As the last of the mulberries fall from the tree and the summer temperatures climb, what better way to utilize these fresh berries than homemade Mulberry Lime Popsicles!
Jump to RecipeThe flavor you get when you make your own popsicles from homemade berries make it hard to go back to the store-bought brands with artificial flavors.
These Three-Ingredient Mulberry Lime Popsicles combine a flavorful concentrate of sweet mulberry syrup with the tart fresh juice of limes into a most satisfying frozen summer treat. If you do not have access to fresh mulberries, blackberries are equally as delicious and the perfect substitute.
Equipment needed:
- Popsicle Molds
- Stainless Steel Sauce Pan
- Glass Measuring Cup
- Food Mill or Cheesecloth and strainer
Making Popsicles:
The base for this popsicle starts with a simple mulberry syrup prepared on the stove in less than 10 minutes using only three ingredients::
- Berries
- Sugar
- Lime Juice
For a little amount of prep, the time commitment is small and the result is big. Processing the fresh berries into a syrup concentrates the flavor of the mulberries and intensifies the taste. Adding fresh lime juice balances the sweetness and adds even more depth of flavor.
To create the syrup, bring 2 cups of berries, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil in a non-reactive saucepan. Boil the mixture for about 10 minutes until the berries have cooked down, and are mostly liquid. Then remove from the heat and let the pan cool to lukewarm.
Using a food mill, or a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl, pass the berries through until a clear and thick liquid remains. This will serve to remove all the stems and seeds with very little fuss. Do beware as with any dark berry the juice does stain clothing.
Pour the liquid into a measuring cup to get 2 cups total. If you are short, pour enough water through the berries in the food mill to make up the remaining amount. Note that if you were to stop right here, you would have a completely delicious mulberry syrup that would be perfect on pancakes, crepes, desserts, or even used to make an amazing drink! But the kids want popsicles…SO…. Add ¼ cup of lime juice to the berry juice concentrate and combine. The lime juice adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the mulberry syrup and helps to keep the popsicles from crystalizing when it freezes.
Fill the popsicle molds with this liquid leaving a quarter inch at the top to allow for expansion and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up the molds. Freeze for six to eight hours, or overnight.
To unmold the popsicles, place your hands around the outside of the mold to warm them up slightly, then squeeze on the short sides to loosen the popsicle from the mold. Unseal the tops and slide the popsicle out of the mold and enjoy! Catch drips on a paper plate. I recommend eating them outside, as they are perfect on a hot summer day!
Three-Ingredient Mulberry Lime Popsicles
Equipment
- Popsicle Mold (6)]
- Medium Saucepan
- Food Mill (or cheesecloth and strainer)
- Large Bowl
- Glass Measuring Cup that holds 2 cups or more
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Fresh Mulberries (or Blackberries)
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
Instructions
- Add Berries, sugar and 1 cup of water to a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring frequently on medium high heat and cook for about 10 minutes until berries are soft and are starting to break down. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.
- Outfit a food mill with a medium fine strainer blade and set on top of a large bowl. Add cooled berry mixture to food mill and process until all the juice has been extracted and only the seeds and stems are left. (If using cheesecloth place on strainer, add berry mixture, twist and press until all juice is released into the bowl). Pour the syrup into a glass measuring cup. You should have at least 2 cups. If you do not, add enough water pouring through the food mill to get to 2 cups. Add 1/4 cup of lime juice and stir the mixture to combine.
- Set up the popsicle molds according to the manufacturor's instructions. Pour the syrup mixture evenly into each of the popsicle molds, seal and place in the freezer for 6-8 hours, or overnight until well frozen.
- Unmold popsicles and enjoy!