Homemade Banana Popsicles

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Four creamy banana popsicles arranged in a teal dish with banana slices underneath, one popsicle showing a bite taken out to reveal its smooth texture. A fresh banana is partially visible in the background.
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Written by Kenny Ekerin

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Fact Checked by Mindsmaking Professionals

16th, June, 2025

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These homemade banana popsicles are the perfect healthy snack for babies and toddlers—creamy, naturally sweet, and made with just 4 simple ingredients. So easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner!

Mindsmaking

Four creamy banana popsicles arranged in a teal dish with banana slices underneath, one popsicle showing a bite taken out to reveal its smooth texture. A fresh banana is partially visible in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Banana Popsicles


Naturally Sweet with No Added Sugar


One of the best things about these baby-friendly banana popsicles is that they’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of dates. There’s no added sugar, syrup, or artificial stuff—just real, wholesome ingredients. That means you can hand one over to your little one without thinking twice. It's especially perfect if you’re trying to offer healthier snacks for your toddler or baby without sacrificing taste.


Soothing for Teething Babies


Teething can be a tough phase, and these popsicles are a total lifesaver. The cold, creamy texture is soothing on sore gums, making them one of the easiest and most comforting teething-friendly treats. You’ll love seeing your baby find relief—and even a little joy—in such a simple, homemade snack.


Let’s be honest—parenting is busy. That’s why this banana popsicle recipe is a favorite. Just toss the ingredients in a blender in minutes, pop them in the freezer, and let it do the rest. No cooking, no fancy steps, and just one blender to wash. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, especially on warm days or during fussy afternoons.


A Fun Way to Introduce New Flavors


If you’re in the weaning or toddler-feeding phase, you know how important (and sometimes tricky) it is to introduce new flavors. These homemade banana popsicles for toddlers are a perfect base—you can sneak in a little cinnamon, swirl in some peanut butter (for babies who’ve already been introduced), or toss in a few berries. It’s a low-pressure way to make trying new tastes exciting and safe.


Loved by the Whole Family


While these popsicles are gentle enough for babies and toddlers, they’re also surprisingly satisfying for older kids and adults. They’re creamy, naturally sweet, and feel like a treat, even though you know they’re full of good stuff. It’s one of those rare recipes that work for everyone in the house. No separate snacks needed!


Budget-Friendly and Waste-Free


Using just 3 bananas, a couple of dates, a bit of yogurt, and a splash of vanilla, this recipe is wonderfully affordable. It’s also a smart way to use up bananas that are a little too ripe for regular eating. Instead of tossing them, you’re turning them into something nourishing, delicious, and freezer-friendly.


Perfect for Meal Prep


These healthy homemade popsicles are a dream for busy families who like to prep ahead. You can make a batch (or two), stash them in the freezer, and have a ready-to-go snack whenever you need it. Whether it’s post-nap, after daycare, or just something to cool off with, they’re always there—no prep needed.

Banana Popsicles Recipe


Ingredients:


  • 3 ripe bananas, peeled and broken into chunks


  • 1–2 soft dates, pitted (for natural sweetness — start with 1 for younger babies)


  • 1/3 cup plain full-fat yoghurt (use unsweetened, natural, or Greek yoghurt; dairy-free yoghurt works too)


  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but adds a lovely flavor)
Ingredients for banana popsicles laid out on a surface: three ripe bananas broken into chunks, one to two pitted soft dates, a small bowl of plain full-fat yoghurt, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Instructions:


1. Prep your ingredients: Break the bananas into chunks and pit your dates (if they’re a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes to soften first).


2. Blend until smooth: Add the bananas, dates, yoghurt, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend everything on high until smooth and creamy. The texture should be like a thick smoothie.

A blender filled with bananas, dates, yoghurt, and vanilla extract, being blended into a creamy smoothie-like mixture.

3. Taste test: If you're making these for toddlers or adults, feel free to taste the mixture. You can add an extra date if you’d like it sweeter (skip this for babies under 1 to keep sugar low).


4. Pour into molds: Carefully pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds. For babies, use baby-friendly popsicle molds that are smaller and have easy-to-hold handles. For older kids and adults, any standard mold will work.

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The banana mixture being carefully poured from a blender into popsicle molds, with both baby-friendly and standard molds visible.

5. Freeze: Pop the molds in the freezer for at least 4–6 hours, or until fully frozen. Overnight works great too!


6. Enjoy: Once frozen, remove a popsicle from the mold and serve. You can run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds to help release them easily.

Finished banana popsicles being removed from molds, with one held up and ready to eat, and warm water running over a mold to help release it.

Tips for Success


These little tricks will help you get the best texture, flavor, and kid-approved results every time.


Use Ripe Bananas for Natural Sweetness


The key to making delicious, naturally sweet banana popsicles is starting with ripe bananas—the spottier, the better! Ripe bananas are not only sweeter, but they also blend more smoothly, creating a creamy popsicle texture that babies and toddlers love. It’s also a great way to use up those bananas sitting on the counter that are too soft for snacking.


Soften Your Dates for a Smooth Blend


If you’re using Medjool dates or any dried dates for that gentle natural sweetness, make sure they’re soft. If they feel a bit firm or dry, soak them in warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes before blending. This helps them break down smoothly into the mixture, avoiding any chewy bits that little mouths might not enjoy.


Choose Baby-Friendly Yogurt


For babies and younger toddlers, go with plain, full-fat yogurt—either dairy or a suitable non-dairy alternative like coconut or oat yogurt. Full-fat options are ideal for growing bodies, and plain yogurt keeps the popsicles free of added sugar.


Blend Until Creamy and Silky Smooth


When making popsicles for babies and toddlers, texture really matters. Blend the banana, dates, yogurt, and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. A high-speed blender works great here. This helps ensure the popsicles are easy for little ones to suck on and enjoy—especially if they’re teething and need something soft and soothing.


Use the Right Popsicle Molds


If you're making these banana popsicles for a baby, it's important to use baby-friendly popsicle molds. Look for molds with small sizes and easy-to-grip handles designed for tiny hands. Some are shaped like pacifiers or teethers, which makes them even more comforting for teething babies. For toddlers and older kids, regular popsicle molds work perfectly.


Taste and Adjust for Toddlers or Adults


Before pouring your popsicle mixture into molds, give it a little taste—if you're not making it specifically for a baby. This is your chance to add another date for extra sweetness or a pinch of cinnamon for a hint of spice.


Freeze with a Little Patience


It’s tempting to check the freezer every hour, but for the best results, let your popsicles freeze solid for at least 4–6 hours. Overnight is ideal. The banana and yogurt blend freezes to a lovely, creamy texture that’s not too hard, just right for little mouths.


Make a Batch Ahead for Easy Snacks


These baby-friendly banana popsicles are perfect for prepping ahead. Make a double batch and keep them in the freezer for a couple of weeks. They’re a lifesaver on hot days, fussy days, or when teething hits and you just need something healthy and soothing in a hurry.

Storage Tips


Here are some easy, practical storage tips to help you make the most of every batch.


Freeze Until Fully Solid


Before removing your banana popsicles from their molds, make sure they’re completely frozen through. This usually takes at least 4 to 6 hours, but overnight is even better. If they’re not fully frozen, they’ll be tricky to unmold and may lose their shape or melt too quickly in little hands.


Store in an Airtight Container


Once the popsicles are frozen solid, carefully pop them out of the molds and transfer them into a freezer-safe airtight container or a reusable silicone freezer bag. This helps protect them from freezer burn and keeps them tasting fresh. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.


Label with Date


It’s easy to forget when you made a batch, so add a small label or piece of masking tape with the date you froze them. That way, you’ll always know how long they’ve been in there. Banana popsicles can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and still taste great.


Avoid Refreezing Once Thawed


If your popsicle starts to melt after you’ve taken it out, it’s best not to refreeze it. This helps maintain both the texture and the food safety—especially important when feeding babies and toddlers. Just offer a smaller size next time or pull one out a few minutes before you're ready to serve, so it softens slightly without getting too melty.

Equipment 


Nutrition 


Suitable for 6 months +


Per serving (approximate):


  • Calories: 60–80 
  • Protein: 1–2g (from yogurt)
  • Healthy Fats: 1–2g (from full-fat yogurt)
  • Carbohydrates: 12–15g (from bananas and dates)
  • Fiber: 2–3g (bananas and dates)
  • Vitamin C: from ripe bananas
  • Calcium: from yogurt
  • Iron: a small amount from dates and bananas
  • Natural Sugars: from bananas and dates only (no added sugar)


Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on the specific yogurt used, the size of the bananas, and whether you use one or two dates. These values reflect a baby-friendly, small serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can babies have these banana popsicles?

Yes! These homemade banana popsicles are baby-friendly and made with simple, natural ingredients—ripe bananas, yogurt, and dates—with no added sugar. Just be sure to use small, baby-safe popsicle molds that are easy to hold and designed for little mouths.

At what age can babies start having popsicles?

Most babies can try popsicles around 6 months, once they've started solids and are showing signs of readiness. These popsicles are ideal for baby-led weaning and can also offer relief for teething. Always supervise your baby while eating.

Can I make these banana popsicles dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap out the regular yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut, oat, or almond milk yogurt. Just choose one that’s unsweetened and suitable for your baby’s age and dietary needs.

Are these popsicles sweet enough without added sugar?

Yes—they’re naturally sweet from ripe bananas and soft dates. If you're making them for adults or older kids and prefer a bit more sweetness, you can add an extra date or a small drizzle of honey (only for children over 1 year old).

What kind of yogurt should I use for baby-friendly popsicles?

Plain, full-fat yogurt is best for babies and toddlers. It’s creamy, nutrient-rich, and doesn’t contain any added sugar. Greek yogurt works too, just be sure it’s not too tart for younger taste buds.

How long do these banana popsicles take to freeze?

They’ll need at least 4 to 6 hours in the freezer to set properly, but overnight is best for a firmer texture, especially if your little one is teething and wants something cool to gnaw on.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Definitely! This banana popsicle recipe is a great base. You can blend in berries, mango, or even avocado for a creamier texture. Just keep the flavors simple and baby-friendly if making for younger eaters.

How should I store homemade popsicles?

Once frozen, pop them out of the molds and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

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