These creamy and fruity Dairy-Free Paleo Banana Pudding Pops are perfect for the Fourth of July or anytime the summer heat has you craving a sweet refreshment.
I have fond memories of the Fourth of July celebrations when I was a child growing up in Hudson County, New Jersey. We would usually gather at my aunt’s house for hot dogs, and later that evening, we would head to Hamilton Park to watch the fireworks over the Hudson River. The view over the New York skyline, the balmy summer air, and the sense of incredible joy shared by everyone watching the fireworks truly made this one of the highlights of my youth.
These days, though I’m far away from the Hudson, I still make a point of celebrating Independence Day with plenty of fun, friends, and, of course, good food. The offerings aren’t fancy. There are cold salads, burgers, grilled vegetables, and one or two desserts. Though the menu is never exactly the same, one treat I’ve always included is banana pudding pops. Studded with ripe, sun-drenched strawberries and tangy blueberries, these creamy pops not only pay tribute to our flag, but they are also incredibly delicious. As soon as guests arrive, I hand them a pop as a little welcome treat. They’re light, subtly sweet, and so refreshing. I can’t think of a better way to kick off a Fourth of July gathering! That said, once you try them, chances are you’ll be making them all summer long.
Tasty tweaks
Though the choice of berries makes these pops perfect for the Fourth of July, you can also make them with different fruits. Blackberries, raspberries, pitted cherries, and chunks of pineapple, peach, or nectarine are all good options. If you’ll only be serving adults, you could consider adding a few tablespoons of white rum for a little kick. For extra coconut flavor, add a drop or two of coconut extract. One of my favorite variations is pineapple chunks, coconut extract, rum, and chopped mint. It’s like a cocktail in popsicle form!
How do I store leftovers?
Your prepared pops will keep well in the freezer for about 6 months, provided you store them properly. Take them out of the mold, double-wrap them in plastic to prevent freezer burn, and then transfer them to a Ziploc bag.
Serving suggestions
Looking for easy and delicious Fourth of July recipe ideas? These pops will be in good company with a menu that consists of our Old-Fashioned Potato Salad, Grilled Corn On The Cob, and Cajun Burgers With Sweet Potato Buns. Offer refreshment in the form of icy Rum Runner Cocktails and lemony iced tea for those who don’t drink.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons tapioca starch
- 1 1/2 cups + 3 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk divided
- 4 tablespoons honey or agave
- 1 heaping cup very ripe banana mashed
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2/3 cup strawberries diced
- 10 tablespoons blueberries
Instructions
- In a medium pan, whisk together the tapioca starch and 3 tablespoons of the coconut milk until smooth and creamy. Then, add in the rest of the coconut milk, the honey (or agave), banana, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring constantly, until thick, about 5 minutes.
- Place the mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to a liquid measuring cup. You should have about 2 3/4 cups of the mixture.
- Divide a bit of the mixture between 10 popsicle molds (just about 1 tablespoon or so). Then, divide the strawberries and the blueberries between each mold.
- Fill the molds almost all the way to the top, using about 3/4 of the rest of the mixture. Use a popsicle stick to move the berries around in each mold. This will cause some of your pudding to sink between the berries and hold them in place. Then, fill the molds completely.
- Cover the mold and insert the popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Once frozen, remove the lid and run very hot water over the base of each pop. Tug on the stick until it comes out!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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