Spending more time outdoors comes with its perks - fresh air, sunshine, and the calming qualities that nature brings.
But it also has its downsides. High temperatures can make you sweat, which can quickly lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.
Common sense calls for lots of water, but if you’re honest, you don’t always like the taste of plain ‘ol water. Sure, there are healthy electrolyte drinks available, but what if you’re craving something sweet and hydrating?
If you like to enjoy a sweet treat now and again, we have good news! Inspired by the Academy of Culinary Nutrition (1), we’re bringing to you 3 delicious popsicle recipes that include a classic KaraMD twist to keep you healthy and happy.
Why fruit? Many commercial popsicles are really just a combination of sugar, water, and food coloring. Not exactly a recipe for health. Fruit is always a better option if you’re craving something sweet. Not only are they made with natural sugars, many fruits contain fiber and vitamins (2) that help keep your body in its best condition.
Note: these recipes are also dairy, gluten, and worry free!
Equipment
You’ll only need a few things to make these recipes a success:
- Popsicle mold: these can be the flat kind with internal ridges, or the classic look that is long and circular.
- Popsicle sticks: If you don’t purchase a popsicle kit, you can find packets of popsicle sticks at your local craft store. There are also reusable kinds, made from silicone.
- Blender: An electric blender with several settings can help you break up large chunks and blend the rest until desired consistency.
- Measuring spoons + cups: Aim for metal or wooden options, as plastics have been linked to hormone disruptions and other adverse health effects (7).
Recipe #1. Strawberry and Coconut Milk Popsicles
If you’re feeling dainty, this easy-to-make recipe is fun and floral!
Inspired by Vibrant Plate (5), this recipe also includes pistachios and almonds, which are known to be high in healthy fats, magnesium, and protein (6).
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, fresh or wild
- 1/2 – 3/4 can coconut milk, full fat
- 1 Tablespoon agave syrup
- 1 scoop KaraMD Revive Reds powder
- 1 Tablespoon chopped almonds, raw
- 1 Tablespoon chopped pistachios
- 1 teaspoon cacao nibs
- 1 teaspoon dried rose buds or petals
Directions
- Wash, dry, and de-stem strawberries. Combine strawberries, KaraMD Revive Reds, coconut milk and agave syrup into a blender and mix until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more coconut milk.
- Pour mixture into your popsicle molds. Insert popsicles sticks into the top and freeze for at least 6 hours.
- When ready to eat, remove popsicles from the freezer and run under warm water to loosen from mold.
- Top your strawberry popsicles with chopped almonds, pistachios, rose petals and cacao nibs.
Enjoy!
Recipe #2. Green Smoothie Popsicles
Knock out two tasks in one with this smoothie. Not only is it sweet and creamy, you get a full serving of vegetables too. Win-win!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond, oat, or other dairy-free milk
- 1 banana
- 2 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- ¼ cup parsley
- 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 opened capsules KaraMD Pure Nature, optional
- 2 Tablespoons raw honey
Directions
- Blend your milk, fresh spinach, Pure Nature capsules, and parsley together until smooth.
- Add the banana, along with 1 kiwi, raw honey, and grated ginger. Blend together until smooth. See how it tastes, and add more honey if needed.
- Peel and slice the second kiwi. Place a slice or two into each of the popsicle molds.
- Pour the green smoothie mixture into each mold, then freeze for about 6 hours.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove popsicles from the freezer and run under warm water for a few seconds. This helps to loosen them up.
Storage: leftovers can be stored in an airtight bag in the freezer.
Recipe #3. Cherry Coconut + Roasted Peach Popsicles
Perfect for a summertime cookout, this refreshing blend of peach, coconut and cherry will leave your taste buds dancing ‘til the sun goes down.
This recipe from The Forked Spoon (4) is a bit more time consuming than the others, so make sure to plan ahead.
Ingredients
- 4 peaches, pitted and chopped
- 3 cups cherries, pitted and fresh
- 1 lime, juiced and zested (in separate bowls)
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup vegan yogurt
- 1 can of coconut milk, full fat
- 2 Tablespoons shredded coconut, unsweetened
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚ F.
- Spread chopped cherries and peaches onto a single layer baking sheet, preferably glass. If you need to use two baking sheets that’s ok. Drizzle the fruit with one tablespoon of the maple syrup (or favorite sweetener). Toss to combine.
- Transfer baking sheet to the oven and roast for roughly 20-25 minutes, depending on when the fruit looks hot and bubbly. Remove the fruit from the oven and set somewhere to cool.
- Once completely cooled, transfer the cherries, a pinch of lime zest, and 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside for later.
- Rinse the blender with clean water and repeat the process with the peaches. Transfer blended mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- After the blender is rinsed from the peach mixture, add the leftover coconut milk, vegan yogurt, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, lime juice, any leftover lime zest and shredded coconut flakes to the bowl. Blend until smooth.
- Lastly, layer the cherry, peach, and coconut mixture into your popsicle molds. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours.
And that’s it! If you need help loosening them up, run the bottom part of the popsicle mold under warm water for about 8-10 seconds.
Enjoy!
Wrap Up
Popsicles are famous for their child-like enjoyment, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t join in the fun. They’re also a great way to beat the heat, stay hydrated, and maintain a good sense of health.
Today we shared 3 delicious fruit popsicle recipes, packed with flavor and health benefits. Some take more preparation time than others, but in the end they all help create beautiful memories.
Do you know someone looking for health popsicles to try? Share this with them today!
References & Disclaimers
1. https://www.culinarynutrition.com/23-best-healthy-popsicle-recipes/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315720/
3. https://amandascookin.com/green-smoothie-popsicles/
4. https://theforkedspoon.com/roasted-peach-and-cherry-coconut-popsicles/
5. https://www.vibrantplate.com/wild-strawberries-coconut-milk-popsicles/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22458696/
7. https://sdg.iisd.org/news/household-plastic-products-disrupt-endocrine-system-threaten-human-health/
✝✝This noted statement is based on independent research and is not necessarily the opinion of the author