Lemon Buttermilk Popsicles
These Lemon Buttermilk Popsicles (or as I call them, Darling Lemon Thymes) are the perfect balance of zingy and creamy (with a little herby thrown in). Perfect for keeping in the freezer for a treat on hot summer days.
This time next week, For the Love of Popsicles will be released into the wild!! So obviously this week we’re celebrating with all the popsicles. Today I’m giving you a sneaky little peak into one of my favorite recipes in the book (I know we’re not supposed to choose favorites…but here we are).
These are thyme, lemon, and buttermilk popsicles (but we affectionally referred to them as the Darling Lemon Thymes). The we including my mother, who loves these popsicles so much I wouldn’t put it past her to reserve a shelf in her freezer for these pops alone.
Here’s what you need for these Lemon Buttermilk Popsicles
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes these popsicles ultra creamy and a bit zingy (almost like frozen yogurt). Fresh or from-powder buttermilk work well here!
- Lemon: The lemon flavor is important here, so use fresh lemon juice (rather than bottled). We’ll also use some lemon zest to add even more lemon flavor.
- Thyme: It sounds weird but I promise its not! The thyme adds a subtle flavor that just works.
- Sweetener: Use honey or sugar! (Sugar-free substitutes don’t work well here. The sugar crystals are important for giving the popsicles a soft texture.)
One of the features I love most in For the Love of Popsicles are the difficulty ratings for each recipe. While most of the popsicles are difficulty level 1 (i.e. you blend, you pour, you freeze), these pops are level 2 (watch out world, ’bout to bring out the big guns). But it’s only because you’ll need to heat up the mixture before freezing to extract all that delicious lemon and thyme flavor!
Love these pops? Check out the cookbook!
More healthy homemade popsicles
- Loaf Pan Popsicles
- The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Popsicles
- Mint Chocolate Popsicles
- Check out our cookbook, For the Love of Popsicles!
Lemon Buttermilk Popsicles
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice 3 lemons
- ½ cup honey or sugar
- 6 sprigs of thyme
- 2 Tbsp finely grated lemon zest 2 lemons
- 1 ½ cups fresh buttermilk
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat: Set a small saucepan over medium heat and add lemon juice, honey, sprigs of thyme, and lemon zest. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Fish out the sprigs of thyme; it’s okay if a few pesky leaves remain. Let cool to lukewarm (quicken this up by setting the pan in a sink full of cold water).
- Freeze: Mix buttermilk into mixture and pour into molds, leaving a little space at the top for them to expand. Insert sticks and freeze until hard (at least 4 hours).
- Serve: Run the mold under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them up, then remove from the mold.
