Cool Down with These Easy & Affordable Strawberry Lemon Popsicles

When the sun’s out and the kids are bouncing off the walls, I’ve got one go-to solution that makes everyone happy, homemade popsicles! These Strawberry Lemon Popsicles are one of those treats that feel fancy but are secretly so easy (and cheap!) to make. I always get that little thrill when I pull them out of the freezer, knowing they cost a fraction of what store-bought pops would and taste way fresher.

I started making these on a whim one summer when I had an overload of strawberries and a couple of lemons sitting on the counter. I tossed everything in the blender, poured the mix into some dollar-store molds, and popped them in the freezer. A few hours later, we had the most refreshing popsicles, and the kids were obsessed. They’re bright, tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of tart. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get in a little fruit without anyone complaining.

Now they’ve become a summer staple around here. I love how quick they are to whip up, literally five minutes of blending and pouring, and I don’t even have to heat up the kitchen. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, need a fun after-school treat, or just want to cool off without spending a fortune, these popsicles are the answer. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be on repeat all season long!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fresh strawberries: Rinse and hull your strawberries, this is where all that sweet, summery flavor starts.

• 2 lemons, juiced: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.

• 1 cup water: A little water helps everything blend smoothly without diluting the flavor.

• ¼ cup agave nectar: Just enough agave to sweeten things up naturally without going overboard.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Remove the crowns from the strawberries and wash them.

2. Add the strawberries, water, lemon juice, and agave nectar to a blender.

3. Blend until smooth.

4. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert the popsicle sticks.

5. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until fully frozen.

Top Tips

• Use ripe strawberries: The sweeter the berries, the better the flavor, no need to add extra sweetener.

• Adjust the lemon to taste: If you like a more tart popsicle, add an extra splash of lemon juice.

• Blend until super smooth: A high-speed blender helps get that silky texture kids love.

• Taste before you freeze: Give the mixture a quick taste test and adjust the sweetness if needed.

• Don’t overfill the molds: Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion as they freeze.

• Run molds under warm water to release: Just a few seconds will help the pops slide out easily without breaking.

• Double the batch: These go fast, make extra and keep them on hand for hot days or snack attacks.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Strawberry Lemon Popsicles

• Poolside with the kids: Nothing beats handing these out while everyone’s splashing around on a hot afternoon.

• As an after-dinner treat: They’re the perfect light and refreshing way to end a summer meal.

• During backyard BBQs: Pop them out of the freezer just as everyone’s winding down, instant hit with both kids and adults.

• For a fruity breakfast twist: Yep, I’ve even let the kids have one with breakfast on especially hot mornings (they’re mostly fruit anyway!).

• At the park or on a picnic: Pack them in a cooler and enjoy a fun, mess-free treat outdoors.

• Paired with sparkling water: I love serving one in a glass of fizzy water for a DIY mocktail moment, so refreshing!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first so they blend smoothly. The flavor is still delicious, and it’s a great budget-friendly option.

What can I use instead of agave nectar?
You can swap in honey, maple syrup, or even simple syrup, just adjust to taste depending on the sweetness you like.

How long do these popsicles last in the freezer?
They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months in an airtight container or if your molds have lids. But honestly, they never last that long in our house!

Do I need a fancy popsicle mold?
Nope! You can use small paper cups with wooden sticks or even silicone muffin cups. Get creative with what you have on hand.

Can I make these sugar-free?
Absolutely. Just leave out the agave or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Taste before freezing to make sure you’re happy with the flavor.

Why are my popsicles icy instead of smooth?
Make sure the mixture is well-blended, and don’t skimp on the sweetener, it helps keep the texture softer and less icy.