I’ll never forget the first time I made watermelon popsicles, it was during one of those sweltering July afternoons when my kids were practically melting on the kitchen floor, begging for something cold.
I grabbed that beautiful melon sitting on my counter and thought, “Why not?” Twenty minutes later, we had the most refreshing treats tucked away in the freezer, and my little ones were already planning our next flavor adventure.
What Makes My Watermelon Popsicles So Good
These watermelon popsicles have become my summer lifesaver for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly simple—just two ingredients that you probably already have.
The natural sweetness of ripe watermelon shines through without any artificial flavors, and that little splash of lime juice? It brightens everything up in the most wonderful way.
When I’m in the mood for more frozen treats, I also love making my 3-ingredient peach yogurt pops for a creamier option, or these homemade grape popsicles when the kids want something a bit different.
All three recipes have that same simple, wholesome approach that makes summer treating so much easier.
What You’ll Need to Make This Watermelon Popsicles
- 6 cups cubed watermelon (from about 1 medium melon) – Look for one that feels heavy and has a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – Don’t skip this! It really makes the watermelon flavor pop (lemon juice works too if that’s what you have)
- Popsicle molds – Any style works, though I prefer the ones with built-in sticks
Pro tip: Choose a seedless watermelon if you can find one—it saves so much time and prevents any bitter bits from sneaking into your watermelon popsicles.
How I Make This Watermelon Popsicles
- Prep your watermelon: Cut your melon into chunks, removing any seeds you spot. I like to do this over a large bowl to catch the juice—no waste!
- Blend it up: Toss the watermelon pieces and lime juice into your blender. Blend until you have a completely smooth puree, about 30-45 seconds.
- Fill your molds: Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, but here’s the key—leave about half an inch of space at the top. The mixture expands as it freezes, and I learned this the hard way when my first batch overflowed!
- Add sticks and freeze: Cover your molds and insert sticks if they’re not attached. Pop them in the freezer for at least 4 hours, though I usually leave them overnight.
- Enjoy: To remove, run the molds under warm water for just a few seconds. Your watermelon popsicles should slide right out!
My Secrets for Getting This Watermelon Popsicles Just Right
After making these countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference. First, always taste your watermelon before blending—if it’s not sweet enough on its own, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Second, strain the mixture if you want ultra-smooth watermelon popsicles, though I rarely bother since the texture adds character.
Finally, if you’re feeling fancy, try adding a few fresh mint leaves to the blender—it creates this amazing spa-like flavor that adults especially love.
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Easy Watermelon Popsicles Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 popsicles
Description
Simple Watermelon Popsicles – Fresh, fruity frozen treats made with just watermelon and lime juice for the perfect summer cooldown.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed watermelon (from 1 medium melon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Add watermelon and lime juice to blender and blend until smooth
- Pour mixture into popsicle molds, leaving ½ inch space at top
- Cover and insert sticks if needed
- Freeze for 4 hours or overnight until completely set
- Run molds under warm water briefly to remove popsicles
Notes
- Choose seedless watermelon for easiest prep
- Taste mixture before freezing and add sweetener if needed
- Store in freezer for up to 3 months in airtight container
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: (Freeze Time: 4 hours)
How long do watermelon popsicles last?
I store mine in the freezer for up to three months, though they rarely last that long in my house! Just make sure they’re wrapped well or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make these without a blender?
You can mash the watermelon with a fork and mix in the lime juice, but the texture won’t be as smooth. If you don’t mind a chunkier watermelon popsicle, go for it!
What if my watermelon isn’t very sweet?
Add a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or even a touch of sugar to taste. Start with a tablespoon and adjust from there.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! I love mixing in strawberries or mango. Just keep the total fruit amount the same and adjust the lime juice to taste.
Perfect Moments for This Watermelon Popsicles
I serve these watermelon popsicles at every summer gathering—they’re always the first thing to disappear at pool parties and backyard barbecues.
My grandkids love them as an after-school snack when they come home hot and tired, and I’ve even brought them to picnics in a cooler.
If you’re looking for more summer inspiration, I’d love for you to follow along on Pinterest where I share all my favorite seasonal recipes and kitchen adventures!