Lemon Popsicles

5 from 4 votes

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.

Prep Time15

Cook Time5

Total Time20

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Vegan

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 22kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups water
¼ cup sugar
½ cup lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest optional

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.

Video

https://youtu.be/R7vrO-WCcMo

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