Homemade Orange Popsicles Recipe: Refreshing Citrus Treat

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These refreshing homemade orange popsicles are simple to make with just three ingredients and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Ready with only three straightforward ingredients
• Naturally vegan/plant-based and gluten-free
• About 45 calories per popsicle — a light, satisfying dessert

Ingredient Notes

One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients it requires:

Orange juice: For the brightest flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. Valencia or sweet oranges work wonderfully; navels can be slightly tart if not at peak ripeness.

Lemon juice: A small splash of fresh lemon juice adds a pleasant tang. Omit it if you prefer a purely sweet orange flavor.

Sugar: I use organic cane sugar, but any granulated sugar or sweetener you prefer will work. If you skip sugar, consider omitting the lemon juice to keep the flavor balanced.

Step-by-Step Process

These orange popsicles are quick and straightforward.

1. Juice the oranges (and the lemon, if using). Fresh juice gives the best taste and aroma.

2. Combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar in a measuring cup or bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.

4. Freeze until solid, about 4 hours. If you use a hard plastic mold and the popsicles stick, run warm water on the outside of the mold for a few seconds to loosen them.

Substitutions & Additions

Store-bought juice: If pressed for time, a high-quality bottled orange juice can be used, though fresh juice is preferable for flavor.

Fruit purée: Stirring in a bit of mango or papaya purée adds richness and complexity — excellent for a tropical twist.

Omit sugar: You can skip the added sugar if you prefer. If you do, taste the juice first and consider leaving out the lemon to avoid excess tartness.

Omit lemon: If you dislike tang, simply leave the lemon juice out for a pure orange taste.

Storage

Store popsicles in their molds with the tops covered, or remove them and wrap individually in plastic wrap before freezing. Properly wrapped, they keep well for up to three months. To release stuck popsicles, hold the mold briefly under warm water.

If you enjoyed this recipe, try other plant-based treats like fruit skewers, chia pudding, or dragon fruit lemonade.

Orange Popsicles

Kelsey Riley

These refreshing homemade popsicles are made with freshly squeezed juice and are the perfect plant-based treat.

Prep Time
5 mins

Freezing Time
4 hrs

Total Time
4 hrs 5 mins

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
American

Servings
6

Calories
45 kcal

Equipment

• 1 popsicle mold
• 6 popsicle sticks

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (about 8 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Juice the oranges and lemon.
2. Combine all ingredients and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
4. Freeze until solid, about 4 hours.

Notes

To store: keep popsicles in the molds with the tops covered, or remove them and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If popsicles are hard to remove from the mold, run warm water on the outside for a few seconds and try again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 popsicle

Calories: 45 kcal

Carbohydrates: 10.6 g

Protein: 0.6 g

Fat: 0.2 g

Sodium: 1 mg

Fiber: 0.2 g

Sugar: 9 g

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