There's nothing quite like a cold, refreshing popsicle on a hot summer day. These Blackberry Orange Swirl Popsicles combine the sweet-tart flavor of blackberries with bright, citrusy orange for a perfectly balanced frozen treat. Made with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup, these homemade popsicles are a delicious way to cool down.
If you're looking for more refreshing summer recipes, you'll love my 3-Ingredient Strawberry Frozen Yogurt or Easy Chocolate Dipped Watermelon Bites.
Why You'll Love These Popsicles
Store-bought popsicles often contain artificial flavors, colors, and lots of added sugar. These homemade blackberry orange popsicles let the natural flavors of fresh fruit shine through, with just enough maple syrup to enhance their natural sweetness. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make - just blend, swirl, and freeze!
The Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and protein boost, making these popsicles more satisfying than water-based versions. And that beautiful purple and orange swirl? It's completely natural, coming from the vibrant colors of the blackberries and oranges themselves.
Craving a savory dish to balance out this sweet treat? Try my Gluten Free Chicken Cornbread Casserole for dinner tonight!
Ingredients
For these blackberry orange swirl popsicles, you'll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, divided
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
- 2–4 tablespoons water, divided
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor - Essential for creating smooth fruit purees without chunks.
- Popsicle Molds - Silicone molds work best as they make removing the frozen popsicles easier.
- Popsicle Sticks - Wooden or reusable plastic sticks both work well.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurately measuring ingredients to get the right balance of flavors.
- Butter Knife or Skewer - Used to create the beautiful swirl effect between the two fruit mixtures.
How to Make Blackberry Orange Swirl Popsicles
Prepare the Blackberry Mixture
- In a blender, combine the blackberries, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (depending on sweetness preference), and 1–2 tablespoons water.
- Blend until smooth.
- For a seedless version, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
- Set aside.
Prepare the Orange Mixture
- Rinse out the blender.
- Add the orange segments, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1–2 tablespoons water.
- Blend until smooth.
Assemble the Popsicles
- Pour a small amount of the blackberry mixture into each popsicle mold.
- Follow with a small amount of the orange mixture.
- Continue layering the two mixtures, alternating until each mold is filled.
- Use a skewer or butter knife to gently swirl the two flavors together for a marbled effect—don't overmix.
Freeze
- Insert popsicle sticks into each mold.
- Freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or until completely solid.
Unmold and Enjoy
- To release the popsicles, briefly run the molds under warm water for about 10-15 seconds.
- Gently pull on the sticks to remove the popsicles.
Need a hearty lunch option? My Easy Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep!
Tips for Perfect Popsicles
- Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of maple syrup can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your fruit. Taste your fruit mixtures before freezing and add more if needed.
- Frozen vs. Fresh Fruit: Both work well in this recipe. Frozen blackberries are often more convenient and are picked at peak ripeness.
- Prevent Drips: Use paper cupcake liners with a small slit cut in the bottom. Place the popsicle stick through the slit, and the liner will catch any melting drips.
- Storage: Once unmolded, store popsicles in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep well for up to 3-4 weeks.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Variations to Try
- Mixed Berry: Replace the blackberries with a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
- Tropical Twist: Swap the orange for mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor profile.
- Add Some Zest: Include some orange zest in the orange mixture for a more intense citrus flavor.
- Honey Sweetened: Replace the maple syrup with local honey for a different flavor profile.
For a perfect summer dinner before enjoying these popsicles, try my Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe - it's light, refreshing, and pairs wonderfully with these frozen treats!
FAQs
Yes! Frozen fruit works perfectly in this recipe and is often more convenient. Frozen blackberries are typically picked and frozen at peak ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the freezer, these popsicles will last for 3-4 weeks.
Absolutely! Paper cups with popsicle sticks work as an alternative. When ready to eat, simply tear away the paper cup.
The Greek yogurt in this recipe helps create a creamy texture. Make sure not to add too much water, which can lead to iciness.
Yes, if your fruit is very ripe and naturally sweet, you can reduce or omit the maple syrup.
Blackberry and Orange Swirled Popsicles
Ingredients
- 1 cup blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1 large orange peeled and segmented
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt divided
- 2 –3 tablespoons maple syrup divided
- 2 –4 tablespoons water divided
Instructions
- Blend the Blackberry Mixture: In a blender, combine the blackberries, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (depending on sweetness preference), and 1–2 tablespoons water. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Blend the Orange Mixture: Rinse out the blender. Add the orange segments, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1–2 tablespoons water. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble the Popsicles: Pour a small amount of the blackberry mixture into each popsicle mold, followed by a small amount of the orange mixture. Continue layering the two mixtures, alternating as you go, until each mold is filled. Use a skewer or butter knife to gently swirl the two flavors together for a marbled effect—don't overmix.
- Freeze: Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4–6 hours, or until completely solid.
- Unmold and Enjoy: To easily release the popsicles, briefly run the molds under warm water.
Notes
Adjust maple syrup based on the sweetness of your fruit.
Frozen fruit works just as well as fresh in this recipe.
To prevent drips, use paper cupcake liners with a slit for the stick.
These popsicles will keep in the freezer for 3-4 weeks.
