Is there a better feeling than sucking on a sweet popsicle during the warm summer months? Even in the winter, we’re pretty partial to the odd one or two.
With the way things are going, we all need to look for the simple pleasures in our lives.
There is no better way to do this than by making your own popsicles. This allows you to completely customize the flavors, sizes, and shapes of your popsicles to make them the best you have ever had.
You can even sneak in extra additions - some gummy bears, berries, or anything else that tickles your fancy.
The only downside to making your own popsicles is that you will need to de-mold them yourself. As anyone who has tried to do this knows, it’s not always the easiest task in the world.
Don’t despair, because we have rounded up some of our top tips for removing popsicles from molds without destroying the ice lolly’s integrity.
Why do they stick?
A common reason that popsicles stick in the molds is because the sticks or bases are not strong enough to support the weight of the popsicle. This means that by exerting more force you are more likely to snap or pull out the stick than the whole popsicle.
Another reason the stick may pull out before the popsicle is because you did not stick it in far enough to fully support the popsicle.
You may not have allowed the popsicle to freeze completely before you attempted to demold it. This can cause them to snap as you try to pull them out.
Alternatively, your popsicle mix may have been made incorrectly. The wrong combination of ingredients or improper mixing can cause the popsicle to freeze unevenly or potentially not at all.
Warm water
The classic removal method for popsicles is by using warm water. You can do this one of two ways.
The first is to run the individual popsicle molds underneath a stream of warm water. Turn the molds to allow the water to come into contact with all sides of the exterior. Try not to allow the water to go inside the mold as this can compromise the quality of your popsicle.
Alternatively, if you are demolding a lot of popsicles at once, you can fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip the molds into the bowl and allow them to sit for 20-30 seconds. This should loosen the grip of the popsicles inside the mold and allow them to slide out with ease.
Allow them to sit on the countertop
This is a slower and messier method, but it will still work. Simply remove the popsicle mold from the freezer and place it on the countertop at room temperature.
Allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes until they can easily be pulled out of the mold. This will give a messier appearance to the popsicle’s exterior, but it will still work.
Holding in your hand
This method is not for the faint of heart or those that suffer a lot from the cold. Most likely, this is the method you used as kids to loosen popsicles from their wrappers.
It’s incredibly simple, just surround the popsicle with your hand and allow your body temperature to melt the exterior layer of ice.
How to stop the sticks from falling
The easiest solution to this is to not add the popsicle sticks when you first put them in the freezer. Wait around 40 minutes for the popsicles to become slushy and then add the sticks in. This extra texture will help to keep the sticks upright.
You could consider adding some small clips, such as alligator or paper clips. Add one to each side of the popsicle stick and watch how straight they remain.
Another, less environmentally friendly hack is to stretch a sheet of plastic wrap across the top of the popsicle mold.
Pull it taut and then make small slits in the center of each mold to insert the stick into. Push the sticks through and place the mold in the freezer to set.
How to store popsicles
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the best plan to leave popsicles in the mold once they have frozen solid. This can lead to freezer burn developing on the tips which no-one wants!
We recommend demolding the popsicles and transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
Once you have demolded them, lie each popsicle flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Return to the freezer to refreeze perfectly for around 15-20 minutes. Transfer to the container and label. We recommend eating them within a day or two.
To make them keep for longer, we advise wrapping each popsicle individually in plastic wrap once demolded.
Transfer to your container of choice and return to the freezer. This should prolong their shelf life by up to 2 weeks.
Tips for popsicle making
One of the most important qualities to consider when making your own popsicles is to buy a good popsicle mold. If you are still using the popsicle mold from your childhood, we strongly advise purchasing a new one.
Modern popsicle molds are much easier to demold. They will also be easier to clean and less likely to absorb odors and bacteria through usage.
Spraying the inside of your popsicle molds with a thin layer of non-stick spray can help to prevent the popsicles from gripping onto the internal surface.
Silicone molds have soft bases and are much easier to remove frozen popsicles from. Some may even have tabs to help pull off the mold.
You could even consider buying push pop molds. These are made of silicone too and do not need you to fully remove the popsicle to consume.
Simply warm the bottom half a little with the heat from your hand and gently squeeze to force the popsicle up and out of the mold as you are eating it.