Introduction: Ice-Cube Popsicles

Materials:

  1. 2-4 Cups of Apple Juice (Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, etc.)
  2. 12-16 Compartment Ice-Cube Tray
  3. 12-16 Toothpicks
  4. 1 Foot of Plastic Wrap Freezer

Making popsicles can be a fun creative way to spend time with your kids during the hot summer months while enjoying a cold healthy treat. In this guide we will show you a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to make popsicles by yourself, using common household materials. Follow this guide and soon you will be enjoying an exciting way to cool down this summer!

Step 1: Pour Juice Into Ice-cube Tray.

Depending on the size of your ice-cube tray, this could take anywhere from 2-4 cups of juice. Most standard ice-cube trays hold 12-16 ice-cubes. Fill the ice-cube tray to the capacity you prefer.

Step 2: Place Plastic Wrap Over the Ice Cube Tray.

When placing the plastic wrap over the ice-cube tray, be sure to place the side of the plastic that is sticky down toward the tray. Cover the entirety of the ice-cube chambers that are filled with liquid, leaving no air space beneath the plastic wrap.

Step 3: Secure the Plastic Wrap on All Four Sides of the Ice-cube Tray.

This will prevent the plastic from shifting while in the freezer.

Step 4: Place One Toothpick in the Center of Each Liquid-filled Ice-cube Tray Chamber.

These toothpicks will be used to hold the popsicles when eating them. Be sure to entirely pierce the plastic wrap as cleanly as possible so that there are no large holes within the plastic wrap.

Step 5: Carefully Place the Ice-cube Tray in a Well Chilled Freezer. Let the Popsicles Sit for Approximately 3-4 Hours.

When setting the ice-cube tray in the freezer, place it on a flat surface within the freezer. This will avoid spillage and irregular shaped popsicles. Allow the popsicles at least 3-4 hours to freeze to ensure their rigidness. Different liquids will require different amounts of time to freeze entirely. You will know when the popsicles are ready when the cubes appear entirely solid, with no liquids moving.

Step 6: Remove Ice-cube Tray and Plastic Wrap.

After the popsicles are entirely frozen, remove them from the the freezer. This can be done with less caution than when placing them in the freezer because they are now solid and frozen. Following the ice-cube tray removal, take off the plastic wrap from the top of the ice-cube tray, revealing your finished popsicles.

Step 7: Remove Popsicles From the Ice-cube Tray.

Depending on the liquid used to create these popsicles, some will be able to be pulled out of their ice-cube mold alone. To remove the more difficult ice-cubes from their chambers:

Step 8: Troubleshooting

  • Grasp the ice cube tray with one hand on either end and twist each side in opposite directions. This will result in a “cracking” noise that will shift the ice-cubes free from their chambers.
  • Pour a small amount of warm water over the ice-cubes. Let this water sit for 3-4 minutes, ultimately melting the sides of the Ice-cube Popsicles
  • Let this water sit for 3-4 minutes, ultimately melting the sides of the Ice-cube Popsicles

Step 9: Now You Are Ready to Enjoy Your Frozen Treats!

Step 10: Safety First!

Warning: Toothpicks are sharp, be careful to not stab yourself or swallow when eating.

Warning: Small ice-cubes may be a choking hazard for children. Be sure that your child is under adult supervision during consumption.