By Katy Duncan, Contributing Blogger
As the scorching summer sun beats down, there's nothing quite like a refreshing frozen treat to cool you off. The go-to frozen summer snack for most would be an ice cream cone. Delicious, but not the healthiest option.
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your health, look no further than these delightful frozen desserts. We've gathered some mouthwatering recipes for popsicles, sorbets, and granitas that not only taste good, but are good for you.
The summer may be hot, but these frozen delicacies are hotter.
Recipe #1 - Popsicles
Popsicles are the epitome of childhood nostalgia, but they can also be a guilt-free pleasure for adults. Here's a classic recipe for a fruity frozen treat as well as a more creative and grown-up way to indulge.
Classic - Fruit Popsicles
Ingredients:
- 2-3 Cups of the Fruit of Your Choice (Fresh or Frozen)
- 1 Cup of the Fruit Juice of Your Choice
~You’ll also need a popsicle mold and sticks. This recipe should make 6-8 popsicles depending on the size of the molds~
Directions:
- Prep the fruit. If you’re using fresh fruit, wash and cut off stems. If using frozen fruit, measure out the portion.
- Blend fruit and juice in a blender till desired consistency. You can leave it chunkier if you prefer some frozen fruit bites in your popsicles or blend till it’s creamy and smooth.
- Fill popsicle molds nearly to the top but not all the way. Add sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours or till frozen solid.
- When they’re ready, pop them out and enjoy!
Creative - Coffee Pops
Ingredients:
- 2-3 Cups of Brewed Coffee (Brew Longer for a Stronger Flavor)
- ⅓ Cup of Milk or Dairy Alternative
- Dash of Sugar or Pump of Flavored Syrup You Prefer
~You’ll also need a popsicle mold and sticks. This recipe should make 6-8 popsicles depending on the size of the molds~
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine brewed coffee, milk or dairy alternative, and flavoring or sweetener. Mix until combined.
- Pour into popsicle molds, leaving a little room at the top. Add popsicle sticks and freeze till solid.
- When frozen, remove popsicles and enjoy! Drizzle a lite chocolate syrup or powder over the top to create a mocha experience.
Recipe #2 - Sorbet
Popsicles are good and all, but they’re messy. When you want to keep your hands clean, opt for a sorbet instead. Sorbets are delightful, fruit-based frozen desserts known for their velvety texture and robust flavors. Here's a vibrant and healthy sorbet recipe along with one that serves up something a little extra.
Classic - Fruity
Ingredients:
- 3-4 Cups of Frozen Fruit of Your Choice (Get Creative! You can even mix fruits. Peach/Mango is a great combo!)
- ⅓ Cup of Sugar
- ¼ Cup of Water
- Garnish with Mint or Edible Flowers (Optional)
Directions:
- Blend fruit in a blender till it’s smooth.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved. This will create a sugary sweet syrup.
- Allow sugar syrup to cool and then add to the fruit mix. Blend again to immerse syrup in the fruit.
- Pour into a shallow loaf pan or container.
- Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours.
- When ready to serve; scoop, garnish, and enjoy!
Creative - Sparkling
Ingredients:
- 3-4 Cups of Fresh Fruit of Your Choice
- 1 Cup of Sparkling Water (Flavored if you prefer)
- ⅓ Cup of Sugar
- Mint, Basil or Edible Flowers to Garnish (Optional)
Directions:
- Wash fruit and prepare it for the sorbet. Cut and remove stems and cut larger pieces into smaller ones.
- Place fruit in a blender and blend till a smooth consistency.
- Pour fruit mixture into a shallow loaf pan or container. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer.
- Every 1-2 hours, stir frozen fruit mix to evenly distribute ice during the freezing process. Once it’s almost frozen, it’s time to add the bubbly!
- Mix in the sparkling water and sugar and stir until combined. Place back into the freezer.
- Once it’s all frozen, it can be served! Garnish if desired and enjoy this dessert. It’s sure to really pop and sparkle wherever you serve it.
Recipe #3 - Granita
Granitas are an icy treat that’s both light and refreshing. These semi-frozen desserts boast a unique texture, making them perfect for a hot summer day. Try these granita recipes that's sure to please your taste buds.
Classic - Lime Delight
Ingredients:
- 4-5 Large Limes (Juiced) or Approximately ½ Cup of Lime Juice
- 1 Cup of Water
- ⅓ Cup of Sugar
- Fresh Lime Zest, Mint or Basil to Garnish (Optional)
Directions:
- Over medium heat, combine water and sugar in a saucepan to create a syrup. Let it cool.
- In a shallow loaf pan, combine lime juice and sugar syrup.
- Place the pan in the freezer and allow to freeze for approximately 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, fluff the icy mixture with a fork and return to the freezer. Repeat this process every half hour for a few more hours.
- To serve, fluff it again with a fork, place in bowls and garnish as desired.
Creative - Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 3-4 Cups of Iced Tea (You can use black or green tea, flavored or regular)
- ⅓ Cup of Sugar
- Mint or Lemon Zest to Garnish (Optional)
Directions:
- Pour ice tea into a shallow loaf pan or container.
- Place into the freezer for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, fluff the icy mixture with a fork and place back into the freezer. Repeat the process every 30 minutes for the next 2-3 hours or till it has reached the desired frozen consistency.
- Scoop into bowls and serve. Garnish if desired.
With these healthy and refreshing frozen dessert recipes in your repertoire, you're well-equipped to beat the heat and indulge in guilt-free delights all summer long. Whether you're enjoying a zesty popsicle, a velvety sorbet, or a blissful granita, these frozen treats will not only cool you down but also nourish your body. Better yet, if you’re expected to bring a dessert to a backyard BBQ, you’ll be prepared.
And remember, the best part about making your own frozen desserts is the endless opportunity for customization. Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations and juices.
Cheers to a delightful summer!
