Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit Purees (One Color at a Time)

• Choose your first color: Start with red, as it’s often the bottom layer in a rainbow. Gather the ingredients for your red layer (strawberries, raspberries, water/juice, sweetener if using).
• Blend the ingredients: Place all the red layer ingredients into your blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. If the puree is too thick, add a little more water or juice, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency, similar to a thick smoothie.
• Repeat for each color: Wash your blender thoroughly between each color to prevent colors from mixing and ensure vibrant, distinct layers. Follow the same blending process for the orange, yellow, green, and blue/purple layers, one color at a time. Remember to taste and adjust sweetness or consistency for each layer as needed.

Step 2: Layering the Popsicles

• Start with the first color: Pour the first color puree (red in this case) into your popsicle molds, filling each mold about ¼ to ⅓ full. Be careful not to overfill, as you need to leave room for subsequent layers.
• Freeze the first layer: Place the popsicle molds in the freezer. It’s crucial to freeze each layer completely before adding the next to prevent colors from bleeding into each other and to create distinct layers. Freeze for at least 1-2 hours, or until the first layer is solid. To check if it’s frozen enough, gently touch the surface – it should be firm to the touch and not liquidy.
• Add the second layer: Once the first layer is frozen solid, remove the molds from the freezer. Carefully pour the second color puree (orange) over the frozen red layer. Again, fill each mold about ¼ to ⅓ full, leaving room for the remaining layers.
• Freeze the second layer: Return the molds to the freezer and freeze for another 1-2 hours, or until the orange layer is solid.
• Continue layering and freezing: Repeat the layering and freezing process for each remaining color – yellow, green, and blue/purple. Make sure each layer is fully frozen before adding the next. This step is key to achieving distinct and beautiful rainbow layers.

Step 3: Insert Popsicle Sticks

• Insert sticks after the second or third layer is frozen: The best time to insert popsicle sticks is when the second or third layer is partially frozen but still slightly soft. This will ensure the sticks stay upright and centered. If you insert them too early, they might fall to the side as the popsicles freeze. If you insert them too late (when fully frozen), it might be difficult to push them in.
• Gently push sticks into the center: Carefully insert a popsicle stick into the center of each popsicle, pushing it down through the frozen layers. Ensure the stick is inserted deep enough to be secure but not so deep that it pokes through the bottom of the mold.

Step 4: Final Freeze and Demolding

• Final freeze: Once all layers are added and popsicle sticks are inserted, return the molds to the freezer for a final freeze. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure the popsicles are completely frozen solid and easy to demold.
• Demolding: To demold the popsicles, run the popsicle molds under lukewarm water for a few seconds, just until the popsicles loosen from the molds. Be careful not to run them under water for too long, or they will start to melt. Gently wiggle and pull the popsicle sticks to remove the popsicles from the molds. Silicone molds are generally easier to demold than plastic molds.
• Serve and enjoy! Your vibrant and refreshing Rainbow Popsicles are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.