I’m officially declaring a protest against the end of summer — and I’m doing it with popsicles: dreamsicles, to be exact. Welcome to a Summer Dreamsicle Party. We created a lineup of six fruity creamsicle recipes, popsicle balloons, and pretty printables to make your celebration bright and easy. Let’s get started!
After a recent recommendation from a nutritionist to cut back on sugar, I started using Truvia Natural Sweetener — a natural, zero-calorie option that still satisfies a sweet tooth. One packet equals the sweetness of two teaspoons of sugar, so it’s easy to use in recipes. We made a bunch of fruity creamsicle flavors using Truvia, and they turned out delicious.
Choose your favorite fruit and follow the recipe for that flavor below. After preparing the mixture, skip ahead to the final directions for filling and freezing your popsicles.
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (not from concentrate)
1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or milk/cream of your choice)
2 tablespoons Truvia Natural Sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla
Orange food coloring (optional)
Whisk together the orange juice, coconut milk, Truvia, vanilla, and optional food coloring. Let the mixture sit briefly, then skim off any foam with a spoon.
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (not from concentrate)
2 1/4 cups coconut milk (or milk/cream of your choice)
3 tablespoons Truvia Natural Sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring (optional)
Combine the lime juice, coconut milk, Truvia, and vanilla. Stir in food coloring if desired. Let sit briefly and remove any foam from the surface.
2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup coconut milk (or milk/cream of your choice)
2 tablespoons Truvia Natural Sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Yellow food coloring (optional)
Blend the pineapple with coconut milk until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, then stir in Truvia, vanilla, and optional food coloring. Skim off any foam before filling molds.
1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.)
2 cups coconut milk (or milk/cream of your choice)
3 tablespoons Truvia Natural Sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla
Purple food coloring (optional)
Blend the berries with coconut milk until smooth. For a seed-free texture, strain the puree through a sieve. Stir in Truvia, vanilla, and food coloring if using. Remove any foam before pouring into molds.
3 cups coconut milk
3 tablespoons Truvia Natural Sweetener
2 teaspoons blue raspberry extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
Blue food coloring (optional)
Whisk together coconut milk, Truvia, extracts, and optional food coloring until evenly combined.
1 1/2 cups strawberries
1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or milk/cream of your choice)
2 tablespoons Truvia Natural Sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red/pink food coloring (optional)
Blend strawberries with coconut milk until smooth. Strain through a sieve to remove seeds, then stir in Truvia, vanilla, and optional coloring. Skim off any foam.
To assemble your popsicles: fill molds with the prepared mixtures and gently tap the molds on the counter to release air bubbles. Freeze for about 45 minutes until slushy, then insert popsicle sticks. Return to the freezer and freeze overnight. When ready to serve, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the popsicles for easy removal.
For a playful party touch, make popsicle balloons — they’re simple to create and add a whimsical vibe to the table.
Supplies:
Twisting balloons (sizes 350 and 260 recommended)
Balloon pump
Popsicle sticks
Hot glue gun
Scissors
How to make popsicle balloons:
1. Inflate the balloon leaving a tail of about six inches for the larger balloons and about ten inches for the skinnier ones, then tie a knot.
2. Twist the balloon once at the center to create two equal sections.
3. Heat the hot glue gun on low. Run a thin line of glue along one half of the balloon. (Avoid touching the metal tip to the balloon.)
4. Fold the other half of the balloon over the glued edge, press to bond, and hold until the glue sets.
5. Tie a knot in the tail of the balloon. Keep pulling the tail until the knot tightens, then trim the excess.
6. Hot glue popsicle sticks to the back of each balloon section to create the popsicle stick.
Printable tray liners add a polished touch to your presentation. We created a watercolor tray liner that fits 11×17 paper, but you can scale it to 8.5×11 if needed. Print the design, trim to fit your tray, and place a sheet of wax paper over it to protect the print. Use removable adhesive if you want it secured in place. Load the tray with popsicles and serve, or store assembled trays back in the freezer until party time.
Click HERE to download the free printable tray liner!
Photos by Jeff Mindell | Watercolor Printable by Violet Tinder | Recipes by Theresa Rountree | Creative Direction by Kelly Mindell
Are you planning any end-of-summer get-togethers? Labor Day often feels like the unofficial finale. I’m easing into the change this year because popsicles are involved — and I vote we keep summer alive a little longer. All in favor, say “I!”
This post was created in partnership with Truvia® Sweetener. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Studio DIY going. Read more about editorial policies on the site.