Summer time is my absolute favourite time of year, but some times the heat can get to you. And while water is always the best way to stay hydrated, do you ever find yourself craving an alternative? Something with a little bit of sweetness, but not too sweet. Something hydrating. And something that is healthy enough the whole family can devour it? Look no further, friends. This newest delicious sweet and flavourful hydrating treat is a new favourite over here, and will please anyone aged 0-99. I promise.
Since you might already know about my love obsession with local food, especially local strawberries, it should come as no surprise that I’ve been busy coming up with fun new fruity concoctions, including these melt-watering, heat-beating, healthy refined sugar-free watermelon strawberry ice pops (otherwise known as freezies to many of my fellow Canadians). They.are.divine.
We’ve been dealing with with some sweltering temperatures lately, so I picked up some fun BPA-free ice pop bags the other day and couldn’t wait to start making our own freezies. These watermelon strawberry ice pops are the perfect treat to beat the heat and they are SO much better and healthier than the sugar-laden store-bought ones. If you don’t have ice pop bags, you can easily make these into popsicles. We use the Zoku freeze pop mold, but any will do. Don’t be fooled by the word “treat” though. Made with just fruit and a wee bit of natural sweetener (optional) these healthy freeze pops are sugar-free and loved by all. Baby Bear (age 1) loves them, Big K (age 4.8) loves them, and I (age thirty-something) also love them.
Make these the night before or even the morning of and let them freeze for at least 3-4 hours. Then by the time the temperature reaches that sticky-hot phase and you’re looking for that sweet pick-me-up but don’t feel like chugging another gallon of water, reach for one of amazingly refreshing watermelon strawberry ice pops.
- 2 cups Watermelon, chopped into medium-large cubes or pieces
- 1 cup Strawberries, tops cut off
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup (optional)*
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until a puree forms.
- Pour ingredients into freezer bags and freeze until set, about 3-4 hours.
- *If you prefer no sugar whatsoever, just omit the maple syrup. I like the tiny added touch of sweetness but they are just as delicious without. I try to use maple syrup in place of any other sweeteners as it is much healthier and also has nutritional benefits:)
- You can also make these into popsicles if you don't have freezer bags. Just pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until set.
Would be better to call these no sugar added, rather than sugar-free. Watermelon alone isn’t sugar free, but would be natural sugar. Would be no sugar added if just the fruit, but if adding maple syrup it wouldn’t be no sugar added either
Hi Jennelle, thanks for the feedback. You’re right, no sugar added is a good idea:) I will specify this in the post. Have a wonderful summer!