16 Popsicle Recipes to Try This Summer

Who would have thought to mix maple syrup with cayenne pepper?

Photo: JENS MORTENSEN

Freeze! Now back away from that box of same-old pops. These surprisingly easy homemade popsicle recipes prove that it's delicious—and cool—to be different.

01 of 16

Cantaloupe Coconut Ice Pops

Cantaloupe Coconut Ice Pops
Victor Protasio

Hints of basil and lime freshen up this sweet treat—and a sprinkle of shredded coconut adds a little something extra to the final bites of this tasty popsicle.

02 of 16

Spicy Maple Lemonade Pops

Spicy Maple Lemonade Pops
Jennifer Causey

Lemonade is a summer staple, but fresh red chiles take this classic icy treat to the next level.

03 of 16

Papaya-Raspberry-Lime Pops

Papaya-Raspberry Lime Pops
Jennifer Causey

Make this fruit-filled sweet treat for kids, or spike it with crème de cassis for the grown-ups.

04 of 16

Vanilla Tapioca Pudding Pops

Vanilla Tapioca Pudding Pops
Jennifer Causey

If you love pudding, these homemade popsicles are for you. Their creamy texture is best achieved with an electric mixer.

05 of 16

Cantaloupe Cashew Pops

Cantaloupe Cashew Pops
Jennifer Causey

You can swap in whatever nut (or rice) milk you have on hand for these sweet-yet-savory ice pops.

06 of 16

Buttermilk, Banana, and Honey Ice Pops

Buttermilk, Banana, and Honey Ice Pops
Levi Brown

If a hard candy shell is your thing, you'll love these rich buttermilk popsicles dipped in chocolate.

07 of 16

Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Pop

Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

Take advantage of one of summer's juiciest treats—fresh strawberries—with pops that combine buttermilk, Greek yogurt, honey, and fruit in a creamy dessert.

08 of 16

Horchata Ice Pop

Horchata Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

Bring Latin American flavor to your picnic or poolside party with milky, spicy horchata pops. Substitute almond milk if you don't have rice milk on hand.

09 of 16

Cucumber, Agave, Mint Ice Pop

Cucumber, Agave, Mint Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

Choose this recipe for a refreshingly green take on the popsicle, packed with chopped cucumbers, lime juice, and mint leaves.

10 of 16

Peaches and Cream Ice Pop

Peaches and Cream Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

For this frozen twist on the classic pairing, you can easily swap ground ginger for fresh.

11 of 16

Dairy-Free Cherry Almond Ice Pop

Dairy-Free Cherry Almond Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

If you've got a lactose-intolerant little one (or you're allergic yourself), try a pop that features almond milk, cherries, and lemon juice.

12 of 16

Grape, Green Apple, Kale Ice Pop

Grape, Green Apple, Kale Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

Frustrated by kids who won't touch leafy greens? Pack super-food kale into popsicles along with grapes and apples. They'll never know these treats are healthy.

13 of 16

Mango Lime Ice Pop

Mango Lime Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

Nothing says summer like the bright taste of mango and lime. Sprinkle these pops with sea salt and lime zest for an extra kick.

14 of 16

Watermelon, Lime, Ginger Ice Pop

Watermelon, Lime, Ginger Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

Chill out with pops that mix watermelon with a hint of ginger. Freeze the pops for 45 minutes before adding sticks to avoid ingredient separation.

15 of 16

Virgin Piña Colada Ice Pop

Virgin Piña Colada Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

Turn the timeless cocktail into a tasty treat that the kids can enjoy too. If you don't want to double the recipe, store the rest of the pineapple in the refrigerator for up to three days.

16 of 16

Vanilla, Apricot, Bourbon Ice Pop

Vanilla, Apricot, Bourbon Ice Pop
Jens Mortensen

For a grown-up version of the conventional pop, whisk bourbon together with vanilla bean seeds, apricot nectar, and salt.

Get the recipe.

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