Watermelon Kiwi Pops: Healthy Homemade Popsicles

Popsicles are a freezer staple during the hottest summer days. They can cool down toddler tantrums, kids love them after a run through the sprinklers, and even adults can appreciate a cold treat during summer cookouts. 

But many store-bought popsicles are loaded with refined sugars, artificial flavors, and food dyes. And while there are thousands of homemade popsicle recipes available with a simple search, many of these also include ingredients that do little to support our bodies.

That’s why we love making these naturally sweet watermelon kiwi popsicles. They’re a refreshing alternative to store-bought frozen treats, intentionally made with ingredients to give our bodies a boost during the busy summer season. 

Refreshing Ingredients That Support Gut Health

Watermelon for Hydration

Consisting of 92% water, watermelon is excellent for hydration, helping quench thirst and prevent fatigue on even the hottest days. It’s also naturally rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and combats oxidative stress. Being light and easy to digest, homemade watermelon popsicles are perfect for those summer days when heavy foods just aren’t as appealing.

Kiwi for Digestion

In this recipe, the kiwi layer creates the watermelon “peel.” Its tart flavor beautifully balances the sweetness of the watermelon, but it was also intentionally chosen for this homemade popsicle recipe because of its long list of health benefits!

Kiwi is a vitamin C powerhouse, with one serving delivering over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It’s also high in fiber and acts as a prebiotic, feeding good gut bacteria to help digestion. If that’s not reason enough to love kiwi, it’s also the best natural source of actinidin, a natural enzyme that helps break down proteins to support better digestion. 

Coconut Cream for Healthy Fat

There are many different ways to create the white “rind” layer of these watermelon pops, but we chose coconut cream for its high MCT content, which the body can use for energy. Consuming healthy fat with fruit slows down the metabolization of the sugar, causing your blood sugar to rise more gradually. This means steadier energy, and it helps you avoid that sugar spike caused by homemade popsicles made only with fruit juice.

Lime for Vitamin C

Limes may taste acidic, but they actually have an alkaline effect because they are high in fiber and minerals, but low in sugar. They give these watermelon popsicles a bright, tangy flavor while offering an additional vitamin C boost!

Acid-Kicking Minerals

These natural ingredients all bring valuable nutrients to the table, but if you want to create a dessert that really works for your body, try mixing a scoop of Acid-Kicking Minerals into the watermelon layer before freezing. This fast-acting blend of calcium and chelated magnesium helps neutralize acid and support healthy digestion. 

And if the busy summer days have your nervous system working overtime, these minerals also promote feelings of calm and support restful, restorative sleep. The kiwi strawberry flavor blends perfectly with the flavors in these watermelon popsicles, or try the lemon or blood orange flavor for some extra tanginess! 

Why We Love These Homemade Popsicles

These watermelon popsicles are always a hit, whether I’m looking for a fun kitchen activity to do with my kids or need a special dessert for our summer cookouts. We love them because they are:

• Naturally sweetened with antioxidant-rich fruit
• Hydrating for hot summer days
• Dairy-free
• Kid-friendly
• Free of artificial colors

They also support an alkaline lifestyle, especially when we add a scoop of the acid-kicking minerals!

How To Make Watermelon Kiwi Popsicles

Ingredients

Watermelon Layer

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Acid-Kicking Minerals (either kiwi-strawberry or lemon flavor)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips

Coconut Cream Layer

• ½ cup chilled coconut cream
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
  

Kiwi Layer

• 3 ripe kiwis, peeled
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the watermelon layer

• Add the watermelon and lime juice to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
• Pour the watermelon mixture into the popsicle molds, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Leave enough room for the coconut cream and kiwi layers.
• Sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips into each mold. Use a popsicle stick to gently distribute the chocolate chips through the watermelon mixture so they resemble watermelon seeds.
• Insert the popsicle sticks and freeze for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the watermelon layer is firm enough to support the next layer.

2. Add the coconut cream layer

• Stir the coconut cream until smooth. Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla, if using.
• Remove the molds from the freezer and spoon a thin layer of coconut cream over the frozen watermelon layer.
• Return the molds to the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the coconut cream is firm.

3. Prepare the kiwi layer

• Add the kiwi and lime juice to a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and add a little maple syrup if the kiwi is especially tart.
• Spoon the kiwi mixture over the coconut cream layer, leaving a small amount of room at the top of each mold.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely solid.

4. Unmold the popsicles

• Run the outside of the molds under warm water for 10 to 15 seconds.

Recipe Variations for Everyone to Enjoy

The best part of making any homemade popsicle is that you can get creative with the ingredients to suit everyone's tastes. Try experimenting with herbs to elevate the flavors, or substitute different fruits to add more sweetness. Here are a few ideas:

• Add fresh mint to the kiwi layer
• Stir shredded coconut into the coconut cream layer for texture
• Replace the kiwi layer with mango for a sweeter version
• Add chamoy to the kiwi layer for some extra sweetness and spice
• Mix chopped fresh basil into the watermelon layer
  
  
  

No Popsicle Molds? No Problem!

If you don’t have popsicle molds on hand, try one of these simple alternatives using items you likely already have! 

• Disposable cups: Paper cups are great for this because you can easily peel them away once the popsicles are frozen. To keep sticks upright while these are freezing, cover the cups with a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil, poke a hole in the center, and push the popsicle stick through the hole so it stays in place while freezing.
• Ice cube trays: Freeze tiny layers of the ingredients in each compartment to make bite-sized pops. 
• Loaf pan: This one is a little more complicated, but it will work in a pinch! Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and freeze the layers one at a time as described in the instructions. To add sticks, place aluminum foil over the pan after the watermelon layer is solid enough to hold the next layer, and push popsicle sticks through the aluminum foil in evenly-spaced increments. After the final layer has frozen, dip the pan in warm water to help remove the block, then slice it into individual popsicles.

Intentional Ingredients to Fuel Healing

These popsicles are proof that even desserts can promote whole-body health! By choosing whole, nutrient-rich ingredients like these, we’re giving ourselves the hydration, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats we need to function our best.

Give these a try next time you’re craving a refreshing treat, and enjoy!