Cherry Cacao Popsicle Recipe – Easy Frozen Dessert with Cashew Milk

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Cherry Cacao Popsicle Recipe – Easy Frozen Dessert With Cashew Milk

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you need a cool treat on a hot day. And honestly, sometimes the simplest things are the best, right? These Cherry Cacao Popsicles are exactly that – incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavour, and totally refreshing. I first made these when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to reach for processed ice cream. They’ve been a family favourite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These popsicles are a dream! They’re quick to whip up (seriously, 5 minutes!), require minimal ingredients, and are naturally vegan. Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought popsicles, letting you control exactly what goes into them. Who doesn’t love that? They’re perfect for a summer snack, a healthy dessert, or just a little something to brighten your day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Cherry Cacao Popsicles:

• 1 cup cashew milk (about 240ml)
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder (about 15g)
• 1 heaping cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (about 150g)
• 1 tablespoon raw honey (about 15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Cashew Milk: Benefits & Substitutions

Cashew milk gives these popsicles a lovely creamy texture. It’s also naturally a little sweet, which complements the cherries and cacao beautifully. Don’t have cashew milk? No problem! You can easily substitute it with almond milk, coconut milk, or even regular dairy milk if you prefer.

Cacao Powder: Raw vs. Dutch-Processed

I prefer using raw cacao powder for its richer, more intense chocolate flavour and added health benefits. Dutch-processed cacao powder will work too, but it has a milder flavour. It’s really down to personal preference!

Cherries: Fresh vs. Frozen & Regional Varieties

Fresh cherries are amazing when in season, of course! But frozen cherries work just as well and are super convenient. In India, you might find different varieties of cherries depending on the region – from the sweet, dark cherries of Himachal Pradesh to smaller, tart varieties elsewhere. Feel free to experiment!

Raw Honey: Alternatives & Flavor Profile

Raw honey adds a lovely natural sweetness and a subtle floral note. If you’re vegan, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a date syrup. Adjust the amount to your liking, as sweetness levels vary.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get making! It’s so easy, you won’t believe it.

1. First, combine all the ingredients – the cashew milk, cacao powder, cherries, and honey – into your blender.
2. Now, blend everything until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times to make sure everything gets incorporated.
3. Give it a taste! This is the fun part. Add a little more honey if you like things sweeter, or a pinch more cacao powder if you want a deeper chocolate flavour.
4. Finally, pour the mixture into your popsicle molds.
5. Pop them in the freezer and let them freeze until solid – usually around 4-6 hours, or even overnight.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• For extra smooth popsicles, soak the cashews (if making your own cashew milk) for at least 30 minutes before blending.
• If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and insert popsicle sticks once they start to freeze.
• Don’t overfill the molds, as the liquid will expand slightly when freezing.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already naturally vegan if you use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave!

Spice Level Variation (Adding Chili)

My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of chili powder to hers for a little kick! It sounds strange, but trust me, it works.

Sweetener Options

Experiment with different sweeteners! Dates, stevia, or even a little jaggery can add unique flavours.

Festival Adaptations (Summer Treats)

These are perfect for summer festivals like Baisakhi or Onam. They’re a refreshing treat to enjoy during the celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a sprinkle of cacao nibs or a few fresh cherries on top. They’re also lovely alongside a light dessert like fruit salad.

Storage Instructions

Store the popsicles in the freezer for up to a month. I like to wrap them individually in parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

How long do these popsicles take to freeze completely?

Usually around 4-6 hours, but overnight is best to ensure they’re fully frozen.

Can I use a different type of milk besides cashew milk?

Absolutely! Almond milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk all work well.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can! Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder to the blender along with the other ingredients.

What’s the best way to remove the popsicles from the molds?

Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the popsicles. Gently pull on the stick to release them.

Can these be made without a blender?

It’s tricky, but you could try mashing the cherries really well and whisking everything together vigorously. However, a blender will give you the smoothest results.