These watermelon popsicles are a naturally sweet, refreshing treat for hot summer days. A splash of lemon brightens the flavor, while honey (or maple syrup) adds gentle sweetness without refined sugar.
Popsicles + Better Bedtime?
Here’s a short, honest parenting moment: when my daughter was struggling to fall asleep and dragging bedtime out with requests and repeated calls, a popsicle bribe actually worked. I promised treats in exchange for a calm bedtime routine — it did the trick. After the store-bought popsicles ran out, I started making these homemade watermelon popsicles instead. They’re easy, naturally sweet, and perfect for cooling down on summer evenings.
How To Pick The Perfect Watermelon
Picking a ripe, flavorful watermelon makes all the difference. Here are a few simple tips I use:
- Size and shape: Choose a medium-sized melon. Round watermelons are often sweeter than elongated ones.
- Color: Look for a deep green rind with a good yellow “field spot” where the melon rested while growing.
- Field spot: A deeper, creamy-yellow spot usually indicates ripeness.
- Webbing: Brownish webbing or sugar spots can signal sweetness—look for them near the field spot.
Are Watermelon Popsicles Healthy?
Yes. These popsicles rely on the watermelon’s natural sugars and a small amount of honey or maple syrup. They contain no refined sugar and provide nutrients found in watermelon, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants like lycopene. They’re a lighter dessert option compared with many store-bought frozen treats.
Tips for making watermelon popsicles
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Even very sweet watermelon can taste less sweet after freezing, so a bit of honey helps.
- This recipe is a great way to use a melon that isn’t super sweet on its own.
- You can strain the puree for a smooth texture or leave the pulp for a little natural texture—both work well.
- To unmold popsicles, run the outside of the mold under warm water for about 30 seconds, then gently pull them free.
Tools you will need
- Blender
- Popsicle molds (or paper cups and popsicle sticks)
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped watermelon
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
Watermelon Popsicles Video Tutorial
How To Make Watermelon Popsicles
- Chop the watermelon into chunks and remove seeds if needed.
- Place the watermelon in a blender. Add honey (or maple syrup) and lemon or lime juice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour the puree into popsicle molds and freeze for 2–3 hours or until firm.
- To remove the popsicles, run the mold under warm water for about 30 seconds and gently release them.
- Enjoy your homemade watermelon popsicles.
How To Store Watermelon Popsicles
If your mold has a lid or built-in handle, you can store popsicles in the mold. Otherwise, remove them and place finished popsicles in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze flat and avoid stacking them while they’re still soft to prevent sticking.
Want more summer dessert recipes? Check these out!
- 15 Healthy Popsicle Recipes
- Healthy Banana Split Popsicles
- Blueberry Lemon Bars
- Chocolate Cauliflower Smoothie
- Strawberries and Cream Popsicles
Watermelon Popsicle Recipe
These popsicles make about 6 servings. If you like the recipe, please come back and leave a rating.
Watermelon Popsicles
Quick, easy, and refreshing watermelon popsicles — a healthy summer dessert.
Equipment
- Blender
- Popsicle mold
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Chop the watermelon.
- Place the watermelon, honey, and lemon or lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into molds and freeze 2–3 hours or until firm.
- Remove from molds and enjoy.
Notes
For a variation, replace 1/2 cup of watermelon with strawberries for a mixed fruit pop.
Nutrition
Calories: approximately 52 kcal per serving. Other nutrition values will vary based on ingredient brands and serving size.
Thanks for stopping by. What are your favorite popsicle flavors?