to puree the fruit or leave it chunky for texture
- Add the Lemonade:
- Carefully pour simply lemonade into each mold over the strawberries Leave a little space at the top for the mixture to expand while freezing
- Insert Sticks and Freeze:
- Place the lids on your popsicle molds then insert your sticks Set the molds upright in your freezer and freeze until completely solid This will usually take at least six hours or overnight for best results
- Keep Strawberries Even:
- If you want strawberries distributed throughout instead of mostly at the base give the popsicles a gentle stir partway through freezing I prefer not babysitting them since my kids love the surprise fruit at the end
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I am always amazed at how much sweeter strawberries become after just a few minutes with sugar My kids love stirring the bowl and sneaking little bites before we even fill the molds
Storage Tips
Once frozen remove popsicles from their molds and store them in a ziptop freezer bag or airtight container laid in a single layer They will keep fresh for up to a month though they never last that long in my house
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of simply lemonade homemade lemonade works beautifully You can swap in raspberries or blueberries for strawberries if you want to mix up the flavors I sometimes toss in a squeeze of lime for extra zing
Serving Suggestions
For parties place the popsicles in a bowl of ice so guests can serve themselves They are also charming layered with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun sundae twist
Cultural and Historical Context
Fruit frozen treats have roots in Mexico where paletas are made with real fruit chunks and juices These strawberry lemonade popsicles are in the same spirit simple bold and packed with seasonal flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade lemonade instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade lemonade works perfectly and can be adjusted for sweetness to your taste.
- → Will frozen strawberries work?
Yes, thaw frozen strawberries first and dice them. The texture will be a bit softer but still delicious.
- → How do I prevent the strawberries from floating?
Give the mixture a gentle stir in the freezer after about an hour, or distribute fruit evenly as you fill the molds.
- → Can I use other fruits?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches make great additions or substitutions alongside strawberries.
- → How long do the popsicles take to freeze?
Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely solid before serving for best results.