Cantaloupe Popsicles Recipe – Easy Summer Fruit Dessert

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cantaloupe Popsicles Recipe – Easy Summer Fruit Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to beat the summer heat with something cool and delicious. And honestly, nothing quite hits the spot like a homemade popsicle. I stumbled upon this cantaloupe popsicle recipe a few summers ago, and it’s been a family favourite ever since! It’s so simple, refreshing, and a fantastic way to use up that sweet, juicy cantaloupe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cantaloupe popsicles are seriously the best. They’re incredibly easy to make – no fancy equipment needed! Plus, they’re naturally sweet and bursting with flavour. They’re a healthy-ish treat that even the kids will adore. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy popsicles:

• Cantaloupe – about 1 medium sized
• 3 tablespoons Sugar (approximately 40g)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (approximately 5ml)
• Lemon zest – from about ½ a lemon

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk cantaloupe for a sec. Choosing the right one makes all the difference.

• Cantaloupe Varieties: You can use any cantaloupe you like! The North American cantaloupe is what you’ll usually find, but Galia or Charentais cantaloupes are also amazing if you can get your hands on them – they’re super fragrant and sweet.
• Ripeness is Key: A ripe cantaloupe should feel heavy for its size and have a sweet, floral aroma at the stem end. Gently press the end opposite the stem – it should give slightly. Avoid cantaloupes that are bruised or have a green tinge.
• Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar, but you can experiment with other sweeteners (more on that in the Variations section!).
• Lemon Juice & Zest: The lemon juice brightens up the cantaloupe flavour beautifully, and the zest adds a lovely aromatic touch. Don’t skip it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Making these popsicles is a breeze.

1. First, cut the cantaloupe into halves and scoop out all those seeds with a spoon. Nobody wants a seedy popsicle!
2. Next, carefully remove the skin with a sharp knife and dice the cantaloupe into cubes. The smaller the cubes, the easier they’ll blend.
3. Now, add the cantaloupe cubes and sugar to a blender. Blend until everything is super smooth – you don’t want any chunks!
4. Once it’s smooth, mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds. I like to leave a little space at the top for expansion.
6. Finally, pop the molds into the freezer overnight (or for at least 6-8 hours) until completely frozen. To unmold, run the molds under lukewarm water for about 30 seconds, then gently pull out the popsicles.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Blending Power: If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, let the cantaloupe sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before blending.
• Layered Popsicles: For a fun twist, try layering the cantaloupe mixture with a little yogurt or another fruit puree!
• Popsicle Molds: Silicone molds are the easiest to use for unmolding, but plastic molds work too.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Spice Level: My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom or ginger to her cantaloupe popsicles for a warm, aromatic flavour. It’s delicious!
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for a Summer Solstice treat – a celebration of sunshine and sweet fruits!
• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, so everyone can enjoy it!
• Sugar Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to your liking. You could also use a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are perfect on their own, but they’re also great with:

• A sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds
• A dollop of coconut cream
• A side of fresh fruit salad

Storage Instructions

Store the popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. After that, they might start to develop freezer burn.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How do I know if my cantaloupe is ripe? Look for a sweet aroma at the stem end and a slight give when you press the blossom end.
• Can I use frozen cantaloupe for this recipe? Yes, but you might need to add a little extra liquid (like water or juice) to help it blend smoothly.
• Can I add other fruits to these popsicles? Absolutely! Mango, pineapple, or even a few berries would be delicious additions.
• How long do these popsicles stay good in the freezer? Up to a month, but they’re best enjoyed within the first couple of weeks.
• What’s the best way to unmold the popsicles if they’re stuck? Run the molds under lukewarm water for 30 seconds. If they’re still stuck, try gently twisting the mold while running it under water.

Enjoy these refreshing cantaloupe popsicles! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out. Happy freezing!