Looking for more fruity desserts? Try my tanghulu, mango mousse, lemon mousse, and candy grapes next. While store-bought popsicles are high in artificial ingredients and sugar (or worse, high fructose corn syrup!), my healthy popsicles are quite the opposite. Made with natural fruit juice and honey, the results are every bit as refreshing and flavorful- just ask my family, who polish them off within three days!
Why I love this recipe
Over 9 different flavor combinations! The base is orange creamsicle flavored, but you can change it up in a multitude of ways. Deceptively healthy. These fruit pops are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free of added sugar. Perfect texture. They’re creamy, smooth, and literally melt in your mouth. A great way to sneak in whole foods. I know quite a few picky eaters, and let me tell you, adults AND kids will love these popsicles. You can’t even tell they’re healthy.
Ingredients needed
Coconut milk. I highly suggest using canned coconut milk and not the milk from a carton. Full-fat coconut milk is best and will make for the creamiest popsicle, but low-fat milk will also work. Juice of choice. I used 100% freshly squeezed orange juice for the base, but as you’ll see later, different juices and fruit purees yield different flavors. If you use homemade orange juice, add some of the pulp for an even thicker texture. Honey OR maple syrup. To sweeten the popsicles and make them even creamier.
How to make healthy popsicles
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. “Great, easy recipe. I needed something sweet without totally throwing healthy eating out the window. Thanks!” – Robyn Step 1- Blend. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Step 2- Freeze. Pour the mixture into the 6 popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Step 3- Serve. Once set, remove from the molds and enjoy.
Arman’s recipe tips
Make them sweeter. These popsicles are not overly sweet since the fruit juice will add a varying level of sweetness. If you prefer sweeter popsicles, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar. Run the molds under warm water. Sometimes when I try to remove the popsicle from its mold, it has a tendency to stick. If you’re having trouble, run the mold under warm water until the popsicle releases. Swap the coconut milk. If you’re not strictly vegan, you can swap the coconut milk for Greek yogurt or heavy cream.
Storage instructions
To store: Popsicles should always be stored in the freezer in their popsicle mold. This way, they’ll stay good for up to 1 month. While I personally love orange popsicles, here are some other fruits you can use for some variety!
Strawberry. Replace the orange juice with 2 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries. Blueberry. Replace the orange juice with 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries. Pineapple. Instead of orange use, use 100% unsweetened pineapple juice. Watermelon. Sub out 3/4 of the orange juice with fresh watermelon juice, and add some optional crushed mint leaves. Lemon. Replace a scant 1/4 cup of the orange juice with lemon juice, and add some optional lemon zest. Peach banana. Reduce the coconut milk by 1 cup and add ½ banana and 1 cup of frozen peaches. Grape. Replace the orange juice with grape juice. Chocolate. Replace the orange juice with unsweetened almond milk and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Carrot cake. Swap the orange juice with carrot juice and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Refreezing: Move quickly when removing popsicles from their mold. If they’re left out at room temperature for too long, they risk becoming too icy once placed back in the freezer.
More healthy frozen desserts to try
Low calorie ice cream Cottage cheese ice cream Cashew milk ice cream Blender ice cream Protein ice cream Healthy milkshake
Originally published June 2021, updated and republished June 2024
