These homemade orange popsicles are made with fresh orange juice and just three other simple ingredients. Sweet, citrusy, and incredibly easy to make, they are the perfect refreshing summer treat for hot days, pool parties, or an afternoon snack.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email below and I'll send it to your inbox! Plus you’ll get delicious new recipes from me!
I started making these homemade orange popsicles when my kids were younger because I wanted an alternative to store-bought popsicles and more control over the ingredients, especially the added sugar and colors.
Made with freshly squeezed orange juice, these homemade orange ice pops have a bright citrus flavor and let you control exactly how much sugar goes into them. They're simple, refreshing, and still one of our favorite treats to keep in the freezer during the warmer months.
I tested this recipe in a few different ways: by blending peeled, white-pith-removed orange segments, using a manual citrus juicer, and juicing the oranges in my slow juicer.
All three methods worked well, but after comparing them side by side, I preferred the popsicles made with freshly juiced oranges for their slightly smoother texture and cleaner orange flavor. If you use a blender, straining out the pulp is an extra step, but it is worth it for smooth popsicles. Plus, peeling and blending the oranges is a fun step when the kids want to help!
Why You'll Love This Orange Popsicle Recipe
Made with real oranges: These popsicles get their bright citrus flavor from fresh oranges.
Only a few ingredients: You need just 4 simple ingredients to make this easy frozen treat.
No cooking required: Simply blend, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze.
Quick and make-ahead-friendly: They take only a few minutes to prepare and can be frozen for a refreshing snack or dessert.
A fun activity with kids: Children can help juice the oranges, pour the mixture into molds, and add the popsicle sticks.
Naturally dairy-free: Made without milk, cream, or yogurt, these dairy-free orange popsicles are also naturally gluten-free
Orange Popsicle Ingredients
You need just four simple ingredients to make these easy orange popsicles.
Oranges: Use sweet, juicy oranges, such as navel oranges, for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives these popsicles a brighter, fresher taste than bottled juice. I used about 10 oranges to make 4 cups of juice, but the exact number may vary depending on how juicy the oranges are. You can also use Cara Cara oranges for a sweeter flavor and deeper color, or mandarins or clementines for a sweeter variation.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar for this recipe. The sugar helps sweeten the fresh orange juice and helps keep the popsicles from freezing rock solid. The mixture should taste slightly sweeter than you want the finished popsicles to taste, since freezing dulls sweetness. Adjust the amount depending on how sweet your oranges are. Other sweeteners, such as honey, may work, but I haven't tested them in this recipe, and they may slightly change the flavor and texture.
Lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang and brightens the fresh orange flavor without making the popsicles taste lemony.
Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the citrus flavor.
Please refer to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements.
Equipment Used
Here are the tools and equipment I used to make these orange popsicles:
Slow juicer or blender: I used my Hurom slow juicer to make smooth orange juice with minimal pulp. If you don't have a juicer, a blender works well too. Just strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer for a smoother texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Use these to measure the orange juice and remaining ingredients. A large measuring cup or jug with a spout also makes it easier to mix and pour the mixture into the molds.
Popsicle sticks: These are needed if your mold does not include reusable sticks.
Popsicle mold: I tested this recipe using both silicone and plastic popsicle molds, and both worked well. I personally prefer the plastic mold because it holds its shape better while filling and moving it to the freezer. If you don't have a popsicle mold, small paper cups work too.
If using paper cups, partially freeze the mixture for about 1-2 hours before inserting the popsicle sticks so they stay upright.
How to Make Orange Popsicles
Peel the oranges: Use a knife to slice off the peel and remove as much white pith and any seeds as possible. You can further cut them into chunks and remove any seeds (if any).
Juice the oranges: Extract the orange juice. I prefer using my slow juicer for smooth juice with minimal pulp. It is quick, and the juice does not need to be strained. You need 4 cups of fresh orange juice.
Note: If you dont have a slow juicer, you can also juice the oranges by hand or use a manual, handheld, or electric citrus juicer. A blender works too. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer for smooth orange juice.
Mix the ingredients: To make the popsicle mixture, add the orange juice, sugar, lemon juice, and salt to a large bowl or pitcher. Stir or blend until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Fill the molds: Pour the orange mixture into the popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Close the lid and insert the popsicle sticks.
Pro tip
Taste the mixture before freezing. It should be slightly sweeter than you want the finished popsicles to taste, since freezing dulls the sweetness. Add a little more sugar if needed.
Freeze: Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, until completely solid.
Unmold and serve: Run the outside of the mold under warm water for a few seconds, then gently pull out the orange popsicles and enjoy.
Yield: This recipe makes approximately 12 popsicles using the popsicle mold as shown in this recipe. The exact number will vary depending on the size of your mold.
Tips for the Best Orange Juice Popsicles
Use sweet, juicy oranges: Navel or Cara Cara oranges work well and give these fresh orange popsicles a naturally bright flavor.
Strain for smooth popsicles: If you like a little texture, you can leave some pulp in. For smooth orange juice popsicles, strain out the excess pulp, especially when using a blender.
Don't skip the sugar: Sugar not only balances the tartness but also helps keep homemade popsicles from freezing hard and icy.
Taste before freezing: The mixture should taste slightly sweeter than you want, since freezing dulls the sweetness.
Dissolve the sugar completely: Blend or stir until no sugar granules remain. This distributes the sweetness evenly and prevents sugar from settling at the bottom of the popsicle molds.
Fresh vs. Bottled Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives these homemade orange popsicles the brightest, freshest citrus flavor. Bottled 100% orange juice works too when you need a quicker option. Choose one without added sugar or flavors, and use pulp-free juice, or strain it, for smoother fresh orange juice popsicles.
If you're wondering whether you can simply freeze plain orange juice into popsicles, I wouldn't recommend it. Plain orange juice tends to freeze quite hard and icy. Adding a little sugar not only balances the sweetness but also helps create a softer, more enjoyable texture.
Variations
These homemade orange popsicles are easy to customize. Here are a few delicious ideas to try:
- Mix in other fruits: Blend the oranges with strawberries, mango, peaches, or pineapple to create your own fruity orange popsicle flavor.
- Combine different citrus fruits: Replace some of the oranges with lemon, lime, or mandarins for a brighter, tangier citrus blend.
- Make them creamy: Add Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or heavy cream for creamy orange popsicles with an orange creamsicle-style flavor.
- Add vanilla: Stir in a small splash of vanilla extract for a softer orange-vanilla flavor. It pairs especially well if you turn these into creamy orange popsicles with yogurt, coconut milk, or cream.
- Add fresh herbs: Blend in a few mint or basil leaves for a fresh and refreshing twist.
How to Store Homemade Popsicles
Store homemade orange popsicles in the mold for a few days, or remove and wrap them individually in parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap for longer storage. Keep them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 1 month to prevent freezer burn and odors. These homemade ice pops are best enjoyed within 1 month for the freshest flavor and texture.
More Homemade Popsicle Recipes
Tried this recipe? I'd love to know how it turned out! Please take a moment to leave a comment and rate the recipe. Your feedback helps others and means a lot to me. If you're on Instagram, tag me in your creations so I can see and share them. Thanks for being here and cooking with me!
Recipe Card
Orange Popsicles
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh orange juice from about 10 -12 oranges
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email below and I'll send it to your inbox! Plus you'll get delicious new recipes from me!
Instructions
- Peel the oranges. Use a knife to slice off the peel and remove as much white pith and any seeds as possible. You can further cut them into chunks and remove any seeds (if any).
- Run the peeled orange through a slow juicer until you have 4 cups of fresh orange juice. Alternatively, juice them by hand or with a citrus juicer. If using a blender, blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
- Add the orange juice, sugar, lemon juice, and salt, to a large bowl or pitcher. Stir or blend until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar if needed. It should taste slightly sweeter than you want the finished popsicles to taste.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Insert the popsicle sticks.
- Freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight, until completely firm.
- To unmold, run the outside of the popsicle mold under warm water for a few seconds, then gently pull out the popsicles and serve.
Video
Notes
- Use sweet, juicy oranges: Navel or Cara Cara oranges work well and give the popsicles a naturally bright flavor.
- Strain for smooth popsicles: If you like a little texture, you can leave some pulp in. For smooth orange juice popsicles, strain out the excess pulp, especially when using a blender.
- Don't skip the sugar: Sugar not only balances the tartness but also helps keep homemade popsicles from freezing hard and icy.
- Taste before freezing: The mixture should taste slightly sweeter than you want, since freezing dulls the sweetness.
- Yield: This recipe makes approximately 12 popsicles using the popsicle mold mentioned above. The exact number may vary depending on the size of your mold.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in September, 2017, but it was republished in August 2026 with step-by-step instructions, new photos, tips, and a video.
Sulficker rahman pc says
If we use only fresh squeezed orenge juice for making the taste will change or not?
Shweta Arora says
Yes it would but will still taste good more like fresh fruit juice. Add lemon juice and sugar to taste along with it.
Sakar says
Nice,artical
bhaktti says
thank to make such thing now at home.it looking yummy. i will try this for sure.thank you sharig this with us.
Shweta Arora says
Thanks Bhakti, Would love to know how it turned out 🙂
Melissa Griffiths says
Homemade popsicles are the best!
Shweta Arora says
True that!