Cooking - How to Make a Yogurt Popsicle

Frozen yogurt popsicles are one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to turn plain yogurt and fresh fruit into a cold snack. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps. Just a few basic ingredients and a freezer. These are a great choice for hot days, quick desserts, or even breakfast on the go.

Unlike store-bought frozen yogurt bars, homemade yogurt pops don’t have additives, food coloring, or loads of added sugar. You can customize the flavor, use your favorite yogurt (including dairy-free options), and throw in anything from fruit and jam to granola or even mochi.


Basic Yogurt Popsicle Recipe

Required Equipment

  • Popsicle molds (6 to 8 standard-size)
  • Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 small)
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Freezer
  • Optional: Blender (for fruit puree)

Prep and Freeze Time

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Freeze time: 4 to 6 hours (or overnight)

Ingredients

IngredientU.S. MeasurementMetric Measurement
Plain full-fat yogurt2 cups475 g
Fresh strawberries1 cup (sliced)150 g
Honey or maple syrup2 to 3 tablespoons30–45 mL
Vanilla extract (optional)½ teaspoon2.5 mL
Granola or chopped fruit (optional)¼ cup25 g

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit (if using):
    • Rinse and slice the strawberries.
    • Mash lightly with a fork or puree in a blender for a smoother texture.
  2. Mix the Yogurt Base:
    • In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla.
    • Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  3. Add Fruit:
    • Stir in the mashed or pureed fruit. For a swirled look, don’t fully mix.
  4. Optional Add-ins:
    • Gently fold in chopped fruit or granola if using.
  5. Fill the Molds:
    • Spoon the mixture into each mold, leaving about ¼ inch at the top.
    • Tap the molds on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  6. Insert Sticks:
    • Add the popsicle sticks and make sure they’re centered.
  7. Freeze:
    • Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Unmold and Serve:
    • To release, run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds.
    • Enjoy immediately or store in wax paper in a freezer bag for up to 2 weeks.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try other combinations:

  • Peach & Vanilla Yogurt:
    Puree fresh or canned peaches, swirl into vanilla yogurt, and freeze.
  • Berry Jam Swirl:
    Use a good quality fruit spread and fold it into plain Greek yogurt for bold flavor and color.
  • Chocolate Banana:
    Mash banana and mix with yogurt and cocoa powder. Sweeten with honey.
  • Coconut Mango:
    Use coconut yogurt with pureed mango and a touch of lime juice.
  • Keto or Low-Sugar Version:
    Use unsweetened yogurt and low-carb fruit like raspberries. Sweeten with stevia or erythritol.

Tips for Creamier Pops

  • Use full-fat yogurt for a creamy, less icy texture.
  • Add 2–4 tablespoons of heavy cream for a frozen yogurt feel.
  • Avoid over-stirring if you want fruit swirls.
  • Frozen fruit works too—just thaw and mash or blend before mixing.
  • Don’t overfill the molds—leave space for expansion.

Popsicles Without Molds

If you don’t have popsicle molds, try:

  • Small paper cupsPour in the mix, cover with foil, and insert a wooden stick through the foil.
  • Ice cube traysUse for mini-pops.
  • Reusable silicone food pouchesGreat for toddlers.

Storing Homemade Yogurt Popsicles

  • After removing from molds, wrap popsicles in parchment or wax paper.
  • Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Best eaten within 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Avoid refreezing pops once thawed.

Nutritional Information (Per Popsicle – Approx. for 1 of 8)

NutrientAmount
Calories90–110
Protein4–6 g
Fat2–4 g
Carbohydrates12–15 g
Sugars8–10 g
Fiber1 g (with fruit)
Calcium~100 mg

Values depend on ingredients used, especially yogurt type and sweetener.


Ingredient Substitutions

Use ThisInstead of ThisNotes
Coconut yogurtDairy yogurtGreat for vegan pops
Maple syrupHoneyGood for kids under 1 to avoid honey
Fruit pureeWhole fruit chunksEasier to blend into yogurt
Chia jamRegular jamAdds fiber and less sugar
Greek yogurtRegular yogurtMore protein, thicker texture

Common Mistakes and Fixes

  • Too Icy? Use full-fat yogurt and a touch of cream. Don’t add too much juice or watery fruit.
  • Too Soft? Freeze longer or store deeper in the freezer where it’s colder.
  • Pops Won’t Release? Run warm water over the mold for 10 seconds.
  • Too Tart? Add more sweetener or use vanilla yogurt.

Safe for Toddlers?

Yes, as long as you skip added honey for kids under 1 year old and avoid large chunks of fruit that could be choking hazards. Use plain yogurt and a touch of mashed banana or pureed berries for natural sweetness.


Make-Ahead and Batch Prep

  • Double the batch and store extras for later.
  • These make great snacks for hot weather, lunchboxes, or after-school treats.
  • You can even freeze the mix in a shallow container, then scoop like soft serve.

Final Thoughts

Making yogurt popsicles at home is easy, flexible, and much healthier than many store-bought frozen treats. With just yogurt, fruit, and a sweetener, you can make a snack that fits any diet—gluten-free, dairy-free, low sugar, or high protein. Once you try it, you’ll probably start keeping a few in the freezer year-round.

Let the kids help pick flavors and stir in their own toppings. It’s a low-mess, no-bake way to get them excited about fruit and yogurt.

Healthy Quick Guilt Free Yogurt Ice Lollies
Easy and Healthy Homemade Popsicles: A Home Cook’s Guide

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