In the sweltering summer heat[1] , ain't nothing like a popsicle to cool you down.


We have yet to meet a popsicle we didn't like. Refreshing as they are, most of the icy treats on the market are loaded with sugar and dyes that can leave your lips a Cookie Monster blue. Not to mention, an average box can cost over on buck per -- we can't help it -- pop.


These six incredible homemade recipes below will put your neighborhood ice cream truck to shame. You're in control of the ingredients, which means you can adjust the sugar count to your liking. With a few tools and a serving of patience for your mix to solidify in the freezer, you're on your way to homemade popsicle heaven. Sorry (kind of) to put you out, ice cream man.


Vegan Black Bean Fudge Pops

fudgesicle

Photo: Flickr/thecraftykitty[2]

These are not your momma's Fudgesicles. Rather than a sticky mixture of empty, chocolatey calories, these pops boast a healthful amount of fiber. The recipe, which comes from Kathy Hester's "The Great Vegan Bean Book[3] ," is soy-free, gluten-free oil-free all thanks to it's main ingredient, which is -- you guessed it -- black beans. Find the recipe here[4] .


Dark Chocolate Frozen Kiwi Pops

chocolate covered kiwis

Photo: Bare Feet In The Kitchen[5]

These are beautiful, smart and healthy. A dream date, if you will. This recipe from Bare Feet In The Kitchen[6] calls for three simple ingredients: Kiwi, dark chocolate and coconut oil. Find the whole recipe here[7] .


Pickle Pops

pickle pops

Photo: Amy Bayliss[8]

Don't have a sweet tooth but want in on the frozen fun? We can't possibly blame you. These colorful concoctions are made fuss-free with everyone's favorite sandwich accouterment[9] . Some athletes choose pickle juice[10] over sugary, electrolyte-surged beverages to refuel after a tough workout. There's no reason you can't take a tip from the pros and enjoy one of these post-sweat session. Find the recipe here[11] .


Strawberry Smoothie Popsicles

smoothie pop

Photo: Chocolate Covered Katie[12]

These sweet things have a secret ingredient we can't help but reveal: Kale! Thanks to everyone's favorite leafy green[13] , these delights serve up a healthy dose of vitamin C. Find how to make your own, here[14] .


Strawberry Shortcake Greek Yogurt Popsicles

strawberry shortcake

Photo: The Kitchen Paper[15]

Here's something else to do with all that yogurt you've been buying[16] . These beautiful creations boast a protein punch that'll satisfy your hunger as well as your craving for something sweet and creamy. Find the recipe here[17] .


Frozen Fruit Pops

tiedye pops

Photo: SkinnyTaste[18]

These tie-dye little numbers require just two elements: fruit (whatever kind your heart desires) and juice. Find the step-by-step recipe from SkinnyTaste here[19] .




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  • Dark And Stormy Cocktail Popsicle


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2012/05/31/endless-poptails-red-velvet-dark-and-stormy-popsicle/" target="_hplink">Dark and Stormy Cocktail Popsicle recipe</a> by Bakers Royale</strong>




  • Layered Oreo Nutella Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://littleinspiration.com/2013/05/layered-oreo-nutella-popsicles.html" target="_blank">Layered Oreo Nutella Popsicles recipe</a> by Little Inspiration</strong>




  • Raspberry & White Cherry Yogurt Pops


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.versesfrommykitchen.com/2011/07/raspberry-white-cherry-yogurt-pops.html" target="_blank">Raspberry & White Cherry Yogurt Pops recipe</a> by Verses from my Kitchen</strong>




  • French 75 Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.petitekitchenesse.com/2012/07/14/french-75-popsicles/" target="_hplink">French 75 Popsicles recipe</a> by Petite Kitchenesse</strong>




  • Root Beer Float Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/12217-root-beer-float-popsicles" target="_blank">Root Beer Float Popsicles recipe</a> by Bite This via Food52</strong>




  • Bourbon Strawberries And Cream Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/12271-bourbon-strawberries-and-cream-popsicles" target="_blank">Bourbon Strawberries and Cream Popsicles recipe</a> by Bite This via Food52</strong>




  • Coconut Milk Popsicles With Fresh Fruit & Herbs


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/22364-coconut-milk-popsicles-with-fresh-fruit-herbs" target="_blank">Coconut Milk Popsicles with Fresh Fruit & Herbs recipe</a> by Emily von Euw via Food52</strong>




  • Melon Berry Diablo Cocktail Popsicle


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2012/07/06/endless-poptails-melon-berry-diablo/" target="_hplink">Melon Berry Diablo Cocktail Popsicle recipe</a> by Bakers Royale</strong>




  • Peanut Butter Oreo Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://passthesushi.com/peanut-butter-oreo-popsicles/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Oreo Popsicles recipe</a> by Pass the Sushi</strong>




  • Blackberry, Rosemary And Yogurt Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/13791-blackberry-rosemary-and-yogurt-popsicles" target="_blank">Blackberry, Rosemary, and Yogurt Popsicles recipe</a> by amanda via Food52</strong>




  • Chocolate & Salted Caramel Pudding Pops


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.goodthymesandgoodfood.com/2012/05/chocolate-and-salted-caramel-pudding.html" target="_blank">Chocolate & Salted Caramel Pudding Pops recipe</a> by Good Thymes and Good Food</strong>




  • Watermelon-Mint Tequila Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.hungrygirlporvida.com/blog/2012/07/16/watermelon-mint-tequila-popsicles/" target="_hplink">Watermelon-Mint Tequila Popsicles recipe</a> by Hungry Girl Por Vida</strong>




  • Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.aspicyperspective.com/2012/08/vietnamese-coffee-popsicle-recipe.html" target="_blank">Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles recipe</a> by A Spicy Perspective</strong>




  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://fooddoodles.com/2013/06/13/chocolate-covered-strawberry-cheesecake-popsicles/" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles recipe</a> by Food Doodles</strong>




  • Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://passthesushi.com/strawberry-lemonade-popsicles/" target="_blank">Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles recipe</a> by Pass the Sushi</strong>




  • Creamsicle Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/05/homemade-creamsicles.html" target="_blank">Creamsicle Popsicles recipe</a> by A Beautiful Mess</strong>




  • Honeydew Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://passthesushi.com/lazy-summer-days-honeydew-popsicles/" target="_blank">Honeydew Popsicles recipe</a> by Pass the Sushi</strong>




  • Hot Cocoa Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.pastryaffair.com/blog/hot-cocoa-popsicles.html" target="_blank">Hot Cocoa Popsicles recipe </a>by The Pastry Affair</strong>




  • Blueberry Basil Martini Pops


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.creative-culinary.com/2012/07/blueberry-basil-martini-pops/" target="_hplink">Blueberry Basil Martini Pops recipe</a> by Creative Culinary</strong>




  • Mango Lassi Popsicle


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.aspicyperspective.com/2012/07/mango-lassi-homemade-popsicles.html" target="_blank">Mango Lassi Popsicle recipe </a>by A Spicy Perspective</strong>




  • Cappuccino Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://drizzleanddip.com/2012/06/15/cappuccino-popsicles-and-granita" target="_blank">Cappuccino Popsicles recipe</a> by Drizzle and Dip</strong>




  • Honeydew Cucumber Margarita Popsicle


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.bakersroyale.com/ice-cream-and-frozen-desserts/cocktail-popsicle-honeydew-cucumber-margarita-popsicles/" target="_hplink">Honeydew Cucumber Margarita Popsicle recipe</a> by Bakers Royale</strong>




  • Strawberry Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/17550-strawberry-popsicles" target="_blank">Strawberry Popsicles recipe</a> by cristinasciarra via Food52</strong>




  • Beet Vodka With Mint Pom-Pop


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://metropochris.com/2012/friday-afternoon-cocktail-beet-vodka-with-mint-pom-pop/" target="_hplink">Beet Vodka with Mint Pom-Pop recipe</a> by Metropochri</strong>




  • Watermelon Mojito Pops


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://theshiksa.com/2012/05/04/watermelon-mojito-pops/" target="_hplink">Watermelon Mojito Pops recipe</a> by The Shiksa in the Kitchen</strong>




  • Boozy Blueberry Pop


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://theeverygirl.com/feature/popsicle-recipes-by-channeling-contessa/" target="_hplink">Boozy Blueberry Pop recipe </a>by Channeling Contessa</strong>




  • Blueberry Pomegranate Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/blueberry-pomegranate-popsicles/" target="_blank">Blueberry Pomegranate Popsicles recipe</a> by Gimme Some Oven</strong>




  • Creamy Lemon Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/creamy-lemon-popsicles/" target="_blank">Creamy Lemon Popsicles recipe</a> by Gimme Some Oven</strong>




  • Red Wine Fudgesicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/06/red-wine-fudgesicles.html" target="_hplink">Red Wine Fudgesicles recipe</a> by A Beautiful Mess</strong>




  • Pineapple Orange Banana Popsicles


    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/pineapple-orange-banana-popsicles/" target="_blank">Pineapple Orange Banana Popsicles recipe</a> by Gimme Some Oven</strong>