Table of Contents
There’s something magical about biting into a homemade popsicle on a sweltering summer day. The way the icy sweetness instantly cools you from the inside out is pure bliss. As someone who’s made countless frozen treats in my tiny kitchen, I can tell you that strawberry banana popsicles hold a special place in my heart (and freezer!).
These fruity popsicles strike the perfect balance between tart strawberries and sweet, creamy bananas. Best of all? You need just a handful of ingredients to create them! Whether you’re looking to use up overripe fruit or seeking a healthier alternative to store-bought treats, this strawberry banana popsicles recipe will quickly become your go-to summer refresher.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Banana Popsicles
Before we dive into making these delicious treats, let me share why this particular recipe deserves a permanent spot in your summer rotation:
- Naturally sweet without added refined sugars (though you can adjust sweetness to taste)
- Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults
- Customizable with endless variations (which I’ll share below!)
- No special equipment needed beyond popsicle molds
- Perfect for using up overripe fruit
- Healthier than store-bought alternatives
- Just 3 basic ingredients (plus optional add-ins)
As a home cook who values simplicity and flavor, I’ve tested countless popsicle recipes over the years. These homemade popsicles with bananas have consistently been a crowd-pleaser at backyard barbecues and pool parties. The creamy texture from the bananas means they don’t freeze rock-solid like juice popsicles, making them especially appealing to those who prefer a smoother frozen treat.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Strawberry Banana Popsicles
Basic Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 ripe medium bananas
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on fruit sweetness)
- 1/4 cup yogurt or milk of choice (optional, for creamier popsicles)
Equipment
- Popsicle molds (I use a 10-cavity silicone mold)
- Blender or food processor
- Popsicle sticks
- Measuring cups
- Small funnel (optional but helpful)
I’ve found that silicone molds make removing the popsicles much easier than plastic ones. If you don’t have proper popsicle molds, don’t worry! Paper cups with wooden sticks work wonderfully in a pinch.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Popsicles
Let me walk you through my foolproof method for creating perfect strawberry banana popsicles every time. The process is simple enough that my 7-year-old niece helps me make them whenever she visits!
Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit
- Wash your strawberries thoroughly under cool running water.
- Remove the green tops (hull) and slice the strawberries in half.
- Peel your bananas and break them into chunks.
Pro tip: For the sweetest strawberry banana popsicles, use fruit that’s fully ripe. Those slightly speckled bananas and deep red strawberries will give you the most flavor without needing additional sweeteners.
Step 2: Blend to Perfection
- Add strawberries, bananas, and any optional sweeteners to your blender.
- If using, add yogurt or milk for a creamier texture.
- Blend until smooth, about 30-45 seconds.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed.
I prefer a texture with tiny fruit bits remaining rather than completely smooth – it gives the popsicles a more homemade feel and reminds you that you’re eating real fruit!
Step 3: Fill Your Molds
- Pour the strawberry banana mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top (the mixture will expand slightly when frozen).
- Gently tap the molds on your counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Insert popsicle sticks.
Troubleshooting tip: If your popsicle sticks won’t stand upright, freeze the molds for about 30 minutes until partially set, then insert the sticks.
Step 4: Freeze Until Solid
- Place the filled molds in the freezer on a level surface.
- Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.
Patience is key here! I know it’s tempting to check them early, but giving your strawberry banana popsicles enough time to freeze completely will ensure the perfect texture.
Step 5: Unmold and Enjoy
- Run the outside of the molds under warm (not hot) water for 10-15 seconds.
- Gently pull the popsicles from the molds.
- Enjoy immediately or wrap individually in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container.
Creative Variations for Strawberry Banana Popsicles
One of the things I love most about this strawberry banana popsicles recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some of my favorite variations that keep this recipe exciting all summer long:
Creamy Yogurt Version
Add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt to the basic recipe for a creamier, more satisfying treat with a protein boost. The tanginess of the yogurt beautifully complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Chocolate-Dipped Delight
After freezing your strawberry banana popsicles, dip them in melted dark chocolate and immediately sprinkle with chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Return to the freezer for 5 minutes to set the chocolate.
Tropical Twist
Add 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks and substitute coconut milk for regular milk to create a piña colada-inspired version of these homemade popsicles with bananas.
Hidden Veggie Version
For picky eaters, blend in a handful of spinach – I promise the color will remain appealing, and the taste of the strawberry and banana will completely mask the vegetables!
Layered Look
For a stunning visual effect, blend the strawberries and bananas separately, then alternate pouring layers into the molds, freezing for 20 minutes between layers.
Tips for Popsicle Perfection
After years of making homemade popsicles with bananas and other fruits, I’ve collected some wisdom that I’m happy to share:
Sweetness level: Remember that freezing dulls sweetness, so your mixture should taste slightly sweeter than you want the final popsicle to be.
For creamier texture: The more bananas you add, the creamier your popsicles will be. If you want them extra creamy, increase the banana ratio.
Preventing freezer burn: If storing for more than a few days, wrap each popsicle individually in parchment paper after unmolding, then place in a freezer-safe container.
Quick release trick: If you’re having trouble removing popsicles from the molds, dip the mold in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to get water in the popsicles.
Prevent drips: For younger children, slide a cupcake liner onto the stick from the bottom to catch drips as the popsicle melts.
Healthier Options and Substitutions
These strawberry banana popsicles are already quite healthy, but here are some modifications to suit different dietary needs:
Lower sugar option: Skip the added honey/maple syrup and ensure your bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or any plant-based milk alternative.
Higher protein option: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or use Greek yogurt in the blend.
Fiber boost: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the mixture before freezing.
As someone who believes treats can be both delicious and nutritious, I love that these homemade popsicles with bananas provide real fruit nutrition while satisfying sweet cravings.
Making Strawberry Banana Popsicles Kid-Friendly
Getting kids involved in making their own strawberry banana popsicles is a wonderful way to encourage healthy eating habits. Here’s how I make it a fun activity with my nieces and nephews:
- Let them select and help wash the fruit
- Have them push the blender button (with supervision)
- Allow them to pour the mixture into molds (expect some mess!)
- Encourage them to create their own variations by suggesting add-ins
My sister’s children now request to make “special popsicles” whenever strawberries appear in the house. It’s become our summer tradition!
Storing Your Homemade Strawberry Banana Popsicles
Properly stored, these delicious treats can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Here’s how to maintain their best quality:
- Once completely frozen and removed from molds, wrap each popsicle individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Store wrapped popsicles in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label with the date made.
- Keep in the back of the freezer where temperatures remain most consistent.
I find that making a big batch of this strawberry banana popsicles recipe at once saves time and ensures I always have a healthy treat option available.
Why Homemade Popsicles Beat Store-Bought Every Time
As someone who reads ingredient labels religiously, I can tell you that making your own strawberry banana popsicles puts you in control of what goes into your body. Store-bought versions often contain:
- Artificial colors and flavors
- High fructose corn syrup
- Stabilizers and gums
- Significantly less real fruit
Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating your own frozen treats. The pride on my face when serving these homemade popsicles with bananas to friends and family is probably similar to how my grandmother felt when serving her famous apple pie!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Banana Popsicles
Can I use frozen fruit to make these popsicles?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries and bananas work perfectly in this recipe. Let them thaw slightly (about 5-10 minutes) before blending for easier processing. The finished popsicles might freeze a bit faster since the fruit is already cold.
My popsicles taste bland. What went wrong?
The sweetness of your fruit makes all the difference in this strawberry banana popsicles recipe. If your strawberries aren’t very sweet or in season, you may need to add more sweetener. Remember that freezing dulls flavors, so the mixture should taste slightly sweeter than you want the final product to be.
How can I prevent my popsicle sticks from falling over in the molds?
This is a common issue! Freeze your filled molds for about 30-45 minutes until partially set, then insert the sticks. They’ll stand up perfectly this way. Some molds also come with lids that hold sticks in place.
Can I make these popsicles without a blender?
Yes! For a chunkier version, mash very ripe bananas with a fork and finely chop strawberries. Mix together with any other ingredients. The texture will be different but still delicious!
How long do homemade strawberry banana popsicles last in the freezer?
When properly stored (individually wrapped in a freezer-safe container), these popsicles will maintain best quality for about 3 months, though they’re safe to eat beyond that time.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
I’d love to hear how your 3-ingredient strawberry banana popsicles turn out! Did you try any of the variations? Did your kids help make them? Perhaps you discovered a brilliant twist on this recipe that I haven’t thought of yet?
Drop a comment below sharing your experience or post a photo on social media tagging me. Nothing makes me happier than seeing others enjoy these recipes!
And if you loved these homemade popsicles with bananas, be sure to check out my other summer treats like Watermelon Mint Popsicles or Chocolate Avocado Fudgesicles (yes, avocado – trust me, they’re amazing!).
Stay cool this summer, friends, and happy popsicle making!
Hungry for more? Check out our top rated recipes :
