Tip #: Get A Good Popsicle Maker
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Look, that twenty-year-old popsicle mold you stole from your parents kitchen when you moved away to college works fine, BUT, popsicle making is so much easier and your popsicles look so much more professional when you have a quality mold.
This is the one I have, and I love it. It doesnt pick up odors or colors and is easy to clean. Mine gets a TON of use and it still looks brand new. Theres also another highly rated mold with a metal lid that I know a lot of bloggers are a fan of, if thats more your speed.
Mini Tip:Buy some popsicle sticks to go with it. Most molds come with twenty or so, but thats like two batches of popsicles. If you have sticks, you are far more likely to actually use your popsicle mold.
Tips For Popsicle Making
One of the most important qualities to consider when making your own popsicles is to buy a good popsicle mold. If you are still using the popsicle mold from your childhood, we strongly advise purchasing a new one.
Modern popsicle molds are much easier to demold. They will also be easier to clean and less likely to absorb odors and bacteria through usage.
Spraying the inside of your popsicle molds with a thin layer of non-stick spray can help to prevent the popsicles from gripping onto the internal surface.
Silicone molds have soft bases and are much easier to remove frozen popsicles from. Some may even have tabs to help pull off the mold.
You could even consider buying push pop molds. These are made of silicone too and do not need you to fully remove the popsicle to consume.
Simply warm the bottom half a little with the heat from your hand and gently squeeze to force the popsicle up and out of the mold as you are eating it.
An Easy Way To Get To Your Popsicles Faster
After leaving your popsicles in the freezer for several hours, or even overnight, we just cant wait any longer. But removing them from the mold can be a real pain. Have no fearwe have a really simple, time-saving tip for you! Get a cool-down in a timely fashion, and avoid the wait for your favorite treats! Watch the video to see how its done.
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Best Metal: Onyx Pop004 Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold
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Removal can be more difficult
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More expensive
If youre hesitant to use plastic or silicone , a metal popsicle mold is a great option. This six-cavity option is worthy of the task. Its crafted from 18/8 stainless steela material thats not only food-safe but also extremely durable and long-lasting. It also comes with a stand for storage, lids for each pop, 12 removable silicone rings to prevent spills, and a set of reusable bamboo sticks.
If theres any downside to using a metal mold like this one, its that removal can be a little more difficult. Its an easy fix, thoughsimply run the mold under warm water until things loosen up.
Material: Stainless Steel | Number of Pops: Six | Pop Size: 3+ ounces each
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Requires sticks
To make a treat thats as close to what youd find in a supermarketthe classic shape on a wooden popsicle sticktry this BPA-free silicone mold.
The set contains everything you need to get starteda 10-cavity mold, 50 food-grade popsicle sticks, 50 popsicle bags for storage, and a silicone funnel for easy fillingso you dont have to shop around. The mold even has a lid with holes for the popsicle sticks to keep everything clean and in place while the liquid freezes into ice pops.
Perhaps best of all, this popsicle mold is extremely easy to cleaneven the nooks and cranniessince you can safely pop it right in the dishwasher.
Material: Silicone | Number of Pops: Ten | Pop Size: 3.4 ounces each
How Do You Make Fruit Popsicles Without Molds
Reusable molds might be the most convenient way to get your Popsicle fix, but there are plenty of easy ways to make Popsicles without them. Just dont forget the popsicle sticks . Small Baking Tins. Paper or Plastic Cups. Loaf Pans. Ice Cube Trays. Small Yogurt Containers.
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What Can I Use For A Popsicle Mold
I recommend using this silicone popsicle mold to make fruit popsicles with watermelon and kiwi. Popsicles can be hard to remove from hard plastic, but you can use them.
If you dont have silicone popsicle molds, then you can also use one of the following:
- Mini muffin tins are the perfect size to make yogurt and fruit popsicles for toddlers and younger kids.
- Use small disposable cups to make mango strawberry yogurt popsicles. If you use a paper cup, you can simply peel it away from the frozen treats.
- Pour these homemade yogurt and fruit popsicles in a loaf pan. Place popsicle sticks inside evenly spaced. When its set up, slice into servings.
- Similar to a mini muffin tin, use ice cube trays to make smaller sugar free popsicles.
- Save yogurt containers to reuse to make homemade yogurt and fruit popsicles.
If you use one of these, youll need food grade popsicle sticks. You can also use plastic spoons as a popsicle handle. This works well for younger children.
Alternately, these ice pop molds come with reusable sticks with drip guards and are easy to get out of the mold.
Tip #: The Best Way To Store Popsicles
Yes, you can just leave your popsicles in the mold and take them out one by one when you are ready for them, but unless you are eating them within a day or two, they can start to pick of freezer smells and the bottoms can become freezer-burned. Youll keep your popsicles tastier longer using one of these methods.
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How To Make Cakesicles
September 30, 2019This post may contain affiliate links.
Cakesicles are a fun twist on a traditional cake pop. Crafted in popsicle molds, cakesicles are an easy-to-make version of the ever-popular treat with a chocolate shell surrounding a blend of cake and frosting.
If you have ever struggled to dip a cake pop or had them crack or fall off the stick, you are going to be so happy to discover the cakesicle.
Unlike a cake pop, which is made by rolling a cake and frosting combo into a ball then dipping it in chocolate or candy melts, a cakesicle is created by painting the chocolate into a popsicle mold, then filling the hardened candy shell with the cake/frosting mixture.
The candy shell is thick enough that it wont crack but thin enough to bite into. Its also smooth and shiny and perfectly shaped.
You can make simple popsicle shapes or you can make shaped pops like:
You might also like to see my tutorial to make Hot Chocolate Bombs.
Silicone Push Up Popsicle Mold
These silicone push-up freezie style molds are so much fun for kids.
Some of the benefits include:
- Less messy: No drips make these perfect for young children or on super hot summer days.
- Durable and reusable: Less waste is always a good thing.
- Attachable Lids: I love that the lids are attached prevents losing the small lids that typically come with this style of mold.
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Who This Is For
Pop molds arent must-have kitchen items like saucepans or can openersmost home cooks function just fine without them. But when summer rolls around and you have kids or overheated party guests at your house, youll be very glad you own them. Nothing tastes better on a muggy day than a fresh, mouth-numbing ice pop, pulled right out of the freezer and eaten under a patio umbrella.
Though premade Popsicles and other ice pops are easy to find, making them at home is the perfect activity for frozen-dessert fans who want to experiment with flavors and creative recipes. If you dont have the space or the budget for an ice cream maker, a set of molds and a waiting freezer are all you need to become a frozen-treat maestro. The process is also a fun and simple kitchen project for kids or adults and can be customized for those who have dietary restrictions or who want something with less sugar than is found in the pops you can buy in the store. Plus, if you eat a lot of ice pops, making your own can be a lot cheaper in the long run than buying them.
When youre ready to go all-in on frozen treats at home
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Most ice cream makers make decent ice cream. Our picks make consistently creamy frozen desserts and are easier to use, clean, and store than the competition.
Allow Them To Sit On The Countertop
This is a slower and messier method, but it will still work. Simply remove the popsicle mold from the freezer and place it on the countertop at room temperature.
Allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes until they can easily be pulled out of the mold. This will give a messier appearance to the popsicles exterior, but it will still work.
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Best Budget: Helistar Silicone Ice Pop Molds
What We Like: Easy-to-release pops, BPA-free, dishwasher safe
What We Don’t Like: Requires flat, dedicated freezer space
Silicones flexibility makes it easier for frozen pops to slide out of the mold simply by running them under warm water and lifting them out gently. These Helistar ice pop molds are not only made from BPA-free silicone but are also budget-friendly.
Each set comes with two bases that make six 3.3-ounce popsicles each, for a total of 12 popsicles. The kit also comes with a silicone funnel for ease of pouring, 12 sticks, and a cleaning brush . If you want to make more than a dozen popsicles, Helistar makes similar molds for twenty 3.5-ounce pops and twenty-four 3.6-ounce pops.
In addition to making popsicles with juices and other liquids, the manufacturer says these molds can be used to make frozen treats with purees, yogurt, gelatin, fruit, ice cream, pudding, jams, and jellies. Some reviewers note that because the silicone material is so flexible, its important to clear enough space in your freezer for the mold to sit flat to ensure that the sticks stay centered.
Material: Silicone | Popsicle Size: 3.3 fluid ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Dimensions : 5.5 x 4.9 x 3.5 inches
What We Like: Easy-to-release silicone, kid-friendly size, multi-use
What We Don’t Like: Needs dedicated space in freezer, small drip guard
Material: Silicone | Popsicle Size: 2.6 fluid ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Dimensions : 6.3 x 6.3 x 3.1 inches
Tips And Techniques For Frozen Fruit Bars
Freezing time may vary- Typically, 4-6 hours are needed but I prefer freezing overnight for a very firm sold form. However, the freezing time greatly depends on the ingredients. Fruit chunks will take longer to freeze than just liquid juices.
Number of servings will vary- This depends on the size of your mold.
Use unsweetened full fat yogurt- Greek yogurt is best because its so rich, creamy and flavorful.
Use unsweetened juices- To keep these popsicles healthy.
Fresh fruits vs. Frozen fruits- Either can be used. Frozen fruits typically yield a thicker consistency.
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Best Budget: Ikea Chosigt Ice Pop Maker
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Too bulky for some freezers
When it comes to budget home accessories, what doesnt IKEA have? Like most everything else the Swedish company makes, its ice pop maker works great and comes at a price that cant be beaten. Is the mold rather basic? Yesbut it functions just as well as pricier options and comes in fun, vibrant colors.
Six classically shaped popsicle molds sit upright in a stand for easy filling and freezing. Simply pour in your liquidwhether it’s a unique ice cream creation or your leftover smoothieplace the sticks inside, then let them freeze. Because the stand has four sturdy feet, it sits comfortably in most freezers and wont tip over during the freezing process.
Despite the rock-bottom price, theres no need to worry about chemicalsthe set is entirely BPA-free.
Material: Polypropylene | Number of Pops: Six | Pop Size: Unspecified
Buying Guide For Best Ice Lolly Moulds
Everyone enjoys a treat, especially when it is cold and yummy like an ice lolly. However, most store-bought goodies contain little more than water and sugar, making them temporarily satisfying at best with no real nutritional benefits. This points to a simple solution: purchase a popsicle mould so you can be fully in control of what you put into your body.
The best ice lolly. moulds have built-in handles to reduce waste, are manufactured using BPA-free materials, and are neither too big nor too small. If you are making ice lollies for children, a fun shape is always appreciated, and you will want enough cavities in your mould to ensure no one goes without a treat.
Would you like to learn more about what to look for when purchasing an ice lolly mould? Would you like to get some handy popsicle-making tips? If so, keep reading. In this buying guide, we also point you in the direction of some highly rated ice lolly. moulds that we think youd enjoy.
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How To Melt Confectionery Coating
You need to heat your confectionery coating so that it registers between 100° and 120° Fahrenheit. If you get it too hot, it will thicken and may burn.
- Pour your compound chocolates wafers into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat on high power for 30-second increments, stirring after each, until about 75% melted.
- Then let the candy rest for 3 minutes before stirring until melted.
- Its best to allow the residual heat of the melted candy to melt the remaining wafers so that the candy does not get too hot.
Silicone Stackable Popsicle Mold
The Lekue Stackable Popsicle Molds are ideal for those with small freezers. They also come in a variety of fun shapes like this cactus shape.
Some of the benefits include:
- Stackable: This saves space in your freezer which makes these perfect for people with little freezer space.
- Great for chunky fruit popsicles: These are great for making popsicles with fruit pieces because the trays sit horizontally so the fruit wont sink to the bottom. You can easily place the fruit where you want it to show on the finished popsicle.
- Easy to unmold: Just peel back the flexible silicone.
- Fun for kids: These molds make smaller popsicles which makes them ideal for young children or those who prefer smaller treats. Kids also love some of the fun shapes these come in.
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Paint White Chocolate Into Popsicle Molds
You will need some silicone popsicle molds to make your cakesicles. You can find molds that have popsicle cavities that are 1 1/2 2 inches wide, 2 1/2 3 1/2 inches long, and 1/2 1 inch deep.
- I used a 4-cavity silicone popsicle mold to create my cakesicles.
- I love the size of this mold. The pops are 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1/2 inch which is a great size. Its about twice as big as a typical cake pop. Ive always thought cake pops were a bit too small. These treats are perfect!
The quantities listed below are for this particular popsicle mold. If you use a different sized mold then your quantities will change.
- Spoon 1 tablespoonful of white chocolate or white confectionery coating into one cavity in the popsicle mold.
- Brush the chocolate up the sides of the mold.
- Immediately, while the chocolate is still wet, insert a popsicle stick, then remove it. This will keep the hole for the popsicle stick free of white chocolate. You might want to do this twice just to ensure none of the wet chocolate covers the hole.
- Repeat, creating all the candy shells in the 4-cavity mold.*
- Pop the mold into the refrigerator if using pure white chocolate or into the freezer if using confectionery coating.
- Let the candy shell chill for 3-5 minutes, just until hardened.
- Remove and allow the mold to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Then paint a second layer of white chocolate just around the edges of each popsicle cavity.
- Chill for about 2 minutes just until the chocolate hardens.
Our Pick: Tovolo Classic Pop Molds
The Tovolo Classic Pop Molds unseated our former reigning champion, the Zoku Round Pop Molds, after a near-perfect round of testing. These plastic molds created consistent ice pops, with a classic tall shape and rounded top. Even with denser, heavier chunks of fruit inside, the pops didnt break as often as those from other molds we tested. The design lets you remove the plastic molds from the tray one at a time, so you can easily dip or rinse an individual mold in warm water to release a pop without melting the rest. The reusable sticks have an effective drip catcher, too, and the entire set is dishwasher safe, so youre dealing with less mess while eating and easy cleanup when youre done.
In our tests, filling these molds was a breeze. Due to their classic shape and lack of tiny grooves or intricate designs , these molds were perfect for plain-juice pops, versions with whole pieces of fruit, and fudge pops alike. The molds lock into place on the tray, as well, so we didnt ever worry about a mold slipping out of place on the tray the way we did with one of our picks for kids, the Tovolo Penguin Pop Molds.
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