How to Make Homemade Creamy Coconut Popsicles

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a cold, creamy popsicle on a hot day. Homemade popsicles are not only healthier than store-bought versions, but they also offer endless possibilities for customizing flavors. One of the best treats you can make at home is the creamy coconut popsicle. With its tropical flavor and smooth, rich texture, this coconut popsicle is the perfect dessert or snack for coconut lovers. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients!

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through how to make these coconut popsicles using fresh coconut and other pantry staples. By the end of this article, you’ll have perfectly creamy coconut popsicles that are as delicious as they are satisfying.

Recipe Ingredients

To make these delicious creamy coconut popsicles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

7 fl oz milk: Any type of milk works, but whole milk provides a richer flavor.
¼ cup powdered milk: This helps enhance the creamy texture of the popsicles.
1 can sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess to the mixture.

2 cartons heavy cream: For that luxurious, smooth texture.
1 fresh coconut, grated: The star ingredient, adding authentic coconut flavor.
1 teaspoon stabilizer: Helps keep the popsicles smooth and prevents them from getting icy.

Popsicle molds: To shape your popsicles.

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut

Extract the coconut flesh
Start by preparing your fresh coconut. Use a coconut opener or the back of a knife to carefully crack open the coconut. Once open, remove the flesh from the coconut and cut it into small pieces. Grating the coconut can enhance the flavor and texture, but if you prefer larger coconut bits in your popsicle, leave them in small chunks.

Blend the ingredients
Next, place the coconut pieces, milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, powdered milk, and stabilizer into a blender. Blend the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until everything is fully combined and smooth. The mixture should be creamy and thick, with all ingredients well-pureed.

Step 2: Pour the Mixture into Popsicle Molds

Once your mixture is ready, grab your popsicle molds. Carefully pour the creamy coconut mixture into the molds, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion as the popsicles freeze. Filling the molds to the designated line ensures they don’t overflow when frozen.

Step 3: Insert the Popsicle Sticks

After filling the molds, insert the popsicle sticks into the mixture. Some molds come with built-in handles, but if you’re using traditional wooden popsicle sticks, be sure they’re centered and upright to ensure the popsicles freeze properly around them.

Step 4: Freeze the Popsicles

Place the filled molds into your freezer and let them freeze for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight. Freezing them slowly and completely ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any icy bits.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the popsicles are fully frozen, they’re ready to be served! Remove the molds from the freezer and run the outside under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the popsicles. Gently pull on the sticks to release the creamy coconut popsicles from the molds. Now they’re ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Coconut Popsicles

Use Fresh Coconut for Authentic Flavor

While you can substitute fresh coconut with desiccated coconut or coconut flakes, nothing beats the flavor of fresh coconut. Fresh coconut adds a natural sweetness and texture that takes your popsicles to the next level. If fresh coconut isn’t available, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, but be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

Use a Stabilizer

The stabilizer is an important ingredient in this recipe. It helps prevent ice crystals from forming, giving your popsicles a creamy, smooth texture. You can find popsicle stabilizers in specialty food stores or online. If you don’t have a stabilizer on hand, you can omit it, but your popsicles may turn out icier rather than creamy.

Experiment with Sweeteners

If you’d like to make a healthier version of these coconut popsicles, you can replace the sweetened condensed milk with honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup. However, keep in mind that this will change the sweetness level and texture, so you may need to adjust the quantities to taste.

Add Coconut Flakes for Extra Texture

For a more textured popsicle, consider adding coconut flakes or small pieces of coconut after blending the mixture. These bits of coconut add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your popsicles, making every bite more interesting.

Make Different Flavor Variations

While the classic creamy coconut flavor is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. You can add a little vanilla extract, lime zest, or even some mango puree to give your popsicles a tropical twist. A swirl of melted chocolate or caramel before freezing can also create a fun, layered treat.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned coconut milk instead of fresh coconut?
Yes, if you don’t have access to fresh coconut, you can use canned coconut milk. However, the flavor will be less intense than using fresh coconut. If using canned coconut milk, make sure it’s full-fat for the creamiest texture.

What if I don’t have a stabilizer?
The stabilizer helps keep the popsicles from becoming icy, but if you don’t have one, you can still make the popsicles. They may just be a little less creamy. Another alternative is adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the mixture.

How long do the popsicles take to freeze?
The popsicles should freeze solid in about 8 hours. For best results, let them freeze overnight. Freezing them for a shorter period might result in a softer texture that won’t hold its shape.

Can I use other types of milk?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for regular milk and heavy cream, you can experiment with coconut milk, almond milk, or even oat milk if you want a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess may vary depending on the milk you choose.

How do I store leftover popsicles?
Once the popsicles are frozen, you can remove them from the molds and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure they’re well-sealed to avoid freezer burn. Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add fruit to the popsicles?
Yes, adding fruit like mango, pineapple, or berries can be a great way to customize the flavor of your popsicles. You can either blend the fruit into the mixture or swirl it in after pouring it into the molds for a marbled effect.

Conclusion

Making homemade creamy coconut popsicles is a delightful way to enjoy a cool treat while controlling the ingredients for a healthier option. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can create a creamy, tropical dessert that’s perfect for hot days or whenever you’re craving something refreshing. Whether you stick to the basic coconut flavor or experiment with additional fruits and flavors, these popsicles are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Next time you’re looking for a fun, easy dessert to make, give these creamy coconut popsicles a try!