Nothing says summer like a homemade popsicle, and these easy Strawberry Mango Popsicles are just what you need! With their bright colors from vibrant summer fruits, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Is there anything more “classic summer” than eating a popsicle on a hot, sticky day? Summer is the perfect time for homemade popsicles, and these Strawberry Mango Popsicles are always a big hit in my house. They’re fruity, refreshing, and super easy to make. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those ripe strawberries and mangos. (And pro tip: if popsicles make a sticky summer a little too sticky, when my kids were younger, I used to give them popsicles while they were in the bathtub – anything that melts falls right into the water and they get scrubbed clean afterward!)

I love making popsicles because they’re not only easy, but also a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. You can mix and match different fruits and juices and add extras like herbs or spices to create unique flavors. I’m sure I’m not the only one who can’t resist over-buying all that perfect summer produce and then winds up with more strawberries than even my little strawberry-lover can eat in a few days! Plus, homemade popsicles a healthier alternative to store-bought treats, as you can control the ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to cool down after a hot day or a fun snack to share at a summer gathering, these Strawberry Mango Popsicles fit the bill. They’re also a great project to make with kids! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on making these delightful frozen treats.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Strawberries: Fresh or frozen will work. If you use frozen, let them thaw a bit first.
• Mango: Fresh, frozen, or even canned mango works well here. Again, if using frozen, let it thaw a little.
• Water: For a little extra flavor or sweetness, try using orange juice or another favorite juice instead of water
• Honey: This is optional, depending on how sweet your fruit is and your personal preference. Maple syrup or agave can be used as well to keep the popsicles vegan.

How to Make Strawberry Mango Popsicles

1. Prep your fruit: Wash and hull the strawberries. Peel and cube the mango if you’re using fresh mango. Slightly thaw frozen fruit, if using frozen.
2. Blend the strawberries. In a blender, add the strawberries, half the liquid, and half the sweetener. Blend until smooth. Pour the strawberry puree into the popsicle molds and set aside.

3. Blend the mango. Add the mango, remaining liquid, and remaining sweetener to the blender and puree until smooth. Pour the mango puree into the popsicle molds on top of the strawberry puree.

4. Swirl if desired. Swirl the purees together, if desired, or top with any additional leftover strawberry puree.
5. Freeze. Add the popsicle sticks to the mold and freeze for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Sugar to Taste and Texture

One of the best parts of making your own popsicles is the ability to control exactly what goes into them – including the amount of sugar. If you want to limit added sugar, feel free to omit extra sugar completely – the popsicles will be fruity and refreshing and still delicious.

But if you are willing to add a little extra sugar, you’ll be treated to not only a sweeter end result but also a creamier texture. Why does this happen? It’s time for my favorite subject… kitchen chemistry!

Kitchen Chemistry

One of the key factors that determines the final texture of popsicles is the freezing point of the mixture. Freezing point depression – that is, lowering the temperature at which the mixture freezes – happens when a solute like sugar is added to a liquid. The sugar disrupts the formation of ice crystals, requiring a colder temperature to freeze the mixture completely

In the case of these Strawberry Mango Popsicles, the sugars from the natural sugars in the fruit, along with the honey (or agave or maple syrup) change the freezing point of the popsicles. Without enough sugar, popsicles become icy and hard, which is why commercial popsicles often contain a significant amount of added sugar.

In the case of these fruit popsicles, however, we’re using the natural sugar of the fruit and adding just a little sugar – enough to improve the texture and using natural sources of sugar, rather than high fructose corn syrup.

Popsicle Variations

These popsicles are so easy to customize! Make the recipe as written – then experiment and make them your own!

1. Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier texture, add up to 1/4 cup of yogurt or coconut milk to each of the blended fruit mixtures.
2. Try Different Fruits: Substitute or add other fruits, like peaches, pineapple, raspberries, or blueberries. Just blend them into a puree and follow the same layering method, if desired.
3. Add Juice: Try substituting the water for orange juice, or add a few tablespoons of lime juice to the fruits as it can enhance the flavor.
4. Minty Fresh: Add fresh mint leaves to the strawberry and mango purees for a fresh, minty flavor.

Recommended Tools

• Blender: Use a high-powered blender to ensure that your fruit mixtures are smooth and fully blended.
• Popsicle Molds: There are many types available, but these silicone molds are my favorite because it’s easy to remove the popsicles.
• Popsicle Sticks: If your popsicle molds don’t come with sticks, make sure you pick up extras – they’re essential to make sure your popsicle has a handle!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Strawberry Mango Popsicles

1. Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less honey/agave syrup or omit it entirely if the fruits are sweet enough on their own.
2. Beautiful Layers: For the most visually appealing popsicle, layer the strawberry and mango mixtures as directed. But to save time and make it easier, you can blend everything together and forgo the layers.
3. Mold Alternatives: No popsicle molds? No problem! You can use small paper cups and popsicle sticks, or even ice cube trays for mini popsicles.
4. Removing Popsicles: To easily remove the popsicles from the molds, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them up.
5. Prep for Long-Term Storage: Homemade popsicles can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Keep them in the molds or transfer the popsicles to an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

More Frozen Treats

• Tahini Shakes
• Watermelon Cherry Popsicles
• Mint Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Popsicles
• Blueberry Pie Ice Cream
• Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream