Calling all banana lovers! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a batch of banana popsicles that are a fantastic treat for yourself and a healthy and refreshing option for kids.
When it comes to delightful frozen treats, few things can rival the sheer pleasure of indulging in a banana popsicle. If you're a banana lover like me, try High-Protein Vegan Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats, Baked Vegan Banana Oatmeal, or Vegan Banana Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
Not only are frozen banana pops incredibly tasty, but they also pack a nutritious punch, making them a guilt-free, delicious treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
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Why you'll love this banana popsicle recipe
- the natural sweetness of banana shines through in every bite
- great to eat as a snack and summer treat
- satisfying and refreshing
- has a smooth consistency similar to eating ice cream
- perfect choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional desserts.
- this frozen banana pop is simple to make
Nutritional benefits
Beyond their delightful taste, these pops offer various nutritional benefits that set them apart from other frozen treats.
They are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, C, B6, and dietary fiber. Potassium is crucial for heart health and helps regulate blood pressure, while vitamin C boosts the immune system and supports healthy skin.
Moreover, a banana is an excellent natural energy source, making these banana pops a great choice for a post-workout treat or a midday pick-me-up.
Unlike many commercial popsicles that are laden with artificial flavors, colors, and excessive sugar, these treats are a wholesome option for health-conscious individuals and parents looking for a nourishing treat for their children.
For other scrumptious desserts or treats, follow your taste buds and visit:
Try flavor additions
While the classic banana popsicle is a beloved choice, there are countless ways to get creative and add a personal touch to this frozen delight. Here are some ideas to vary this recipe:
- Add cocoa powder for delicious chocolate banana popsicles
- Blend bananas with strawberries or blueberries before freezing to create a delightful mixed-berry popsicle.
- Add some pineapple chunks and a splash of coconut milk to your popsicle mix for a taste of the tropics.
- Mix chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into your popsicle mixture for a satisfying crunch.
- Incorporate a dollop of peanut butter into the mixture for a mouthwatering combination of flavors. Alternatively, use PB2.
- Add cinnamon or chocolate chips
Ingredients
- ripe bananas
- lemon juice
- plant-based milk (vegan Greek yogurt or regular non-dairy yogurt can also be used)
- agave or maple syrup
- vanilla extract (optional)
- popsicle molds or small disposable cups and sticks
Instructions
In under 5 minutes, you can create these quick and easy banana popsicles.
Start by peeling ripe bananas and blending them with lemon juice, milk, maple syrup, and optional vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Fill popsicle molds (or small disposable cups) and insert popsicle sticks in the center. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours until fully solid.
Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds or cups, and enjoy your delicious banana pops!
Tips
- You can substitute some or all of the milk with coconut or cream for an extra creamy and indulgent version.
- The riper your bananas are, the sweeter your popsicle will be.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale to the blender for added nutrients to make the popsicles even healthier. The sweetness of the bananas will help mask the taste of the greens.
Why add lemon juice to banana popsicles
Adding lemon juice serves two important purposes:
1. Prevents Browning: When bananas are exposed to air, they tend to oxidize and turn brown. This natural process can happen even more rapidly when they are blended or pureed.
Adding lemon juice to the banana popsicle mixture can help prevent the browning of the bananas. The citric acid in the lemon juice acts as an antioxidant, which slows down the enzymatic browning reaction.
This ensures that your banana popsicles retain their appealing light color, making them visually more attractive.
2. Enhances Flavor: Lemon juice adds a subtle tangy flavor. The slight acidity from the lemon juice complements the natural sweetness of the bananas, creating a well-balanced taste profile.
It brightens the overall flavor of the popsicles, making them more refreshing and appealing to the palate.
How long do frozen banana popsicles last?
If stored properly, banana popsicles can last 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
Store them in an airtight container or individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the banana popsicles fresh longer.
Store the popsicles in the main body of the freezer, not in the door. The temperature in the door fluctuates more due to frequent openings, which can affect the popsicles' quality.
While homemade banana popsicles can last up to 1 to 2 months, it's best to consume them within the first few weeks to enjoy them at their peak quality.
Over time, the texture and flavor may degrade, and the popsicles may become icy or lose their original taste.
FAQs about banana popsicles
Yes, frozen works perfectly for making popsicles. They provide a creamy texture and natural sweetness. Blend the frozen bananas with other ingredients before freezing them into popsicle molds.
The freezing time can vary depending on your freezer's temperature and the size of the popsicles. Generally, it takes around 4 to 6 hours for banana popsicles to freeze completely.
These can be healthy frozen treats. They are a good source of potassium and vitamins. However, be cautious with added sugar, chocolate chips, and other add-ins, which can add extra calories.
To prevent sticking, briefly dip the popsicle mold in warm water before gently pulling out the popsicles.
This helps release them easily without damaging their shape.
Feel free to blend with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes to create a unique flavor combination.
You can use aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover the top of the popsicle mold.
Take a sharp knife or toothpick and carefully create small holes in the center of each aluminum or plastic wrap cover. Insert the popsicle sticks through the holes, making sure they remain upright.
While using a blender makes the process easier, you can still make banana popsicles without one. Mix the bananas thoroughly with a fork and mix them with other ingredients.
Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this recipe to let me know how it turned out for you. Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good or if you plan to make it. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
PrintRecipe
Homemade Banana Popsicle Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 popsicles 1x
Description
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a batch of banana popsicles that are a fantastic treat for yourself and a healthy and refreshing option for kids.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup milk (vegan Greek yogurt or regular vegan yogurt can also be used)
- 2 tablespoons agave or maple syrup (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Peel: Start by peeling the ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your popsicles will be, so don't be afraid to use those slightly browned bananas you might have on hand.
- Blend: Place the banana, lemon juice, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if using) into a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Taste the blend and adjust the sweetness or add more lemon juice if desired.
- Pour: Carefully pour the banana mixture into the popsicle molds, leaving a small gap at the top to account for expansion when freezing.
- Freeze: Place the filled popsicle molds or cups in the freezer. Freeze for 4-6 hours or until the banana popsicles are completely solid.
- Unmold: Remove the popsicles from the molds or cups once they are frozen. If using disposable cups, you can tear the cup away from the popsicle. If using molds, run the molds under hot water to easily remove the popsicles.
Notes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: dessert, snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 64
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 7
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 2
Anonymous says
It was so delicious!
Anonymous says
Perfect treat for summer