Strawberry-Vanilla Swirled Frozen Pops Recipe
Introduction
These Strawberry-Vanilla Swirled Frozen Pops are a delightful treat perfect for warm days. Combining fresh strawberry puree with creamy vanilla ice cream creates a refreshing and irresistible dessert that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 pints premium vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Mash the strawberries in a large bowl using a potato masher or fork. Transfer the mashed strawberries to a 12-inch nonstick skillet, add sugar and lemon juice, and boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl, then freeze uncovered until cold, about 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Place the ice cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30 percent power in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until softened, about 50 seconds total. Spread the softened ice cream evenly in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and freeze while the strawberry mixture chills.
- Step 3: Drop tablespoons of the chilled strawberry mixture over the ice cream. Gently swirl the strawberry mixture through the ice cream with a spoon. Spoon the swirled ice cream into 12 ice pop molds or paper cups, insert sticks, and freeze until firm, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Pops can be kept covered and frozen for up to 4 days.
Tips & Variations
- For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
- Try adding a handful of finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the strawberry mixture for a refreshing twist.
Storage
Store the frozen pops in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 4 days. To enjoy, let the pops sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before cooking.
What if I don’t have ice pop molds?
You can use paper cups with wooden sticks as an alternative. Simply fill the cups, insert the sticks, and freeze as directed.
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Strawberry-Vanilla Swirled Frozen Pops Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 frozen popsicles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry-Vanilla Swirled Frozen Pops combine fresh strawberry puree with creamy premium vanilla ice cream for a refreshing and delicious summer treat. The sweet-tart strawberry mixture is gently swirled into softened vanilla ice cream, then frozen in molds for easy, bite-sized popsicles that are perfect for a cool dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Vanilla Ice Cream
- 2 pints premium vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Mixture: Mash the hulled and halved strawberries in a large bowl using a potato masher or fork until broken down. Transfer this mixture to a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Add sugar and fresh lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Freeze uncovered until cold, about 10 minutes.
- Soften Ice Cream: Place the vanilla ice cream in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 30% power in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until the ice cream is softened but not melted, approximately 50 seconds total. Spread the softened ice cream evenly in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and freeze while the strawberry mixture chills.
- Combine and Freeze Popsicles: Spoon tablespoons of the chilled strawberry mixture evenly over the frozen vanilla ice cream. Use a spoon to gently swirl the strawberry mixture through the ice cream, creating a marbled effect. Spoon this combined mixture into 12 (1/3-cup) ice pop molds or into 12 paper cups. Insert wooden sticks into each mold or cup. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and up to 4 days covered.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Freeze the strawberry mixture uncovered briefly to cool quickly but avoid freezing solid before combining with ice cream.
- Microwave the ice cream carefully at low power and short intervals to avoid melting it too much.
- For easy removal, briefly dip the ice pop molds in warm water before unmolding.
- Store popsicles in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry popsicles, vanilla ice cream pops, frozen pops, summer dessert, fruity ice cream
