To make popsicles freeze faster, you can try the following techniques:
Use smaller molds: Smaller popsicle molds will freeze faster than larger ones. This is because the smaller volume of liquid takes less time to cool down and freeze completely. Consider using smaller molds or dividing the mixture into multiple smaller portions.
Decrease the liquid's temperature before pouring: If you're making homemade popsicles, you can cool down the liquid mixture before pouring it into the molds. This can be done by refrigerating the mixture for a while or adding ice cubes to quickly lower its temperature. Colder liquid will freeze faster.
Increase the freezer's temperature: Lowering the freezer's temperature will speed up the freezing process. Set your freezer to the coldest temperature possible, but be cautious not to set it too low as it can affect other items stored in the freezer and may lead to freezer burn on the popsicles.
Create a cold environment: Ensure that the popsicle molds are placed in the coldest part of the freezer. Typically, this is the back of the freezer where the temperature is the lowest. Arrange the molds in a way that allows air circulation around them to promote faster freezing.
Use a quick-freeze tray or liquid nitrogen (if available): Quick-freeze trays are specifically designed to freeze popsicles rapidly. These trays often have built-in cooling elements or are made of conductive materials that speed up the freezing process. Similarly, if you have access to liquid nitrogen, you can dip the popsicle molds briefly into the liquid nitrogen, causing them to freeze almost instantly. However, using liquid nitrogen requires proper safety precautions and expertise.
Remember to consider the freezing time needed for your specific popsicle mixture and molds. The above techniques can help speed up the process, but it's important to ensure that the popsicles are adequately frozen before consuming them.