Beat the heat with these incredibly refreshing coffee ice pops! Perfect as a midday pick-me-up or a delightful dessert, this easy recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavor of coffee in a fun, frozen format. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious and healthy alternative to sugary sweets, these homemade coffee ice pops are sure to become a new favorite. Let's dive into this simple recipe, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced culinary enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (about 2 cups of freshly brewed coffee concentrated to 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) – almond, soy, or oat milk work well
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a mocha flavor
- Optional: Pinch of salt to enhance the coffee flavor
Instructions:
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Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing a strong batch of your favorite coffee. Let it cool completely before proceeding. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming in your freezer.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl or pitcher, whisk together the cooled coffee, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and optional cocoa powder and salt. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
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Fill the Molds: Carefully pour the coffee mixture into your ice pop molds. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
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Freeze: Insert the popsicle sticks and place the molds in the freezer for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely solid.
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Enjoy: Once frozen solid, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to help release the ice pops. Enjoy your homemade coffee ice pops immediately!
Tips for the Best Coffee Ice Pops:
- Use High-Quality Coffee: The flavor of your ice pops will be directly impacted by the quality of coffee you use. Choose your favorite beans or a good pre-ground blend.
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your liking. Start with less and add more if you prefer a sweeter treat.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur for an adult twist.
- Make it Mocha: Adding cocoa powder transforms these into delicious mocha ice pops.
- Use Silicone Molds: Silicone molds are easier to remove the ice pops from than plastic ones.
Variations:
- Espresso Ice Pops: For a more intense coffee flavor, substitute strong espresso for the brewed coffee.
- Coconut Coffee Pops: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a creamy, tropical twist.
- Salted Caramel Coffee Pops: Add a swirl of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce to the molds before freezing.
Nutritional Information (per ice pop, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 100-150
- Fat: 2-5g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-4g
These delicious and refreshing coffee ice pops are a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a cool, caffeinated treat. Perfect for those hot summer days, these healthy and easy recipes are a great addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. They are sure to become a favorite for all ages!