Dragon fruit lemon popsicles are a stunning frozen treat that combines the exotic beauty of dragon fruit with the bright, refreshing tang of fresh lemon. These vibrant popsicles showcase the dragon fruit’s naturally mild, sweet flavor while the lemon adds a zesty kick that awakens your taste buds. The result is a light, refreshing dessert that’s not only delicious but also incredibly photogenic with its speckled pink and white appearance dotted with tiny black seeds. Perfect for hot summer days, these popsicles are naturally low in calories and packed with vitamin C, making them a guilt-free indulgence that both kids and adults will love.
This recipe makes 8 standard-sized popsicles, perfect for serving a family or keeping in the freezer for whenever you need a cool, refreshing treat.
What You Need
You’ll need 2 large ripe dragon fruits (about 1 pound total), juice from 3 fresh lemons (approximately half a cup), quarter cup of honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of water, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. You’ll also need 8 popsicle molds and wooden sticks.
Preparing the Dragon Fruit
Start by cutting the dragon fruits in half lengthwise. Use a large spoon to scoop out all the flesh, which should come out easily when the fruit is ripe. The flesh will be white or pink with small black seeds throughout. Place the dragon fruit flesh in a bowl and gently mash it with a fork, keeping some small chunks for texture. You don’t want it completely smooth as the little pieces add visual interest and a pleasant bite to the finished popsicles.
Making the Base Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed dragon fruit with the fresh lemon juice. The lemon will brighten the dragon fruit’s subtle flavor and add the perfect amount of tartness. Add the honey or maple syrup along with the water and pinch of salt. Stir everything together gently until the sweetener is completely dissolved. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more honey or tartness with additional lemon juice.
Filling the Molds
Pour the dragon fruit mixture evenly into your 8 popsicle molds, leaving about quarter inch of space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing. Gently tap each mold on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure the mixture settles evenly. The mixture should have a lovely speckled appearance from the dragon fruit seeds.
First Freeze
Place the filled molds in the freezer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the mixture is partially frozen but still soft enough to insert the popsicle sticks. This partial freezing helps the sticks stay centered and upright.
Adding the Sticks
Remove the molds from the freezer and carefully insert a wooden stick into the center of each popsicle. Push them down about three-quarters of the way into each mold. If the mixture is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Final Freeze
Return the molds to the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely solid. For the best texture and easiest removal, let them freeze for a full 6-8 hours.
Removing and Serving
To remove the popsicles from their molds, run warm water over the outside of each mold for 10-15 seconds, then gently pull on the stick to release the popsicle. If it doesn’t come out easily, run a little more warm water over the mold. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Storage and Tips
These popsicles can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container or freezer bags. Choose dragon fruits that give slightly when pressed but aren’t too soft. If your dragon fruit isn’t very sweet, you may want to increase the honey slightly. For extra visual appeal, you can layer the mixture with plain coconut milk or create swirls by partially mixing in a small amount of coconut cream before freezing.
