Creamy Blueberry Pineapple Popsicles

Creamy, cool and refreshing popsicles that will satisfy a sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition! These popsicles are kid-approved and able to be eaten worry-free! No dyes, no added sugar, and amazing for gut health! They make a perfect treat to share at summer gatherings and playdates.

As a mom of 4 I needed a healthier option to the rainbow pack of popsicles that you find at every store this time of the year. Ya know…the ones the kids love and ask for 3-4 times a day alllll summer long? I wanted to be able to say, “Yes” to my kids without feeling guilty about all the sugar and dye that I knew they contained. These fit the bill of being absolutely nutritious, great for their gut health and more satisfying than those run-of-the-mill popsicles. You can say, “Yes!” to your kiddos all summer long knowing that they will benefit from all the good things these contain.

Ingredients

Avocados: A power-house! These are packed with monounsaturated fats which are important for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Being high in potassium avocados provide an essential mineral that is vital for maintaining fluid balance, supporting brain/nerve health and muscle contractions. Lastly, they aid in the absorption of vitamins like A, D, E and K which are better absorbed when eaten with fat.

Bananas: These are great natural sweeteners and are also high in potassium (surprisingly, not as much as avocados!) Being in rich in dietary fiber, they aid in digestion and promote gut health.

Pineapple: High in vitamin C makes this fruit helpful in boosting immunity. It also contains a unique enzyme called bromelain which helps breakdown protein and has anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple also adds natural sweetness and fiber to this popsicle.

Blueberries: Considered a superfood due to their rich nutrient profile and numerous health benefits, blueberries are a beautiful fruit to add color to this popsicle. They are rich in anti-oxidants which help protect cells from oxidative stress. Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber which helps support gut health.

Whole Milk: Adds some protein to this snack along with calcium!

Plain Greek Yogurt: Another filling and gut health promoting ingredient in this popsicle, it adds protein and probiotics to feed that good bacteria in the gut!

How to make Creamy Blueberry Pineapple Popsicles

All of these ingredients get placed in a blender, creamed together, then poured into popsicle sleeves. Easy, easy!

If using fresh fruit in season, the fruit will be full of flavor! Fresh, ripe pineapple cannot be beaten during peak season (March through July). It is the sweetest and most flavorful during this time. If making this out of season, frozen pineapple would allow this recipe to come together faster and freeze quicker.

Blueberries have a longer growing season usually beginning in April and lasting until September. Again, if using frozen, it would speed up the prep time and freeze time.

Why you will love this recipe

Packed with good things, easy to throw together and fairly quick freeze time these will easily become a summer staple!

FAQ

1. How long do popsicles take to freeze?
   • Typically about 3 hours. When placed flat, spread out in a freezer, they will freeze faster.
2. Do I have to use popsicle sleeves?
   • No! This can be drank as a smoothie, or frozen in popsicle molds or ice cube trays.
3. How do I keep the popsicle sleeves upright while filling?
   • Set sleeves in a cup or mason jar to help in keeping it upright while filling them.
4. Do I have to purchase my own funnel for filling sleeves?
   • The sleeves that can be purchased on amazon come with a silicon funnel to use for filling.
5. How do I remove popsicles from the sleeve or mold easily?
   • Run warm water over the outside for a few seconds until it easily slides up or out.
6. Can I make creamy popsicles without dairy?
   • Absolutely! Use: coconut milk, oat milk, almond or cashew milk, soy milk and blend with nut butter to make it creamier.
7. Why are my popsicles icy or hard?
   • Low sugar content (sugar helps with softness)
   • High water content (add more of a creamy base if you desire)

Substitutes

Dairy: coconut yogurt, almond milk or oat milk.

Sweeteners: agave, dates

Protein boost: protein powder, nut butters or chia seeds

Tips for Success

Time and practice! You will discover what you kids enjoy as you make these and adjust accordingly. Maybe you leave the maple syrup or honey out the first time and the kids think they need to be a little sweeter. Next time you can add the additional sweetener.

I hope you and your family enjoy these as much as mine!