Lemon Popsicles
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.I beat the heat with these lemon popsicles made from fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water, perfect for a hot summer day or any time of year. They take just 20 minutes to prepare before freezing, and they are cool, refreshing, and easy to make, which makes them a treat my whole family enjoys.
I wanted to create a healthier popsicle recipe for my family using only real fruit and fresh ingredients. These lemonade ice pops have the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. It is so fun to make popsicles at home, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, and will become one of your favorite healthy recipes for picky eaters too!
With warm weather right around the corner, I make these frozen lemonade popsicles as one of my favorite summer treats. They are also perfect for cooling down after a workout, and I enjoy how refreshing the bright citrus flavor tastes any time of year. If I love these three-ingredient popsicles, I also reach for other lemon desserts like my vegan lemon tart or my lemon butter biscuits with lemon zest.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made these lemon popsicles, it was during a stretch of very hot afternoons when my kids kept asking for something cold after playing outside. I had a bowl of fresh lemons on the counter and decided to keep it simple with lemon juice, sugar, and water. When I unmolded the first batch and saw how clear and bright they looked, I knew this would become a regular freezer staple in my kitchen.
What I appreciate most is how straightforward the ingredients are. Fresh lemon juice provides natural vitamin C and a clean citrus flavor, while making a simple syrup ensures the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth texture. I can adjust the sweetness to suit our preferences without relying on artificial flavors or preservatives.
I also love how easily this recipe fits into my routine. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and once they are in the freezer, I have a ready-made dessert that works for playdates, after dinner, or post-workout refreshment. I especially love keeping a batch handy at the gym for a quick, refreshing snack after training. Keeping these popsicles on hand means I can offer something light, gluten-free, and vegan without extra effort.
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🥘 Ingredients
I use these simple ingredients that I usually have at home to make this lemon popsicle.
Lemon Juice: I like to use fresh lemon juice for these lemon ice pops because it gives the brightest, cleanest flavor. If I do not have a citrus juicer, I squeeze the lemons by hand, which is also a good way to use up extra lemons. I adjust the amount of juice to make the pops more or less lemony, depending on my taste.
Lemon Zest: I use lemon zest optionally because it adds extra flavor and a pleasant texture. I sometimes add a thin lemon slice directly into the mold to give these lemonade ice lollies a little extra visual appeal.
Sugar and Water: I simmer white sugar and filtered water together to make a simple syrup. If I want to avoid refined sugar, I sometimes use pure maple syrup or raw honey instead.
🔪 How To Make
I like to walk through each step carefully so my lemon popsicles turn out smooth, flavorful, and perfectly frozen.
Simmer: I bring the water and sugar to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan and continue heating until the sugar has fully melted.
Cool and Add Lemon: I remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes before whisking in the lemon juice and zest, if I am using it.
Fill Molds: I carefully fill my popsicle molds with the mixture and insert the popsicle sticks into the center of each one. I freeze the lemon pops for at least 12 to 24 hours before removing them from the mold and serving.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to make a simple syrup first by dissolving the sugar completely in warm water before adding the lemon juice. For extra creaminess, I replace part of the water with coconut milk which adds body and a subtle tropical flavor that balances the tartness of the lemons. I also strain the lemon juice to remove seeds and excess pulp so every popsicle freezes consistently and has a bright flavor.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Cool the mixture first: I let my popsicle mixture cool to room temperature before pouring it into molds. This helps them freeze faster and prevents ice crystals from forming.
- Use fresh lemons whenever possible: Fresh lemons give a bright, clean flavor that bottled juice cannot match. Rolling them first helps me get the most juice with the least effort.
- Always taste the mixture before freezing: I taste my popsicle base before pouring it into molds to make sure the sweetness and tartness are balanced. This prevents surprises once they are frozen.
- Fill molds carefully to avoid spills: I pour the liquid slowly and leave a little space at the top of each mold. This makes it easier to insert the sticks and prevents messy overflow.
- Let popsicles soften slightly before serving: I let my popsicles sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. It makes them easier to bite into while keeping the flavor bright and refreshing.
📖 Variations
I love experimenting with flavors, so I like to try a few fun variations to keep these lemon popsicles exciting.
Strawberry berry mix: I blend 1 cup fresh strawberries into the lemon mixture. It adds a sweet fruity flavor and a bright pink color. Sometimes I use my strawberry simple syrup recipe to get just the right balance of sweet berry flavor.
Raspberry zing pop: I stir in 1 cup fresh raspberries or raspberry juice to the base. It gives a tart and vibrant taste to the popsicles.
Ginger spice kick: I grate 1 teaspoon fresh ginger into the syrup before adding lemon juice. It adds a gentle warm spice that balances the tartness.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these lemon popsicles alongside my almond flour cookies or my sugar free oatmeal cookies. The bright citrus of the pops complements the nutty or lightly sweet flavors of the cookies, creating a balanced and refreshing treat.
They also pair well with beet brownies or gluten free brownies. My kids love putting a popsicle between two brownies for a cold and chewy dessert, and the tart lemon flavor balances the rich chocolate perfectly.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: If I have leftover popsicle mixture that has not been frozen yet, I store it in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I stir it well before pouring it into molds because natural separation can happen, especially if I use coconut milk.
Freezing: Once frozen, I keep the popsicles in their molds or transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. I separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 1 month, though I prefer using them sooner for the best texture and flavor.
❓Recipe FAQs
Why did my lemon popsicles turn out too icy instead of smooth?
When my lemon popsicles turn icy, it is usually because there is too much water and not enough sugar. Lemon juice freezes very hard, and sugar helps control ice crystals. If the sweetener is not fully dissolved, the texture becomes rough. I fix this by making a simple syrup first, then stirring in the fresh lemon juice. This keeps the mixture balanced and gives me a smoother texture.
What type of lemons work best for lemon popsicles?
I use fresh, ripe lemons with thin skins because they are juicier and less bitter. Bottled lemon juice tastes flat and can affect the flavor. I roll the lemons before cutting to release more juice and strain the liquid to remove seeds and excess pulp. This keeps the popsicles bright and clean-tasting.
How do I keep lemon popsicles from sticking to the mold?
Popsicles stick when they freeze solid against the mold. The water content makes them cling tightly. I run the mold under room temperature water for several seconds, then gently twist the stick instead of pulling. This loosens them without breaking and keeps the shape intact.
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Lemon Popsicles
I beat the heat with these lemon popsicles made from fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water, perfect for a hot summer day or any time of year. They take just 20 minutes to prepare before freezing, and they are cool, refreshing, and easy to make, which makes them a treat my whole family enjoys.
Servings: 10
Calories: 22kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Bring the water and sugar to a gentle simmer, continue to heat until the sugar melts.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes before whisking through the lemon juice and zest, if using.
- Carefully fill popsicle molds with the mixture and insert a popsicle stick into the center of each mold.
- Freeze for at least 12-24 hours before removing from the mold and serving.
- Store frozen popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to make a simple syrup first by dissolving the sugar completely in warm water before adding the lemon juice. For extra creaminess, I replace part of the water with coconut milk which adds body and a subtle tropical flavor that balances the tartness of the lemons. I also strain the lemon juice to remove seeds and excess pulp so every popsicle freezes consistently and has a bright flavor.
- Cool the mixture first: I let my popsicle mixture cool to room temperature before pouring it into molds. This helps them freeze faster and prevents ice crystals from forming.
- Use fresh lemons whenever possible: Fresh lemons give a bright, clean flavor that bottled juice cannot match. Rolling them first helps me get the most juice with the least effort.
- Always taste the mixture before freezing: I taste my popsicle base before pouring it into molds to make sure the sweetness and tartness are balanced. This prevents surprises once they are frozen.
- Fill molds carefully to avoid spills: I pour the liquid slowly and leave a little space at the top of each mold. This makes it easier to insert the sticks and prevents messy overflow.
- Let popsicles soften slightly before serving: I let my popsicles sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. It makes them easier to bite into while keeping the flavor bright and refreshing.
Nutrition
Serving: 1popsicle | Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 0.05g | Fat: 0.05g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 5g
These lemon popsicles are going to be a refreshing and healthy treat, perfect for the hot summer months! I love that they only require three ingredients and are gluten-free, low in sugar, and vegan. My niece and nephews are gonna love it
Thanks so much Sangeetha! I can’t wait for you all to try this recipe!
Perfect treat for the summer! These are so easy to make. Homemade Popsicles sound healthier too. My family to love this too.
Glad to hear it Veena! 🙂
I Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. It was so easy and the flavors were fantastic.
Thanks so much Shadi! So happy to hear that! 🙂