You’ll Want to Cool Off with These Refreshing Rainbow Popsicles

Written by Julie Weinstein; Recipe by Maritere Rice

Few things are more synonymous with summer than popsicles. On a sunny and hot day is there anything more refreshing than an ice cold popsicle? I have so many memories from my childhood playing in our cul-de-sac during the summer months, and running with all the other kids to the ice cream truck as soon as it pulled up. I was partial to the red, white, and blue Firecracker ice pop. There was just something so appealing about the icy cold flavors during the middle of a game of tag in the sprinklers (followed by a red and blue mouth, of course). And while those memories are from over 20 years ago, I still thoroughly enjoy a Firecracker popsicle on a hot day.

Now that summer has kicked into high gear for our team (did you see our pool party last week, by the way?), we immediately knew we wanted to bring you a popsicle recipe. In fact, we have a few different ones coming up, starting with today’s rainbow popsicles. Are you surprised even a little that we’re bringing you a rainbow one first? Maritere took the lead on this one, and she made delicious and colorful rainbow inspired popsicles that were major crowd pleasers with her boys.

According to Mari, this recipe will require some patience, as you have to make smoothies for each flavor you want to include, and it’s a bit of a process. Though, it’s more than worth it once you see (and try) the end result. So, keep on reading for how to make these summer friendly rainbow popsicles!

Rainbow Popsicles

Recipe adapted from The First Year Blog

Ingredients – In our version, we made smoothies for yellow, green, blue, and magenta.

Red Layer

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• water or liquid for blending

Orange Layer

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 1 small orange
• 1/4 cup frozen mango
• water or liquid for blending

Yellow Layer

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• water or liquid for blending

Green Layer

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 handful (or more) spinach
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• water or liquid for blending

Blue Layer

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• small amount of blue food coloring
• water or liquid for blending

Purple Layer

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• water or liquid for blending

Magenta Layer

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, vanilla or plain
• 1/2 cup sliced canned beets
• 1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries

Directions

For each smoothie :

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid to help it blend if it’s too thick. I used coconut water to make it fresher and healthier for summer.
2. Transfer the smoothie to a bowls and store in freezer while you prep the other flavors. Rinse the blender and prep the next smoothie.

To assemble the rainbow popsicles : 

1. Carefully layer each color smoothie in a popsicle mold in rainbow order, or color order of your choice
2. Use a spoon to scoop the smoothie mixture into the mold. The layers will naturally blend with each other.
3. Once the molds are filled, add the sticks and freeze the popsicles overnight.
4. To get the popsicles to release from the mold, fill your kitchen sink with room temperature water. Place the mold in the water, making sure the water does not go above the top of the mold. Only leave for a minute; otherwsie popsicles will begin to melt as they are smoothie/cream based.
5. Begin to wiggle a popsicle free. If it feels tough, allow them to set in the water a few more seconds.
6. Remove all popsicles from mold and enjoy! You can also store the extra popsicles in celophane bags or plastic wrap for later consumption.

In Closing

Are you a popsicle fan? What’s your favorite kind? If you make these, be sure to let us know. Also, make sure to check out our updates to the Houston Mural Guide that went up yesterday. There are some great new walls you’ll certainly want to check out if you’re in Houston. Have a great rest of your day!

 

Photos by Maritere Rice