DIY Ice Lollies For Children

Ice Lollies in a bucket
10th May 2024

You'll be needing some ice lolly molds before you get going! First things first, let's talk about why homemade ice lollies are the way to go:

  1. Control over Ingredients: When you make ice lollies at home, you have full control over the ingredients you use, allowing you to avoid artificial additives, excessive sugar, and other undesirable components.

  2. Customisation: Homemade ice lollies can be tailored to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer fruity flavours, creamy textures, or a combination of both, the possibilities are endless.

  3. Fun for the Whole Family: Making ice lollies at home is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. They'll love choosing their favourite ingredients, pouring the mixtures into molds, and eagerly awaiting the frozen treats.

Now, let's get down to business with some delicious homemade ice lolly recipes that are guaranteed to keep you cool all summer long:

1. Strawberry Lemonade Ice Lollies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 2-3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)

  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, honey (or agave nectar), and water. Blend until smooth.

  2. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary.

  3. Pour the mixture into ice lolly molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.

  4. Insert ice lolly sticks into each mold and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until fully set.

  5. Once frozen, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the ice lollies, then enjoy!

2. Coconut Mango Ice Lollies

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of the mango)

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the diced mango, coconut milk, and honey (or maple syrup), if using. Blend until smooth.

  2. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed.

  3. Pour the mixture into ice lolly molds, leaving some space at the top.

  4. Insert ice lolly sticks into each mold and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm.

  5. Once frozen, run the molds under warm water to release the ice lollies and enjoy the tropical goodness!

 

3. Berry Yogurt Swirl Ice Lollies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

  • 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the mixed berries, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

  2. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if desired.

  3. Pour alternating layers of the berry mixture and plain Greek yogurt into ice lolly molds to create a swirl effect.

  4. Insert ice lolly sticks into each mold and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid.

  5. Once frozen, run the molds under warm water to release the ice lollies and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness!

 

4. Tropical Pineapple Coconut Ice Lollies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

  • 1/2 cup coconut water

  • 1/2 cup coconut milk

  • 2-3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar

  • Optional: shredded coconut for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, coconut water, coconut milk, and honey (or agave nectar). Blend until smooth.

  2. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if necessary.

  3. Pour the mixture into ice lolly molds, filling each mold almost to the top.

  4. If desired, sprinkle shredded coconut into the molds for added texture and flavor.

  5. Insert ice lolly sticks into each mold and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until fully set.

  6. Once frozen, run the molds under warm water to release the ice lollies and enjoy a taste of the tropics!

 

Tips for Making Perfect Ice Lollies

  • Experiment with Flavours: Don't be afraid to mix and match different fruits, juices, and dairy/non-dairy bases to create unique flavor combinations.

  • Add Texture: Incorporate chopped nuts, seeds, or fruit chunks into your ice lollies for added texture and visual appeal.

  • Get Creative with Shapes: Invest in fun-shaped ice lolly molds to make your frozen treats even more exciting for kids (and adults!) to enjoy.

  • Layering: Get creative by layering different flavors or adding chunks of fruit to your ice lollies for extra texture.

  • Sweeteners: Adjust the amount of sweetener used in the recipes according to your taste preferences and the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

  • Freezing Time: Be patient and allow enough time for the ice lollies to freeze completely before removing them from the molds. This will ensure they hold their shape and are easy to enjoy.