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These refreshing homemade orange popsicles are made from just three simple ingredients, including freshly squeezed orange juice for bright, natural flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple to make with only three core ingredients
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Only about 45 calories per popsicle, making them a light, low-calorie dessert
Ingredient Notes
This recipe uses just three basic ingredients—fresh orange juice, a touch of lemon, and a little sugar—to create bright, clean popsicles.
Orange juice: For the best taste, use freshly squeezed orange juice. Valencia or sweet oranges are ideal for a naturally sweet, full flavor. Navel oranges can work but sometimes taste slightly tart unless perfectly ripe.
Lemon juice: A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice adds a subtle tang that brightens the orange flavor. If you prefer a purely sweet popsicle, you can omit the lemon.
Sugar: A tablespoon of sugar balances the acidity and enhances the fruit flavor. Use organic cane sugar or your preferred sweetener; you can also reduce or omit it if you want less added sugar.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step
These orange popsicles are quick and straightforward to prepare.
1. Juice the oranges and the lemon.
2. Combine the orange juice, lemon juice (if using), and sugar in a measuring cup or bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
4. Freeze until solid, about 4 hours. To remove popsicles from a rigid mold, briefly run warm water over the outside of the mold to loosen them.
Looking for more homemade popsicle ideas? Try mango, blueberry, or watermelon popsicles next for other simple, fruity treats.
Substitutions & Additions
Store-bought juice: If time is tight, use a high-quality refrigerated orange juice. Fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor, but good store-bought juice works in a pinch.
Add fruit purée: Blend in mango or papaya purée for a creamier texture and tropical flavor.
Omit the sugar: Skip the added sugar if you prefer a less sweet popsicle. If you remove the sugar, consider omitting the lemon too to avoid excessive tartness.
Skip the lemon: If you don’t like any tang, simply leave the lemon juice out—the popsicles will still be delicious and bright from the orange.
Storage
Store popsicles in their molds with the tops covered or wrap individual popsicles in plastic wrap or freezer-safe bags. Properly wrapped, they can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When molds are stubborn, hold them under warm water briefly to release the popsicles.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try other refreshing plant-based treats like fruit skewers or chia seed pudding.
Orange Popsicles
These refreshing homemade popsicles are made with freshly squeezed orange juice and are a bright, plant-based treat.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Freezing Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 45 kcal per popsicle
Equipment
- 1 popsicle mold
- 6 popsicle sticks
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (about 8 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Juice the oranges and the lemon.
- Combine all ingredients and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the mixture into the popsicle mold and insert sticks.
- Freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
Notes
To store: keep popsicles in their molds with the tops covered, or wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. If popsicles are difficult to remove, run warm water on the outside of the mold for a few seconds.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 popsicle — Calories: 45 kcal — Carbohydrates: 10.6 g — Protein: 0.6 g — Fat: 0.2 g — Sodium: 1 mg — Fiber: 0.2 g — Sugar: 9 g