The TikTok Hack For Making Homemade Popsicles Without A Mold

Flowers are in bloom, daylight is stretching further into the evening, and the heat is slowly cranking up each week. In other words, summer is on the horizon. While the warming weather may mean spending more time outdoors, it also means finding more ways to cool off. And what better way to do so than with popsicles? 

Popsicles are the chill, refreshing treat of the summer — an edible emblem, if you will. You can find many brands and flavors linings the freezer aisle of the grocery store, but you can also easily make your own popsicles at home. All you need are some fresh fruity ingredients of your choosing and some way to shape them. While popsicle molds are handy, most probably don't have one on hand. But that doesn't mean you can't partake in the pleasure of a DIY popsicle. One clever TikTok hack demonstrates how some common kitchen items can help you procure perfect homemade popsicles, no molds necessary.

TikTok is a treasure trove of helpful hacks, including multiple solutions for homemade popsicles without popsicle molds. One video shows how you can use a few common household goods — a loaf pan, cling wrap, foil, popsicle sticks, and a strong knife — to make the frozen treat. 

@caseyleighwiegand

Summer Loaf Pops! #learnontiktok #summersnack #cookinghacks

♬ #YoplaitCupRelay – Yoplait

As the creator demonstrates, these "Summer Loaf Pops" come together when you freeze your chosen popsicle ingredient mixture in a loaf pan with the popsicle sticks already inserted. The sheet of foil, which has slits cut into it, comes into play by helping the sticks stay upright while the mixture is still liquid. After removing the foil, simply slice up the frozen loaf. The cling wrap keeps the pieces from sticking to the pan, so you should be able to pull out each pop smoothly. You will end up with popsicles in a rather quirky, bread-slice shape, but they will be just as delicious as popsicles made in a mold.

While the loaf pan method is an effective and fun way to make popsicles with a handmade charm, it's certainly not the only way. For pre-portioned popsicles, you can use disposable paper cups or package containers. For miniature pops, you can use an ice cube tray. Using a tray would be a great opportunity to make different flavors for guests or family members to sample. Pour different flavors into different tray compartments, and enjoy an assortment of mini popsicles. 

The beauty of the popsicle is in how many different ways there are to create it. If you don't have the sticks either, you can freeze a pack of yogurt with a spoon in tow or, fruit juice and Tajín for a tangy balance of sweet heat ... you can even make pickle popsicles to stay cool during a heat wave. The chances to get creative with your homemade popsicles are limitless, so do not let a lack of popsicle molds be the factor that limits you.