Popsicles have been the token treat of summer since we were kids. Always a welcomed break from the heat, there’s such nostalgia indulging in your favourite flavour and getting a little sticky as an adult. In the hopes of capturing this carefree feeling (cue the backyard sprinkler), we thought we’d share our sustainable take on this classic before the warm weather leaves. We’re keeping it simple and drawing inspiration from the sunny citrus of oranges and pairing it with the tropical zing of bananas.
We’re loving this recipe because it’s simple and doesn’t actually require a popsicle mold. If you do have a mold on hand, awesome. But if you don’t — we’re going to ditch the throwaway dixie cups and single-use plastics in favour of a loaf pan. Once you’ve dug out your pan, the only other things you’ll need are aluminum foil and wooden popsicle sticks. Simple, right? It’s also worth noting that using a muffin tin is another great sustainable option. If popsicles become your jam and you’re looking to invest in a mold, we suggest opting for one that’s stainless steel. They’re long-lasting and don’t run the risk of cracking and ending up in the trash like the cheaper plastic alternatives.
Tropical Vegan Popsicle Recipe
Before we dive into the ingredient list we wanted to note that while availability may vary depending on where you live, we always champion opting for local organic ingredients whenever possible. If there are other fruits in season in your area, keep the ratios the same and try exploring a more sustainable flavour profile. We promise, you can’t mess this one up.
- 1 ¼ cup plant-based yogurt (We used a vanilla flavoured coconut-based yogurt to give the recipe an extra tropical twist, but feel free to get creative with flavour combos. Plain Greek yogurt works as well for a non-vegan option.)
- 1 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
- 2 large bananas
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Puree all ingredients together in a blender until smooth then pour the mixture into a loaf pan and smooth with a spatula.
Tightly cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil. Use a pairing knife to poke small holes in the foil about an inch apart and then insert popsicle sticks.
Freeze for at least 6 to 8 hours, or until frozen solid. Once the mixture is frozen, place the loaf pan in hot water for a few seconds until the edges are slightly melted, and the block comes out cleanly. Slice between popsicle sticks, separate, and return to the freezer.
Notes
To store your popsicles, separate them with a piece of parchment paper in an air-tight container.
Make sure to dispose of your aluminum foil mindfully. Gently remove it after your popsicles are frozen to re-use next time, or give it a rinse to remove any excess mix before putting it in the recycling. Put used popsicle sticks in the green bin.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out our Everyday Turmeric Latte.
