Cardamom Coffee Popsicles Recipe – Saffron Infused Indian Summer Treat

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cardamom Coffee Popsicles Recipe – Saffron Infused Indian Summer Treat

Hello friends! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a way to beat the summer heat with something a little different. And trust me, these Cardamom Coffee Popsicles are it! I first made these last year when I was craving my evening chai but wanted something…cooler. The result? A delightful, refreshing treat that tastes like a hug in popsicle form. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average popsicles. We’re taking the comforting flavors of Indian filter coffee – that beautiful cardamom aroma and subtle sweetness – and freezing them into a perfect summer snack. They’re surprisingly sophisticated, incredibly easy to make, and a guaranteed conversation starter. Plus, who doesn’t love a little caffeine boost on a hot day?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• 3 tablespoons Ground coffee
• 130 ml Water
• 1 Cardamom pod
• 4 Saffron strands
• 0.25 cup Sugar

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Coffee – Type and Strength

I prefer using a good quality ground coffee for this. Something medium-roast works beautifully. You can use leftover brewed coffee too – don’t let it go to waste! If you’re using instant coffee, reduce the amount to about 1.5 tablespoons, as it’s more concentrated.

Cardamom – Fresh vs. Ground & Regional Variations

Freshly crushed cardamom is always best. It has a much more vibrant aroma. But if you only have ground cardamom, that’s perfectly fine! Just use about ½ teaspoon. Different regions in India have different preferences for cardamom – some like the Mysore variety, others prefer the smaller, more fragrant এলাयची (Elaichi). Feel free to experiment!

Saffron – Quality and Blooming

Saffron is the star here, adding a beautiful color and subtle floral note. A little goes a long way! Make sure you’re using good quality saffron – it should be a deep reddish-orange color. “Blooming” the saffron (soaking it in a little warm water for 10-15 minutes) helps release its flavor and color. We’re doing that directly in the coffee, so no extra step needed!

Sugar – Adjusting Sweetness

I like my popsicles with a touch of sweetness, but you can definitely adjust this to your liking. Start with ¼ cup and add more if you prefer a sweeter treat. You could also use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some popsicles!

1. First, prepare light black coffee using a coffee maker or leftover brewed coffee. You want it strong enough to taste in the popsicle, but not so strong it’s bitter.
2. Now, add the crushed cardamom, saffron strands, and sugar to the coffee. Give it a good stir to dissolve the sugar.
3. Let the mixture steep for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to really infuse and the saffron to bloom, turning the coffee a gorgeous golden hue.
4. Strain the mixture through a metal sieve to remove any solids (like coffee grounds or cardamom pieces). This will give you a smooth, clean popsicle. Let it cool to room temperature.
5. Finally, pour the flavored coffee into popsicle molds and freeze overnight (at least 12 hours). Patience is key here!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overfill the popsicle molds – leave a little space at the top for expansion.
• If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and popsicle sticks.
• For easier unmolding, run the molds under warm water for about a minute before gently pulling out the popsicles.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

Simply swap the sugar for maple syrup or agave nectar. Easy peasy!

Spice Level Adjustment

My friend, Priya, loves a little kick in her coffee. Try adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a sliver of ginger to the coffee mixture.

Sugar-Free Option

Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. Adjust the amount according to the package instructions.

Summer Cooling Adaptations

Add a splash of rose water for an extra floral and cooling effect. My grandmother always added a drop to her summer drinks!

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a light dessert. Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Storage Instructions

Store the cardamom coffee popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Though, honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I use instant coffee for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just reduce the amount to about 1.5 tablespoons.

How do I know if my saffron is good quality?

Good quality saffron will be a deep reddish-orange color and have a strong aroma. It shouldn’t be brittle or faded.

Can these popsicles be made without sugar?

Absolutely! Use a sugar substitute of your choice.

What is the best way to crush cardamom pods?

I like to use a mortar and pestle, but you can also gently crush them with the flat side of a knife.

How long can I store these cardamom coffee popsicles?

Up to a month in an airtight container in the freezer.

Can I add other spices like nutmeg or cinnamon?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon would be lovely.

Enjoy your homemade Cardamom Coffee Popsicles! I hope they bring a little bit of Indian summer sunshine to your day. Let me know what you think in the comments below!