If you ask me what comes to my mind when I think of the 4th of July, I would immediately think of colorful smoothie popsicles! There is a funny story behind these smoothie popsicles that I want to share. I’ve prepared a smoothie during a hot summer day because I wanted to enjoy a cold drink to help me fight against the heat. Since I did not have any ice cubes, I’ve decided to keep the smoothie for a few minutes in the freezer, but somehow I got busy with some other things and forgot about the smoothie. Some hours later, when I did realize what I had done and after seeing the frozen smoothie, a brilliant idea came into my mind!
The vibrant blue and red colors will be the main’s party’s attraction. On top of that, a refreshing popsicle sounds like a good idea after a hot day with barbecues in the yard.
All you need is just some frozen fruits and yogurt. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut yogurt instead of the regular one.
Popsicles or homemade ice cream on a stick: made from frozen fruits with yogurt, this refreshing summer dessert is a dream for children and adults.
Ice cream on a stick is a dessert that many of us grew up with. It is different from classic ice cream or gelato – both in presentation and texture. If gelato is a creamy, creamy dessert, the popsicles have a slightly lighter texture. The fruit one is reminiscent of a refreshing smoothie, especially if it is prepared at home, where you can control the quantity and quality of the ingredients in the composition.
To make homemade popsicles, you need special molds. You can find them at the supermarket, but also on the internet. Other than that, all you need is fruit and yogurt. I like strawberries and blackberries, but you can also use other fruits, depending on your preference. I did not add any sweetener because, for me, the natural sugar from fruits is enough. But if it is not sweet enough for you, you can add a tablespoon of raw honey or maple syrup.
The “father” of popsicle ice cream is Francis William “Frank” Epperson, from San Francisco, California. He patented the concept of “ice cream on a stick” in 1923. Epperson said he created the first ice cream on a stick in 1905 when he was 11 years old. He allegedly made it by mistake when he left a mixture of water and lemonade powder on the porch on a cold night.
That being said, here is a sensational recipe for strawberry and blackberry popsicles. I made eight pieces, and they all ate (faster than I like to admit). It’s so quick and straightforward that it would be a shame not to try next weekend. I assure you that the whole family will love it and ask for it regularly.
Red White Blue Smoothie Popsicles
Necessary equipment:
- a food processor
- popsicle molds
- wooden popsicle handle
Ingredients:
For 8 colorful popsicles (about 3.5 ounces each)
- 8 ounces of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- 1 large frozen banana, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup of frozen blackberries
Instructions:
- Start by placing half of the Greek yogurt, frozen banana, and vanilla extract in the food processor. Pulse until you get a smooth mixture.
- Pour the mixture into prepared popsicle molds, filling only half of them.
- Put half of the blackberries on top of the yogurt and banana mixture.
- Transfer the popsicle molds to the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, clean the food processor.
- Add the frozen strawberries and remaining yogurt to the blender and pulse until you get a smooth mixture.
- Carefully remove the popsicle molds from the freezer and fill them with strawberries and yogurt mixture.
- Use wooden sticks to place them into each mold.
- Transfer the molds back to the freezer and let them chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Simple, isn’t it?
Yummy!